Meon Hill

Meon Hill Series

Hidcote

Meon Hill is a series of 22 caches set on a 7 mile circular walk.

The series starts and finishes in the village of Mickleton which is the northernmost village in Gloucestershire and lies 8 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon.  There is a village store near the suggested parking which is ideal if you need to stock up food or drink for the walk.  There are also a couple of pubs in the village, can't vouch for those as we haven't tried them.

A bit of a late start for us this morning, set off on the walk just after 11.30 but a beautiful day to be out caching.

We have very fond memories of caching in Mickleton back in May 2007, our children used to enjoy coming with us back then and our dogs were young and fit, just the two of us today.  We remember walking past the greenhouses between #2 and #3 and having a conversation with a nearby home-owner on the history of the area.  The greenhouses have become somewhat more dilapidated since our last visit.

Old Greenhouses

The walk takes you along well maintained, undulating footpaths with fabulous views around Meon Hill and will take you on parts of the Heart of England and Monarch's Way.  You will pass Hidcote Manor which is well worth a visit if you have the time (check opening times) and Kiftsgate Court Gardens and in the summer months there's a Maize Maze in Hidcote which we've enjoyed a few times when the children were younger, again check times etc to avoid sad faces .

We saw quite a few cute lambs on the walk, lovely to see them and lots of signs that spring is well and truly on its way. 

Aww so sweet

 
At #6 you could make a slight detour to a handy farm shop with toilet facilities, only open Tues-Sat though.

Refreshments anyone?

  
Our favourite part of the walk was from #16 to #18, the walk through the wood with the sun coming through the trees was very pretty then out into the open and some fantastic views.

Gateway to paradise!

Is it really only February?

We completed the walk in 3 hours and 34 minutes, this included stopping for a picnic en route.  

A thoroughly enjoyable walk, all caches were fairly straightforward, some of the co-ords were a little out in places but with great hints this wasn't a problem.  We'd highly recommend this walk to anyone who loves walking in beautiful countryside.