Leg 13 - Tetbury to Leighterton


We left a car at the Royal Oak at Leighterton, and then eight walkers assembled at Tetbury for this Easter Monday walk.

After the obligatory start line photo, we set off, out of Tetbury and past the very stately Elmestree House on our right, and the Highgrove Estate on our left. No Monarch to be seen on the Monarch's Way though. 

The forecast was mainly dry, but we had a stiff headwind to battle against for the whole walk. Although not quite as muddy as on the last walk, the ground was soft underfoot, and walking against the strong wind was quite tiring. 

Westonbirt Arboretum’s nice mossy wall provided a comfy lunch stop. Suitably revived, we pressed on.



After the Arboretum, the path dropped down into a wooded valley which was sheltered from the wind, but very muddy. 

But by now the sun was shining, and the scenery was beautiful, especially as we climbed out of the valley, across a flowery meadow and farmland, from where we could see our destination, the village of Leighterton.



Deborah found another use for her walking pole when Stephen’s hat was blown off his head and into a tree, and she rescued it for him.

There were lots of stiles on this walk, particularly towards the end, and they weren’t designed for dogs, so poor Lily had to suffer the indignity of being lifted over several of them.

When we arrived at Leighterton, we enjoyed a refreshing drink at the Royal Oak (the only Royal Oak directly on the Monarch's Way, according to its website).


Blog written by Rod.

We are raising money for Grassroots Suicide Prevention, which is a cause very dear to our hearts. Contributions can be made here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/28-30MonarchsWaywalk2022

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