April 2008
17 Members of the West Swindon Partnership and their friends (plus one dog) met at the Waterhay Bridge Car Park (just outside Ashton Keynes) on Saturday 26th April. Following bridleways, paths and disused canal towpaths and quiet roads led us to the Cricklade Water meadows where we had a picnic lunch. More by luck than judgement, the weekend was ideal for viewing the snake's head fritillaries, 80% of the UK's fritillaries grow in the meadows. As a result of the abundance of flora, the local hall had been turned into a tea room selling excellent tea, coffee and cakes that filled a hole (well if there had been it would have).
After lunch and a slight shift change 15 people (and still 1 dog) set out to follow the Thames path back to the car park. The afternoon walk meandered between the lakes and gave us a chance to see the wildlife as well as the opportunity to see waterskiers swimming in the lakes!
All in all 18 people and 1 dog had an enjoyable walk of 9 miles around the southern edge of the Cotswold Water Park in lovely weather - not too hot and not too cold. The route we walked can be viewed using Google Earth, then right click here and select "Save Target As" save the file to your PC then open it with Google Earth. Google Earth may be downloaded from here.
Westlea Church will be organising another walk for the Partnership on Saturday 9th May 2009, time and venue yet to be decided...
Setting out on the walkBeware the large insects
Walking along road to Cerney Wick
Old lock at Cerney Wick
A quick breather
Cowslips in the Water Meadows
Snake's head fritilliaries
A white snake's head fritilliary
The Water Meadows in all their glory
Lunch
Snake's head fritilliary
Bridge over the River Thames
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This page last modified 16:35:58 GMT on Fri 11 Jan, 2013