Slad village seen from Swift's Hill

I've been sluggish this morning and even the strong coffee didn't alter the matter. We set off at 9-45am to drive into town so I could drop Woodpeckers at the Star Anise cafe, where she was going to run another stall selling her aromatherapy goodies. We got there at the same time as the other stall holders and after unloading a few boxes, as well as some of the book which Helena is gallantly selling as well, I headed off out of town.

Since I was at the point where the Slad valley meets the Frome valley, just on the west side of town, I decided to follow the Slad stream towards its source and then to take the old drove road across the ridge to Bisley. My plan was to go to the farm shop to buy a Christmas tree. The road climbs up the valley halfway up the hillside as the stream cuts a very narrow channel so there is no room for a road. This is typical of all the valleys where we are in the Cotswold hills and the roads tend to follow the outcrops of the limestone which occurs in many layers interspersed with a several clay strata. Water penetrates down through the limestone until it reaches the impermeable clay at which point springs appear and create very wet areas of ground. So the roads tend to be on the layer above the clay where possible. the routes tend to be very ancient too, as originally they were formed by feet of men and animals, such as horses and donkeys, then carts and finally motorised transport.

The Slad valley provided an important link to the top of the Cotswold hills from the lowlands of the Severn Vale so that long distance transport could continue at the high level, which was mostly dry. Before I reached the tiny village of Slad, which you might have heard of if you have read Laurie Lee's accounts of his early life in 'Cider with Rosie', I turned right and dropped straight down the hillside to cross a tiny bridge at The Vatch, a collection of about ten cottages and a big manor house. then I drove straight up the very steep lane to reach the single track road running along the
opposite side of the valley.

This took me up Knapp Lane, through the middle of the farmyard of Knapp Farm and then on towards Elcombe. The road runs is edged with Cotswold stone walls which keep animals in the fields, sometimes between steep banks, or else in managed woodlands. The fields and meadows are used for different purposes depending on the steepness of the slope and the underlying rock. There are cows grazing and sheep fattening, although at this time of year the fields are less occupied.

I crossed a cattle grid on the road, when I entered an area of National Trust managed traditional grassland at Swift's Hill, which is a renowned beauty spot. From the top you can view the wonderful landscape looking back south towards Stroud, the steep edge of the escarpment and the Severn Vale. I got out at a small parking place which is used mostly as a passing place on the single track road, and took this picture looking across the valley to Slad village.

It had started to rain and even though it is not a classic view of this famous valley, I wanted to blip how it looks out of season and in winter, when autumn's rich colours have finally departed. Try this view instead from the top of Swift's Hill, about a hundred feet above me, taken on 2nd January 2012.

I took this view from the far side of the valley just outside the edge of Slad village, just over a year ago.

I then drove on to the farm shop, but the rain was pouring, and Ashley wasn't there, so I couldn't walk into the field to choose which tree we would have and for me to then cut it down. I shall go back with the proper gear on tomorrow morning and may well be blipping that scene.