- Visiting the West Coast of Scotland
- This is it!!!
- On the road again
- Back Country – NZ
- NZ update – east coast
- Back Country – very different this time!
- Lake Taupo
- The Coromandel
- Mini-break
- More little adventures – NZ
- Getting out and about again!
- More holidays!!
- A new year of adventures
- The mountain cottage
- Ginny’s visit
- Another visit – Marni and Jodi
- More changes!
- First stop in Canada – Niagara Falls
- Quick visit – Toulouse and Venet les Bains
- Ffald-y-Brenen
- The Cotswolds
- Back in France again!!
- Barcelona
- A much more interesting path – crossing the Irish Sea!
- London to Loxton
- Enniscorthy – a quick visit
- County Donegal
- South Gippsland, Victoria
- Next port of call
- Victorian High Country
- Snowy River Country
- Reindeer Lodge – Tanjil Bren
- Hiccup to Blessing
- Have tent will travel!!
- Family and friends – hugs and kisses
- Road Trip to the West
- Very snail like!
After leaving Ffald-y-Brenen we travelled south through the beautiful Welsh countryside, then took the A40 east towards Cheltenham, our destination in the Cotswolds. The A40 winds its way along the northern edge of the Black Mountains and then through the Brecon Beacons to the English border. We stopped for morning tea on the edge of a small village called Aberbran – very yummy scones, jam and clotted cream. Lovely views of the hills and a very friendly horse to keep us company. Also spent time throwing an old rugby ball to a very energetic kelpie/collie cross – very much the Aussie sheep dog – reminded us of home. Our relaxed drive came to a screaming halt as we were diverted through the city of Gloucester in late afternoon traffic – a good 40 minutes added to the journey. Road works had closed a section of the A40. We arrived at our hotel in Cheltenham around 6pm, ran a hot bath and soaked. We then met up with friends for dinner. What a wonderful evening!! Many thanks to Guy and Caroline for making us so welcome. Look forward to catching up again in France.
The next morning we walked around the city centre of Cheltenham with its beautiful Regency architecture – a very elegant city. Then off exploring the Cotswolds. First port of call was the very picturesque village of Bibury and then on to Bourton-on-the-Water. Had afternoon tea before heading onto Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter – known as the Slaughters! – Guiting Power and then back to Cheltenham. Stayed off the main roads as much as possible. The next day, before leaving the Cotswolds, we stopped at Chipping Campden – a very famous village with its bustling main street, village square, and very old market hall. Then it was north to the county of Warwickshire; driving through Stratford-upon-Avon and then Royal Leamington Spa – another Regency city. We decided to take the A46 to bypass Coventry – leaving the smaller roads behind for awhile. What a mistake!!! Road works had caused a huge traffic jam – cars backed up for miles. We crept along for an hour getting excited if we moved more than 20 metres at a time! We finally escaped and made our way to the A14 – the road back to Suffolk. Things were fine for awhile but it didn’t last long – more road works, more delays! Tried the back roads but even they were busy. As country bumpkins from South Australia we are not used to sharing the road with quite so many people!
One interesting little diversion we made while winding our way home was a visit to the small rural village of Little Addington in Northamptonshire. Some of my ancestors – named Abbott – came from there. We found a very old headstone in the local church graveyard with the name just visible. Quite an exciting find! A distant cousin has written a book about their history. The Abbott family were on the Buffalo – the first boat to bring settlers to South Australia. They were a real part of the early history of South Australia.
We are off on the 13th of August. House sitting in Cambridge for two weeks before heading back to France in early September.
Cheers for now
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in England, United Kingdom
- Abbott
- Aberbran
- afternoon tea
- Bibury
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Cheltenham
- Chipping Campden
- headstone
- house sit
- Little Addington
- morning tea
Sounds like you had another good trip around. should have told you where my dad lives in Wales maybe you would have been close enough for a visit. big trust meeting tonight Lots of important decisions to be made. god is in control
Love you lots
Heather
Yes, you never know. We could have enjoyed a cuppa and chat with your Dad – given him a big hug for you! Maybe next time.
Have prayed for the meeting – got your comment just in time. Our hearts are still very much for what is happening at Manna. We were so blessed during our time there. Lots of ups and downs but learnt heaps! A very special place.
Love you lots back
Di and Reg