Having reminded ourselves that the Cotswolds is somewhat less vertically dramatic than Mother Yorkshire, I decide to increase today's walking budget from 16km to 30km, but don't bother to explain this to Husband.
We quickly snare the village's only Guardian again, and then hit breakfast running, We're both on Eggs xyz today, Benedict for him and Royale for me, both are superb, plus the usual yoghurt, compote, granola & fruit plate obviously.
Then we're out the door, towards the village this time as we are leaving via the southern route with the intention of checking our Arlington Row again, it's one of the most iconic photos of the Cotswolds, possibly because it's under National Trust stewardship. Then we hit the church, it's the first we've found open to tourists.
Next we head past Bibury Court, remembering an amusing moment when we last walked past, popped in to make a reservation for dinner in our walking boots et al and were told that the restaurant was full. Later Hubby emailed them and easily made a reservation for the same night. The hotel went under a few years ago and is back to being a private residence - must be some place!!
The we walk along the Coln for a good while as we head easterly this time on our route. As mentioned I've sort of doubled the journey, mostly because the afternoon's weather is supposed to be glum, so what's the point of sunbathing in the garden when we could be walking? Trouble is we didn't take enough water for almost 20 miles, but I reason there's two villages and a pub on the route, we'll easily get more.
It's a great walk and we are really enjoing it, including a fabulous section along a Roman Road forging though forest then alongside a fabulous private estate, the dry-stone wall stretches for over two miles - still don't know who owns that one.
Passing first through Hatherop and the Quenington, neither has a shop (that we can find) and the pub is shut! So we just carry on, our water long since consumed. We do see a fabulous preparatory school with tree-lined driveway and many fabulous houses, but basic services. Later there's a creative farrier who has fashioned various sculptures from horse shoes.
Eventually arriving back at Bibury we pile straight into the garden and order pints of shandy, followed by two more in twenty minutes, so we can rehydrate, whist we catch up with the paper, photos, email, various work jobs that have accumulated. Still got a pile more work to do, but it's not easy when the internet is even worse than Barnsley!!
Later we shower and dress, then discover I've lost the car keys. Well not actually lost, more just put somewhere safe, but that was over 48 hours ago, how should I remember where I put them?
Soon were on our way to Slaughter, specifically Slaughters Manor House at Lower Slaughter. This village looks just like Midsomer's Causton, hopefully the murder rate is a bit lower? The hotel restaurant is a splendid building but we park and go for a wander first, then announce our arrival. It’s still very mild so we sit out front to enjoy champagne before being escorted through the building to the restaurant at the rear. It’s a delightful room with chandeliers and big picture windows over the rear garden.
I’m a bit hesitant to take photos as it’s rather exclusive, so there’s no record of the amuses (salmon ceviche with herb reduction and nasturtiums, chicken skin with lavender jelly) and starters crab meat & pate in tomato water with avocado and quail breast & leg confit with braised celery - both yummy.
Having noticed several others photographing I decide it’s not an issue so you’ll find the photos for the amazing veal rib-eye, fried egg (not really) and two wonderful puddings Chocolate & brown sugar torte, burnt white ice cream and Cherry Vacherin, cherry sorbet.
It’s only a short drive of sixteen miles, the light not yet completely faded so the perfect end to a wonderful day.
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