"Strolling along the Winterbourne at any time of year is almost paradise by comparison"

Yes I agree with you, the problem of tacky bits and pieces at Swallowhead pale into insignificance when someone is cold and hungry. Anyway I wrote it all down this morning and put it into perspective.
Actually it was pretty cold up on Knap Hill sitting and contemplating that strange landscape in the mist, never realised the abruptness and steep decline that plunges down to the plain below. Never made it to Alton Barnes church, too cold and too many ghosts!!