Another fine day, though a bit cooler. We decided on a local walk this afternoon, taking in a new pub on the way.

Toby enjoyed a splash in the stream, though failed to be interested in the sticks we threw for him.

We then stopped at a geocache in Kingsway; this is one that we had failed to get before, but succeeded this time, despite some kids playing football nearby.

Then onto the first pub, which I failed to photograph… Not the best beer, but it was geared as a “family pub” and full of children enjoying their half term.

Then onto the next, which had better beer but was by a noisy road, so we just stayed for a pint.

Then onto the third, again new but supposedly built from a relocated farmhouse. Good beer and dog friendly so definitely the best of the three.

5.4m today.

Another nice day today, so we walked up the canal into Gloucester. Part of the path is being resurfaced, which is nicer in some ways but…

We had an excellent pint in the Fountain Inn (where Toby got a lot of attention both from the customers and bar staff):

Then moved onto the Pelican Inn, a drinkers paradise with 8 different beers on hand pump:

The only downside was listening to hours of bell ringing from the nearby cathedral.

Many hours later, we wended (or weaved) our way home back along the canal…

We went for a nice walk from Maisemore this afternoon. Maisemore is a very pretty small village just north of Gloucester.

After walking along many cabbage fields, we started to climb up from the River Severn valley.

And eventually started dropping back down towards the River Severn.

After struggling to find the path through some old orchards, we reached the National Trust Tithe Barn at Ashleworth.

Nearby was the Boat Inn, a pub we’d visited before. It’s a very quirky place by the river, but with an interesting selection of gravity beers.

The route back follows along the River Severn.

A total of 7.2m today, and 5 geocaches found.

This is a “Pub with Rooms” that seems to have a new owner each time I visit Quedgeley. Today was no exception…

But they had a reasonable pint of Lancaster Bomber beer, and it made a nice stop on the evening dog walk.

It was a lovely morning today, so we decided to explore a nearby area that we’d not visited for a while.

The first part was following the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal towpath – luckily this bit wasn’t a construction site like some of the other bits of the towpath.

Then it was upwards to Hockley Hill:

And through some woods, where Toby enjoyed chasing the pheasants.

We then found a few geocaches and stopped for a well earned break:

From here on, we had a lot of difficulty finding the footpaths, most of which had been blocked off. After retracing our steps several times, we headed along a bridleway only to be stopped by serious gates:

A complaint will be going into the local council…

So we were forced to walk back on the road, and after a refreshing pint at the pub, we returned home for lunch.

6.2 miles and 3 geocaches found.

I had some spare time at Paddington before my train left, so re-explored the nearby canal and surrounding areas.

All very pleasant in the sunshine.

I’m now on the train – my first trip on the new trains running out from Paddington.

And WiFi and power sockets, which is useful.

Another nice day today, so we took the dog to the local Country Park.

If you look very closely, you may be able to see a goat standing at the top of the quarry..

Extensive views of Cheltenham and Gloucester from the top:

A lovely sunny day today, so its on with the walking boots and up to the hills.

We parked at Standish Woods, then followed the Cotswold Way up to Haresfield Beacon, with good views down to the River Severn.

From here we followed the Cotswold Way through woodlands towards Edge, then to an old quarry for a welcome break.

We then dropped down to a lovely path through Pitchcombe Wood.

Then climbed back up the hill to the familiar Standish Wood.

8.5 miles and almost 2000′ climbed today, so we’ve earnt a beer or two!

We walked up the canal to Gloucester Docks today.

Every time I visit, more offices/houses/apartments/hotels are being built…

We enjoyed a nice lunch and some excellent Gloucester Brewery beers.

We’ve been going to this pub (on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal) for years, but had been going downhill, becoming less beer, people and dog friendly.

It has changed hands yet again, and from yesterday’s visit, seems much more like it used to be, which is good news because it’s in such a great location.