Kemble.

The weather improves south of Birmingham on the train journey down south, blue skies and fresh green fields. The Malvern Ridge was clearly seen reminding me of a superb day’s walking on the relatively unknown Geopark Way a couple of years ago. Despite train delays I met up with Mel at Kemble, south of Cirencester, for a week on The Thames Path – one of our annual pup to pub walks.

We had a pleasant afternoon walk up to the source of the River Thames which  lies in a remote Cotswold meadow beneath an elderly ash tree.  There was no evidence of water today but a sign said 184 miles, we’ll only manage half that. Our landlady said that there is never water at the source. The Thames Path is designated as a National Trail, acorn symbol, and is well waymarked from the outset.

A little way back to Kemble however the River Thames did appear at Lyd Well and soon was flowing clear and fast. Water Crowfoot was flourishing, wagtails were flitting about and a buzzard quartered the meadows. English countryside at its best.

A couple of pints of local Arkells beer with our supper and a splendid evening sky bodes well.