Two visitors, one from Cheltenham and one from South Wales together with their two dogs set out on the weekly walk from Whitemead with our guide despite a very unfavourable weather forecast.
The woodlands that a few short weeks ago were awash with bluebells are now filling with tall Ferns but it was a new arrival at the Flourmill steam engine restoration works that grabbed the attention of the walkers.
In the yard was a Churchward design freight tank locomotive 2-8-OT wheel arrangement, used extensively in South Wales coal trains, but could be found over the whole rail system. They also came through Lydney occasionally. It is 100 years old.
As promised by the weatherman, the heavens duly opened ensuring that everyone, men, women and dogs had a thorough soaking on the return to Whitemead.