Evesham Rambling Club: The November ramble set out from Hayles Fruit Farm on the Cotswold Way along a steep bridle path. This took us to the tiny village of Farmcote complete with St Faith's Church and the original village water pump set into the hillside. Taking a footpath steeply downhill, it was good to see healthy sheep and to tramp on over fields of winter wheat. The path took another steep downward turn into a green dell but the next climb brought us into a scene of real Cotswold beauty. Although limited by the cloud base the delightful tapestry of brown fields, green winter planting, and a frame of gold and orange woods was a rambler's delight. The wind was fierce and cold as we climbed the next rise but as we reached the top the scene opened out to reveal a great sweep of countryside.We seemed to stand on the rim of a great bowl between the hills. On the horizon were hills we knew we had to climb before lunch. Deep in the centre distance were the roofs of Winchcombe, a pattern of grey and white distinctive against the greens and browns of fields and trees. A tarmac track wound down into the middle distance and the grey of Sudeley Castle seemed to huddle in the trees outside the town. The gentle walk down the smooth tarmac was a relief after the rougher going and in passing a traditional Cotswold mansion we noted the carved head of George III and an inscription telling us that he had "called here" on his way from Sudeley Castle. We wondered why be stopped so soon after leaving Sudeley. Perhaps he needed a drink or some other relief. Continuing downhill we came at last to Sudeley Castle then crossed an ornamental bridge and climbed up into Winchcombe. Turning left off the main street we took a narrow lane out of Winchcombe. Now we had to climb the hills we had seen from our distant coffee stop. And very steep it was too. The Wychavon Way leaves the lane and makes a direct assault up steep pastures. Each skyline when attained only revealed another climb but when at last we reached the highest point it was all downhill to the Royal Oak, Gretton, for our lunch. As we enjoyed our soup and ploughman's buffet we became aware that it was now raining. So after lunch there was no alternative but to trudge off in the heavy rain on our four and a half mile return to the cars at the Fruit Farm. Perhaps it would be better to draw a gentle veil over any memory of this walk. Certainly no one stopped to admire any views. Mud from newly ploughed fields enlarged our boots to twice normal size and weight. Stiles were slippery and soon covered with mud. Bridges were so wobbly as to argue for one person across at a time, frequent electric fences had to be negotiated with care in very wet conditions. Frequent stops were called to gather any stragglers. But soaking wet with trousers sticking to its legs and the cold rain driving in its face, is ERC downhearted? No! At such times every hardship seems to bring some laughter. In the words of an old RAF taunt, "If you can't take a joke you shouldn't have joined!" After all that the warmth of the Fruit Farm Tea Room was especially welcome and there was no hurry to drive off into a dark, wet night. Contact the ERC on 01386 553661.