We had a noon check out from our hotel so the intention was to go to the mall when it opened and then set off for the Cotswolds. We headed over to the new mall across the road at 9.45 only to find it looked remarkably closed.

That would be because it doesn’t open until 11am on Sundays. So back to the hotel to get sorted, pack up the car and then over to the mall again. We had a successful visit. Mike wanted some sunglasses with less tint than his normal ones ( but still polarised) and I was able to persuade him to get some nice raybans that don’t make him look too much like a gangster. He didn’t need too much persuasion to be fair. Then we found a jeans shop and got him some new denims that fit well and will likely be well used on this trip if this chilly weather keeps up.

It was much easier getting out of Cardiff than getting in and we had a good trip to the midlands mostly along A roads. The benefit is that you actually get good views of the countryside from those wider roads.

We are staying 2 nights at the Ebrington Arms which is a place recommended by Pauline (JenY’s Mum) because of where it is and its reputation for great food. A Michelin recognition and regional pub/bar winner no less!
It has great parking behind the pub and a gorgeous garden. Our room is upstairs and has a cute bathroom down some very steep stairs.

When we arrived at 4.30ish there were quite a few people there having meals. Unfortunately, since covid they don’t open for food every day and the days they are closed are Sunday nights, Mondays and Tuesdays- which are the days we are there!
Fortunately they were still serving until 6pm and do a roast during the daytime on Sundays (along with various starters, 2 types of fish, vegetarian options and desserts) so we got organised and had an early dinner. We’d had nothing since breakfast.

After dinner we set off for a walk around the village of Ebrington which is bigger than it looks at first glance. There are heaps of public walking paths in every direction so we were able to do a wide loop around the village and back, which was really nice. You can see why loads of people have dogs!