Radical Stroud – Winter Solstice Walk. 21st December

On the shortest day of the year we will aim to visit an eclectic range of intriguing sites – the cheese rolling slope; the remains of a Roman Villa; the site of the sanatorium where Orwell stayed a few months before his death; Great Witcombe church for some reflections on the change of calendar and the loss of 12 days in 1752; West Tump long barrow (it’s one of the longest at 80yards!); Cranham village which influenced Gustav Holst to compose the eponymous tune (aka In the bleak mid-winter – how apt!)

Thanks to Deborah Roberts for the above photos.

On the shortest day of the year we will aim to visit an eclectic range of intriguing sites – the cheese rolling slope; the remains of a Roman Villa; the site of the sanatorium where Orwell stayed a few months before his death; Great Witcombe church for some reflections on the change of calendar and the loss of 12 days in 1752; West Tump long barrow (it’s one of the longest at 80yards!); Cranham village which influenced Gustav Holst to compose the eponymous tune (aka In the bleak mid-winter – how apt!)

Some steep climbs. Likely to be muddy. Bring food & refreshments. Allow 5-6 hours.

Start Cranham Corner at 09.10. Public transport no 61 bus leaves Stroud Merrywalks at 08:40. Return buses no 61/66 every 30 mins-ish. No need to book. Just turn up at the start by 09.10.