Minchinhampton Tracks and Features Field Trip - Saturday 9th August 2025
A joint outing of Slimbridge and Cheltenham Dowsers, led by Jayne Tovey.
The day began with a welcome circle in the Holy Trinity churchyard.
Hands were raised to show who was new to dowsing, and beginners teamed up with experienced members to build confidence with rods and pendulums.
We set off in perfect weather - sunny, with a light breeze - heading first down Well Hill to the old well.
It was dry in the August heat, yet light energy was detected here.
Next came Coffin Cottage, where Jayne shared its intriguing history and folklore, before guiding us along the hidden Sunken Road.
Here, strong energy lines and vortexes ran beneath the old stone bridges - once part of route for the dead.
We passed rare stone kissing gates, way markers, and node stones, each with their own story and energy.
Some sites revealed both positive and negative signatures - perhaps echoes ofgrief along coffin routes.
Dogs reacted to certain gates, confirming sensitivities.
Along the Enclosure Path, strong ley energy was found.
At the Victorian kissing gate, dowsers traced the flow of energy, while others explored the location of an old spring.
We paused at node stones, detecting clockwise and gentler currents.
After a steep descent, we reached a newly recognised long barrow.
Dowsing suggested 2600-year-old ceremonies here. A sacred stone from its interior now rests beside the stile.
Stories of three hares, Cornish tin trade, and Druidic links enriched the moment.
Through woodland, we arrived in the Sacred Valley - a place of beautiful, peaceful energy.
The large slab stilehere carried a powerful presence, offering healing to one dowser who lingered quietly.
Some cooled their feet in the stream, others explored a small'woodhenge'.
Our steep climb back to town included a visit to the Moon Stone - a sentinel linking earth energy to the cosmos.
Dowsing revealed energy rising through the stone, with its position possibly aligned to lunar cycles.
We returned along enclosure paths, admiring allotments in bloom.
At the church, final dowsing revealed vortexes and marked pathways.
Closing the Circle - In the Sacred Valley, before our return, we joined hands.
Petals, sacred stones, crystals and holy water were offered in gratitude to the land, its guardians, and our guides.
The moment carried unity, learning and a sense of connection that would stay with us.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone for making this an inspiring day of discovery and friendship.
Jayne