The Gloucestershire Way, Section 9 (Lower Slaughter to Cutsdean Hill, 17.7km) 🌿 After last month's weather related postponement, we managed to get section 9 ticked off today. Glorious sunshine most of the afternoon with quite a fierce wind to keep us company. It was starting to get quite dark by the time we got back to the car, but the amazing white sun setting behind the far reaching horizons was quite special!
#gloucestershireway #longdistancetrail #gloucestershire #thegreatoutdoors
I TOTALLY SMASHED it at the Stroud Half Marathon this morning: a time of 01:50:25!!! After last year's Great Bristol Run in 2hr 4min and somewhat the disappointing 2hr 13min earlier this year also in Bristol, I would have been happy to finish with anything under 2hrs today...
My training had been going exceptionally well over recent weeks, but I nevertheless felt some apprehension about the Stroud HM, not least of all because there are a few small inclines along the route. I more or less stuck to my race plan and, as the inclines turned out to be far less of a worry, I was able to keep on pushing through. I maintained an average of 05:12 min/km and stayed strong during the last 3km... Amazing sunshine and perfect temperatures all along the route. Bring on Bristol HM '24 for my 4th!!!
The Gloucestershire Way, Section 8 (Shipton to Lower Slaughter, 19km) 🌿 We were back on the trail after a long summer break today. Plenty of beautiful sunny Cotswold landscapes with an abundance of autumn fruit in between the picturesque sandstone villages! Another amazing day of hiking…
#gloucestershireway #longdistancetrail #gloucestershire #thegreatoutdoors
Today I took part in the 'Five Valleys Walk 2023', an annual fundraising event organised by the Stroud based Meningitis Now charity. The route is just under 34 km long and forms an undulating loop around Stroud taking in the Golden-, Toadsmoor-, Slad-, Painswick- and Nailsworth Valleys.
Beautiful countryside, even when it is drizzling, with stunning views, highland cattle on the common, hollow roads, endless woodlands, a glimpse of the famous Gifford Circus at their base farm and the grapes of the local Woodchester Vineyard orchards. It's a good old hike at just over 6.5 hrs. but I'm definitely up for a repeat...
