Holy Cross, near Clent, Worcs. Gear testing time!

Lots of walking-related Christmas presents, so what better to walk in slight rain in cold weather (2 degrees)? We had to get out before the snow set in!

I'm wearing Brasher trousers, Helly Hansen long sleeved base layer, Patagonia Nano Air Hoody, and hat and fingerless gloves from a collective in Nepal. (Reviews soon)

We took a walk down a RUPP (road used as public path)

It was very rural, and almost everything was in the muted winter shades

Views over to the Abberley Hills

The road disappeared after a bit, turning into this muddy track

 A slippery path next to barbed wire. Treacherous!

My walking companion

An old fashioned privy (hopefully not used as such now) 

Pollarded trees - quite unusual round here

Views over to the Clent Hills

The village looms into view

Where were we? Holy Cross, near Clent. This was the start and end of the walk. Horsall Lane on the road sign, but Hossil Lane on the OS map

We made a note to try this pub on another occasion - lovely smells, and it looked very festive inside.
It's been awarded "County Dining Pub of the Year 2014": a good recommendation.