The old mill at Brimscombe Port, Stroud

My lazy morning didn't last long enough because we had visitors due at 11-30am, who arrived on time. I had managed a short bath, which wasn't hot enough to ease my aching limbs, so I may need to have another one this evening to complete my lazy day.

Leah, aka Cowgirl, and Sav came up from Wiltshire for a day out with us, which started with coffee and mince pies, before Helena took them down to the canal and river at Frome Banks, from where they took the delightful scenic route into town. There they explored an outdoor market and the annual Christmas tree festival in St Laurence's church, whilst I prepared lunch at home.

After we'd eaten, the light seemed to be already disappearing fast, so instead of a walk in the valley behind our house up to The Heavens, we decided to go on one of my guided tours of the local valleys, looking at mills, villages, wells, farmland and even a couple of old iron age barrows at The Camp. I did insist on visiting Brimscombe Port, which is only about two miles from our house, so I could get a blip. The port's name is not a euphemism, as it was an important inland trans-shipment point where cargoes were transferred between different gauges of canal boats. It was sited at the point that the original Stroudwater canal joined the Thames and Severn canal, the latter having a narrower width as it headed inland, up and over the Cotswold hills to meet the River Thames at Lechlade.

The old mill at Brimscombe isn't actually that old compared to some of the early mills built from the 12th century onwards in the valley of the River Frome. Luckily it has been well looked after and has been occupied as premises for a variety of more recent businesses, such as book publishers and architects. I have blipped this scene before but on this dull and wintry afternoon it offered me a suitable emergency blip.

We then clambered back into my car and drove via Chalford and Bisley to Sheepscombe, where Helena wanted to visit our friend Kitty, who was running a stall selling her beautiful letter press printed Christmas cards at the village Christmas fair in aid of the village school. It is a rather unique village now, mostly occupied by incomers rather than its original residents, who have mostly left. But it was pleasant to sit in the old stone walled village hall where mulled wine and mince pies were on offer, as well as tea and cakes, whilst the raffle was being drawn. Then in the twilight we drove up and over Bulls Cross, then down the Slad valley, passing through the village immortalised by Laurie Lee and his 'Rosie', and back home to Stroud for a final cup of tea before Leah and Sav set off for their home. It was a lovely day.