MONTHLY WALK: The December walk attracted about 25 villagers, including a number of young children. Although the morning had been sunny the weather in the afternoon turned colder and cloudy but that did not deter the hardy walkers - and the many dogs.

The route went by the 14th century church and along the meadow that was the original old road into the village from Chipping Campden. The lonely track then went through sheep meadows and dipped down to cross a brook below Upper Larkstoke.

Through woods of saplings and a cultivated field the old drover's road (along which cattle were once herded) was reached. There was then a sharp descent along the winding lane to Lower Larkstoke.

A field path (which was part of the long distance Centenary Way) went around pastures. A climb led to the secluded hollow which cupped Newfoundland Pool. A few centuries ago this was said to have medicinal properties which may have meant Ilmington might have become a spa town to rival Leamington.

The walk again ended at the Red Lion.