Ideal weather for a great day out for the Gloucestershire Outdoor Group.

WWhilst the temperature hit 27 degrees, a select group braved the Northern Cotswolds to cover at least 7 miles and enjoy the Open Gardens at Church Westcote.

The first half of the day was spent mostly walking through cool woodlands with a refreshment stop for ice cream at the community stores and cafe.

The Open Gardens started well, with the mansion and grounds recently vacated by Kate Winslet and director husband, Sam Mendes. The ‘Cotswold Life’ estate was truly ‘celebrity’, with vast outdoor entertainment areas, a pool, guest barn accommodation… and a beautiful manor house.

Other village gardens featured a myriad of perfect borders, bobbing alliums, and even one with a live miniature train track which was, typically for the UK, struggling with the heat!

A grand day out overall, with two stops at the village hall for refreshments and a bargain-price plant stall!

Thanks again to the organisers for opening the parking early for GOG.

Make sure and join us soon!