Cotswold beeches

Another morning of meetings, planning and general council business. I went home for a late lunch and decided to go on a cross-country shopping trip.

First port of call was the Farm Shop near Bisley for vegetables. Then I took an ancient route from Cirencester to Gloucester, which crosses three valleys and the high ridges between them, via the villages after which two of the valleys were named, Slad and Painswick. From there the way rises uphill again to cross over the escarpment, just beside Painswick Beacon, before dropping down into the Severn Vale to Gloucester. Just after I left Painswick, I passed the Rococo Gardens, set on the slopes looking towards Stroud, and came up this stretch of road where the prevalent beech woods are majestic. There are stone walls on either side marking the extent of the original 'way', which was probably a droving route for bringing Welsh sheep to London eventually.

I am so aware that the colours of autumn are about to be revealed, whose variety I'm really looking forward seeing and capturing. In a few weeks this tunnel will be briefly turning yellow before revealing the rich reddy browns so indicative of beech woodland. Even today it was nearly breathtaking, particularly in first still air in ages, with a gentle warmth to the atmosphere.