Anniversary No. 7 – 20/07/07 was the wedding day, so seven years on – what’s that itch?
As part of our annual trek we have the wonderful opportunity to go away for a night without anyone but us – that is such a pleasure. Although it’s great to go away with others, a day on your own is something to look forward to, this year it was the Cotswolds. I looked and looked and looked for somewhere to go, but due to lack of planning, the top choices were booked, but Nailsworth, as it happened, was a good choice all round…
So we set off earlyish with the knowledge that it was going to rain – and boy did it. Got as far as the bridge and the rain started, of the M4 at the Stroud turning and the rain was a little persistent. We traveled down the smaller road following a guy who was pootling at 40, once he turned off I put the foot down and within 2 minutes was aquaplaning across the road – realising the error of my ways I was back at 40. The trip was okay, a little scary at times, and I wouldn’t have liked to have cycled it, but it was soon time to get into Nailsworth – it was raining.
Went to tell them I was there, but we couldn’t check in until three, it was only 10:30, so we had some time to kill. We walked around the village, me with my umbrella, and Sian with her little coat, I was dry(ish), she was wet, she even went to look to get a brolly – she didn’t. By eleven the pub was open, so we went for tea and coffee… Not saomething I would normally do, but I felt like it was too early for a beer, although I was reminded that any time is a good time 5 minutes after we got there when the first bar-fly appeared and ordered a pint. After tea, and a read of the local estate agents paper we set off for the walk to Woodchester – a few miles on the cycle track, saved by the trees – 35 mins later we arrived. It was raining.
I had a plan for a pub, but not knowing exactly where it was we questioned an idiot from the village, and next thing we were in a nice little pub in South Woodchester – the Ram Inn. It stopped raining.
After a beer and a wine we contemplated food, but decided to move on to the place I had in mind. It was raining.
We walked for father than we wanted to, but then we got to the pub, on the main road and it was nice, they served beer and faggots (with extra gravy) and delightful chips – so we stayed and watched the <clarkson> biblical rain </clarkson>. Then it stopped, I had a chat with a local about chips and Chinese and the cost of the Severn Bridge, so we took the opportunity to walk back. It was raining.
Sooner than we thought we were back at the Egypt Mill, and checked in. Great room. Next thing I knew I was drinking the worst Peroni I had ever tasted in a great little spot outside the mill. It was sunny.
After that god awful drink we set off back to the only pub we knew, the tea shop we started the day in. This time we were very grown up and had peroni and cider and black, and another, and another, and another. At one point I bought the drinks and could have sworn my Peroni was a cider – I thought that rather look like a plonker, not knowing the difference I would ask the boss the check – she told me I was stupid.
After quite a few rounds we decided to get an Indian, after canvassing the locals we went to the “Balti”. It was empty, apart from people getting a take out, I had a lamb Vindaloo for a change – it was lamby. Good thing about a village is it is never very far to home, and after a little walk in the dark we were back. Nice night was had, and before we knew it, it was Sunday.
Shower was ace, separate toilet was useful, and the breakfast was great – other than some stupid child running around like a child, and another couple sitting next to us when the entire place was empty.
Went up to Stroud in the morning, and its quite a nice place, although the canal is crap, and then came home – knackered.
Good place, nice time – Cotswolds are generally great…..