We got up early today -well early for a Sunday – and cycled on a grey morning to Rodley to wait for the predicted 4*bore. It was well worth the effort and the chill of the morning as all the rain over the last couple of days has filled the river – helping to create the surge that rushes up the river towards Gloucester. I think the 8am start on a grey February had put a lot of the surfers off, but there were still plenty of thrills and spills to enjoy! After the excitemnet of the bore itself we stayed by the river watching the incredible surge that fills the river until it bursts its banks -thank goodness for the restraining earth wall otherwise the surrounding houses would be flooded as they used to be 50 years ago. We often watch at Newnham on Severn or Minsterworth -either is a great place to to enjoywatching the Severn Bore.

There are more 4* bores due this year -so check out the dates for the Severn Bore and come and stay here at Broughtons Cottage and see one of the worlds greatest natural events- here in Gloucestershire!

At last the weather has improved and I’ve been able to make a start in the green house – sowing seeds for vegetables and cut flowers for the house and cottage. I love this time of year now -  planning and imagining the colours to come in the ordered chaos that is usually my ‘potager’.

The daily pleasure of walking the dogs too has taken on a different feel -no longer muffled up against the cold, I can linger a little and enjoy the signs of spring – snowdrops, crocus and hellebores are well and truly out in the garden, with the daffodils promising to appear very soon.

My usual route takes me across the farm to the lake, and if time on and over Mugglewort Hill (with its glorious views accross the Severn and beyond to the Cotswolds). On the lake the pair of swans are beginning to think about nesting, and the male is now determindley chasing off all comers to the lake. I caught a glimpse of his wife beginning to build her nest on the lake island among the willows. last year she had 10 cygnets -5 of whom made adult hood, it is always exciting to wait for the first glimpse of the downy babies bobbing behind their proud parents.

Since the new website was launched – thanks to all the hard work from the wonderfully patient and professional Ian at Clear Web Services – I have had huge fun adding the text and the pictures (all taken by daughter Tasha using her trusty Nikon). Quite a learning curve to for someone rather technically challenged. (that’s where the patient bit comes in from Ian)!

I hope you enjoy browsing through the website and that it reflects how we feel about our self catering cottage here at Broughtons. We hope we have created somewhere for you to relax and enjoy yourself whilst on holiday in this peaceful & rural part of Gloucestershire. We are delighted to have been awarded 4* by Visit Britain in June this year, just 2 months after opening -so we must be doing something right. Plus our guests this year have written some lovely comments in the guest book.

Please feel free to add a comment about the site or cottage so far. And please keep looking as there are many more pictures to be added as and when Tasha is inspired to take them.

Bright sunshine and a blue sky today drew me away from the computer and out with the dogs. We took our favourite walk – a quick lung bursting climb up Mugglewort Hill behing Broughtons and the cottage. I took a  few moments to enjoy the view  over  Severn Valley and beyond to the Cotswold escarpment. There is still some autumn colour left – just enough to glow in the sunshine.  Enjoy the photo taken on a family walk up the hill in October.