Day 5: Northleach to Cirencester

"Today’s walk boasts fantastic scenery, exquisite Cotswold villages, ancient Churches, and a chance to trample with nature. This morning, we will stroll through some picturesque settlements before arriving at an ancient Roman Villa. You will have the chance to witness the structure briefly, though for a closer look you will have to pay. After a brief uphill period through the woods, we will stroll down to lunch at the Seven Tuns Inn – the food here is fantastic. The afternoon will be spent mostly making our way downhill and joining up with the ‘Monarch’s Way’ recreational path, which follows the river Churn all the way to Cirencester. If it is/has been raining, the ground is likely to become wet by the riverside; we are walking through a flood plain. Please Note we will cross over very busy roads today"

After last night's fun we were a bit slow starting, but we eventually got the luggage to the van.

The front markers set out.

We headed back into Northleach, and down Church Walk...

...to the church of Ss Peter & Paul.

Here we celebrated a shared Eucharist, with special mention of all deceased pilgrims. We were glad to welcome Nicola Olivier on the anniversary of Pat's death last year. As part of the penitential rite everyone took up a stone.

The musicians were on the side, projecting music (and bum notes) across the church.

Out of the church - it was fairly bright - and uphill, giving a view back of the church.

Some pilgrims fancied a ride on the truck.

We passed several attractive buildings.

The long and windy road.

At St Michael's, Yanworth, we had drinks in the Church Barn - arrayed with antlers, including this amazing light fitting.

Inside the church there was an eerie wall painting - death.

Out of church, up the hill in a huddle.

Through the village...

... past the village sign.

The road was lined with a dry stone wall - common around here.

Further along the front markers had some fun.

At Chedworth Roman Villa, Helen and Maureen were sad at being excluded.

Those who paid to go in (or were members of the National Trust) saw mosaics...

...and underfloor heating.

A chance to dress up!

The descent was so steep that steps were required.

Angela and Siobhan rolled down the hill - gold medal to Germany.

Next stop, St Andrew's, Chedworth...

...where Pat led the reflection.

A very short walk to lunch at the Seven Tuns, opposite the church.

We used the upstairs skittle alley, which was good as the weather was a bit dodgy.

The front markers left the back markers a few more challenges.

Wet underfoot, and a bit overhead, in the afternoon.

Theresa and Howard do walk between their pub sessions.

We saw Rendcomb across the valley.

We were now following the river Churn - the banks weren't much drier than the river.

Gateways are particularly damp.

The gate to All Saints, North Cerney

The Annunciation on the wall of the church.

Howard led the reflection here.

As we prepared to cross the main road again, two horses came to greet us.

The grey - best to keep feet clear of those hooves.

Horses join the queue.

An arrow tree before we pass under the A417 Swindon - Cirencester - Gloucester road.

Our final prayer stop - St Mary Magdalene, Baunton.

A wall painting of St Christopher.

It was Angela's turn to lead.

Patrick feeds the wooden squirrel

Aid tracking down his mislaid hat - Pat planning this that and the other.

Back marker's comment: "Ho Bloody Ho!"

Michael, as senior frontmarker (now that Kev and Lauren have left) was presented with the arrow retrieved from a cow pat.