Sunday 14th April 2019 – (continued)
We arrived at Winchcombe at about 1.30 and within half an hour we were watered up pitched up and connected to the electric.
I always find travelling tiring so Nigel insisted I have a couple of hours siesta – it gives him time to get the satellite and Wi-Fi set up without me getting under his feet (as they are up on the seat under my new quilt.)
So it was about 4.30 when we ventured out – first a quick wiz around the site then to the Information Room – were we found a few pamphlets for local attractions and some info on walks and cycle routes. We then popped into Reception to check if any of them were no good for us – kissing gates, styles etc. It turned out that most of them had something that would stop us – all that is except one – although the wardens didn’t know if we could manage it as they described it as covered in rabbit holes and muddy in places.
Well you know us – never say never – so off we set to test it out. We found it well within the capabilities of the 2G’s even if we would have to give the tires a good wash when we got back. We only went as far as the country lane it joins tonight – just to prove we could use it for a good trundle to Winchcombe town tomorrow.
Back at Voyager we had a lovely meal of gammon with new potatoes and veg. Then did a bit of laptop and kindle ‘work’ before bed time.
Monday 15th April 2019
We set off pretty early, taking a packed lunch with us, using the rabbit holey path we checked out and then on using the country lane into Gratton where we saw a nice old church
and tucked behind a couple of thatched cottages a very old tower (privately owned and in need of some restoration).
We added a coin into their collection – just a little to help.
Progressing on another mile or so to Greet
(a pretty small village – with a mix of old and new) where we found the Railway station. It is one of the middle stations on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – a 14 mile heritage line running steam trains on most days – unfortunately not Mondays.
We progressed on to Winchcombe town itself – plenty of old buildings in the centre with quite a bit of new build on the edge – and a very large senior school (sorry Academy) on our approach road – it had its roof covered in solar panels – so a power station as well!
We stopped at a nice looking café in town, thought we could have a warming bowl of soup and a coffee and to use their facilities of course – why do you need to go every 2 hours when we get older?
No soup available so just a coffee. Then on towards Sudeley Castle – only as far as the gate house entrance
where we stopped for our packed lunch – in a nice sunny spot although still a chilling wind.
Then back on our return journey via Budgens for a top up of shopping – back just before 4 so a short late siesta for me before cooking the Pork Escalope meal. Chores then TV until bed time.
Tuesday 16th April 2019
Today there are showers predicted and one arrived just as we were about to set off – so a slight delay to our trundle – we still aimed at getting to Winchcombe station in time for the 11.00 train to Cheltenham Race Course.
We had to deploy the emergency poncho’s on route when another shower arrived but even so we made it – and even with a que at the booking desk were well in time for the train. We left the 2G’s on the platform (the Station Master said he would keep an eye on them) and boarded the train.
It only took 10 minutes to get to Cheltenham with a short stop at Gotherington on the way – where there is a well preserved old station with flowers. We alighted at the terminus while the loco was watered and moved to the other end of the train (they always like to pull apparently). Back on we retraced our steps through Winchcombe and on to Toddington where we got off again – there is another station at Broadway but there is a lot more to see where we stopped.
We dodged the rain drops a bit while having a slow stroll around the exhibits (and making use of the facilities – getting older means more planning in this respect).
Then as the rain became harder we went into the Waiting Room (more like a small museum library) where we sat on the old bench and ate our lunch.
All done and when the rain eased we ventured toward Platform 2 for the southbound train back – but first we had to go up – across – and down the iron bridge –
the steps were a struggle for me but Nigel was very patient waiting for quite a while as I recovered in the middle – he did get some good pics – so worth it.
Only a short wait for our train
and once on-board only a few minutes before we were back at Winchcombe. The 2G’s were happy to see us and they were eager to take us back to Voyager past lots of lovely flowers along the roadside.
I like that we can’t go too fast (max 8mph) because we see odd things as we travel – we get to stop and snap a bit of sculpture in the corner of a farmers field – all too easy to miss even if on a bicycle.
Cows, or in this case a Bull, can also provide an unexpected snap.
We were back at Voyager in time for a nap before dinner.
Wednesday 17th April 2019
Back home today – only relatively short trips at the moment (six dental appointments in two months plays havoc with holidays).
We had a last look around the site, did a bit of camera work, and we went and told the staff what a lovely time we had here.
Our journey home was event free – just a short shopping detour to Tesco – and once all parked up it was time for —– the washing – oh well it had to be done!
Yokell Couple 