#4: Stanway - Hailes

Bull in Field

Beckbury Beech Roots

The day after the longest day – so, downhill from here to the end of the year. The whole walk today was under a dull overcast sky with occasional fine drizzle. The group of ancient beeches atop of Beckbury Camp, some with the network of their roots exposed, tempted me to try some shots with my 5x4 camera. The location is an iron age hill fort with spectacular views from its promontory looking to the northeast then turning anticlockwise 225 degrees to due south.

Between Wood Stanway and Stanway I entered a field in which dozens of cows and their calves were almost blocking the path. Not to be deterred by this large herd I set off along the path at the edge of the field and the assembly duly parted and let me through. Until after 150 metres when one didn’t budge. It was a bull, standing side on to me with his head turned menacingly in my direction staring directly at me. No doubt he was momentarily toying with his options on just how best to deal with me. I’m no coward, but, I’m no hero either. Discretion being the better part of valour - I looked round for my escape. There was only one gap in the whole 400 metres of thick hedge – and I was standing next to it. Over I went, catching my trousers on the barbed wire but making it safely. I continued on the safe side of the hedge wondering just what would have happened if there’d been no escape for me and the bull had decided to make an example of me for the benefit of other walkers on the Cotswold Way. Once past the bull’s field I entered the next field only to find it had a “Bull in Field” sign clearly displayed at the entry to this next field – and also at the entry point from the other side of the field. Clearly the bull hadn’t read the sign about which field he should have been in.

The tiny 800 year old church at Hailes is beautifully simple. It’s unadorned and lit only by natural light and by candles. I’ve photographed here several times in the past but today found one or two new images that I’m looking forward to seeing after I’ve processed the film.