Monday 13 July 2020

Bourton-on-the-Water revisited




It's so difficult finding different things to do during lockdown, activities to relieve the tedium of everything being the same every day, and to not have to think about all the things I miss: going to Greece and visiting art galleries being the two on top of the list. Last Monday we decided to go to Bourton-on-the-Water. We thought it would be safe enough, it was Monday after all, and very overcast. We were wrong. The car park was almost full, and there were so many people in the village that it was impossible to keep at a safe distance on the very narrow paths along the river. The worst bit was the path that leads from the car park to the centre of the village.




It was nevertheless lovely being there. The river is the shallowest I have ever seen and it's very picturesque.





One walks right next to people's gardens, which can't be very nice for those living there given how busy the village gets, but it's lovely for us.





We got to the first bridge, crossed it, and we were in the middle of the village.





The river is so shallow, the bottom seems to be on the surface





It's very picturesque - the river and the mellow Cotswold stone give the village its unique character.





The houses are beautiful and immaculately kept







Two pottery hens in this garden










As I said, it was busy - all the shops were open as were the cafes and restaurants. Officially the lockdown is almost over but it's too soon, consequently many of us are still being careful, and we fear that a second wave could be upon us as a result but I hope that's not the case.




Two bridges next to each other in the busiest part of the village - aren't they just wonderful?







Immaculately kept gardens,














A very small front garden, quite twee, but imaginative










a grander house, now a hotel








We entered this lane that leads to a short, but very pleasurable, walk in the countryside





and started walking along this path




open countryside on our left





and the river on our right







the river is just as shallow here as in the village




a nice seating area




In the distance I saw, what I thought was a bull





but it turned out to be the biggest cow I have ever seen




and a rabbit




we continued




it's so pretty here











this little bridge leads to a magnificent house




whose back garden is built in the middle of a fork of the river




on the wooden bridge what looks like a heron




looking closer




what an amazing place this is









and the house once we turned the corner




the front garden




this tree-lined path leads to the main road





and the side of the house




the main road runs alongside the river




We walked along this path for a while







admired this hedge-work





same house, around the corner







We then retraced our steps




had a peep through some iron gates at this garden




back to the wooden bridge, but the heron was not there




and eventually reached the village again. The motor museum




this mini always makes me laugh.











Back to the crowds







so we opted for the side streets




where it was quieter










A little lamb over the porch





Stopped at the Cotswolds Pottery for a look.





  Jules Jeffs jugs - a clear influence of Matisse here












traditional studio pottery which does not interest me that much




but some nice pieces nevertheless







We then made our way to the car park and back home. A lovely outing.




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