After a couple of weeks at home we are away again, this time for a short stay in the Cotswolds. The spell at home has given us the opportunity to make progress on the work we are having done to our house, but it is always good to hitch up the van and head off again.
We chose the Cotswolds for this trip because we like to find new areas to explore on our travels and the south west corner of the Cotswolds is not a place we have walked before, we did visit Tetbury on our honeymoon thirty-nine years ago, but in those days walking did not feature in our plans.
Our pitch for this stay is on Burnt Ash Farm CL, located on the outskirts of Minchinhampton. It is very easy to access with no narrow lanes and soon after our arrival we are warmly greeted by Adrian the owner. As soon as we are pitched and the awning is up I am lacing up my walking shoes and heading out for a short stroll from the site.
Our previous caravan trip to Scotland and the Peak District was cut short by my picking up an ankle injury. I have had some treatment on it and can now walk shortish distances with slight pain, this is an improvement on the severe pain that was stopping me walking anything further than a mile. I have been advised to wear trainers for a month to assist in the recovery. I own numerous pairs of walking boots, but did not have a pair of trainers so had to endure an hour trying to identify some that would be comfortable enough to walk in.
Needless to say two weeks after purchasing them the trainers look about six months old. I think they were designed for leisure wear, not trudging around the countryside. However if it means my leg gets better quicker I am willing to sacrifice a bit of credibility in the walking fraternity.
I leave the caravan site by the footpath which runs beside the ménage and then heads across paddocks to join another footpath close to the road. Here I stay in the field and turn right to walk along the edge of the field with the wall on the left.
After crossing a stone stile I continue into another field and keep walking with the wall on my left hand side.
After crossing another stone stile the footpath forks. I take the right fork to head through a meadow towards a gate.
After crossing a stile over the gate I join a track and turn left. The track soon opens out onto a small common.
I am soon across the common and carry on into Minchinhampton along a quiet residential street. This road leads to the Cirencester Road where I turn left and then quickly reach a crossroads where I turn left and head into Minchinhampton town centre.
Like many Cotswold towns Minchinhampton was built up around the wool market and it has a fine Market House with cattle barriers in the lower part.
I continue down the High Street and then turn right and pass the butchers and fish and chip shop and continue along the road heading west out of the town.
At a fork in the road I keep right and then take the next right into Dr Brown’s Road and follow this heading steadily uphill to reach Minchinhampton Common where I turn right to walk across the common.
This is only a small part of the common which covers 580 acres of open access land which is grazed by cattle and has a couple of golf courses crossing it. It is a pleasant evening so on spotting the church spire in the distance I decide to head across the common to have a closer look at the unusual structure.
Apparently the original spire of Holy Trinity church was pulled down in 1563 because the arches in the nave were failing under its weight. The stub of the pair was retained and surmounted with a coronet structure.
I stay on the common and turn to the left to walk back in a north easterly direction to reach the crossroads on the Cirencester Road.
From here I retrace my route back to the caravan through the town and along the road to reach the small common and then cross the stiles.
The stone stiles across the walls between fields are an interesting feature for Crosby. He hopped over them at the start of our walk, but has now decided he would prefer to be lifted over.
Back at the caravan my walk has covered just over three miles. So far so good, my ankle feels okay. It has been a pleasant walk to acquaint myself with part of the local area.
I think tomorrow will see us venturing a bit further.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
Our much anticipated trip to the Scottish Borders has not lived up to expectation. Our introduction to the area was a stunning walk in the Eildon Hills. We then had a good walk planned around Galashiels, but we had to abort our planned route as I was struggling with my left leg. The final mile of our three mile walk was a slow limp back to the car. The following day we attempted a short walk to Smailholm Tower, but it was clear after half a mile my leg was not going to hold up to any walking.
Therefore, for the last four days we have not ventured far from the caravan whilst I rest up. I am not good sat still for any length of time, walking is a major part of my overall well-being so I have been like a caged tiger itching to get out. However, I know that rest is required and even when I start walking it will be short walks for a while.
We have decided the most sensible thing to do is cut short our planned trip and head back home. I will then be able to get some physio and recuperate in the hope of being fit enough to do some walking on our planned trip to the Cotswolds in early July.
Before we head home we decide to pop to Kelso for a short walk around the town. It is a place we have not previously visited and somewhere I had thought we would do a few longer walks from during our stay. The starting point for our walk is a free car park in East Bowmont Street.
From the car park we walk into the main market square and stop to look at the fine Town Hall, this was built in 1816 by public subscription, apparently the majority of the funds came from the 5th Duke of Roxburghe who also allowed it to be built on his land. The 8th Duke of Roxburghe transferred ownership of the building to the burgh council in 1902.
We leave the square by the south east corner and walk along Bridge Street and soon pass the entrance to the Ednam House Hotel, this Georgian house was designed in 1761 by James Nisbet for James Dickson. Apparently Dickson was a native of Kelso, who left the town as a young man following allegations of vandalising a well. He made his fortune in North America, principally as naval agent in Havana during the British campaign in Cuba, and then returned to Kelso and commissioned Nisbet to build a fine house for him.
We continue past the remains of Kelso Abbey and then go by the War Memorial to reach Rennie’s bridge. An earlier bridge over the River Tweed was opened in 1754 and replaced a ferry service over the river. An arch of the bridge collapsed in 1756 killing six people. After repair the bridge was then hit by a storm in 1797 and collapsed. The famous Scottish engineer John Rennie was then commissioned to build a new bridge and this was competed in 1803.
As we cross the bridge there is a fine view over the River Tweed towards Floors Castle which was built for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe in 1721 and has remained in his family ever since.
Apparently this was the first bridge that Rennie built, he went on to build the first Waterloo Bridge, at the time it was called the Strand Bridge in London. He was also the engineer responsible for a range of projects including a number of canals one of which was the Kennet and Avon.
On the far end of the bridge, on either side of the road are two lamps that originally stood on Rennie’s Waterloo Bridge, these were relocated after that bridge was demolished in 1930.
Just after passing the lamps we turn left, down the steps, into Bridgend Park and go through the park and up steps to the Millennium Viewpoint from where we get views back across the town.
We now continue uphill along the pavement, passing the petrol station and post box on our left and then turn left onto Sprouston Road. After 200 yards we reach a gate lodge on your left and turn left into the driveway and immediately left again to join a footpath into the woodland.
We now walk down the steps to the River Tweed.
After a short spell besides the river we go up steps to reach a small park at the edge of the housing in Pinnaclehill Park and continue to reach a road where we turn left onto the pavement and turn right and then after 50 yards go left and walk up to a main road. Here we turn left and go downhill for 400 yards and then take a footpath on the right before reaching Hunter bridge.
The path leads up towards a road where we turn left and head across the Hunter Bridge which carries the A698 across the Tweed and was built in 1998 as part of the by-pass of Kelso. It is named after Councillor Tom Hunter.
After crossing the bridge we turn left on steps leading down to a minor road and then turn left to take a path besides the river.
We continue until we reach Rennie’s Bridge. From this angle the grandeur of the bridge can be better appreciated.
We now walk up to rejoin Bridge Street and turn right to head back towards the town and stop at the War memorial to view Kelso Abbey. The Abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I. It was ultimately sacked by the Earl of Hertford, under orders from Henry VIII in 1545.
We now wander back into the town centre and return to the car. Our short walk has covered just three miles. It has been really interesting and fortunately has not caused any reaction in my leg. Whilst I am tempted to walk further the sensible option, as stressed by Lynnie, is to call a halt to our walking for today and rest my leg so hopefully tomorrow I can continue my rehabilitation.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
After a couple of weeks at home we are on our travels again this time taking an extended tour and heading to Scotland for the first time since 2017. A trip to Scotland is a long way from Wiltshire so we decided to break the journey up by staying last night at the CAMC Poolsbrook site. It is very convenient to the M1 and has the added bonus of having a pleasant walk around the neighbouring country park.
Today we have travelled another 180-miles further north and pulled into East Cawledge Park CL near Alnwick. Northumberland is not an area we have walked in much so our itinerary is to stay here for a week before heading up to Fife.
It does not take us long to get pitched up and we are soon lacing up the boots and heading out for a walk from the caravan site. We walk down the entrance driveway and then turn right on a track heading towards Aln Valley Heritage Railway following the waymarkers towards Alnmouth.
We pass the gated entrance to the railway and continue on the clear path.
This track leads us down the fenced railway line where we turn right and continue to head towards Alnmouth on a footpath along the Aln Valley Cycleway.
This is the route of the former Alnwick branch line which ran from Alnmouth Railway Station on the East Coast Mainline to Alnwick, a distance of two and three quarters miles. The line opened in 1850 and operated a freight and passenger service until closure in 1968.
A mile stretch of the line is now used by the Aln Valley Railway, it is their intention to try and re-establish the line from their newly built Lionheart Station, near the A1, through to Alnmouth Station. In 2017 they opened a mile of the line from the new station to Greenrigg Halt on the opposite side of the Cawledge Viaduct.
After passing Greenrigg Halt the path leaves the side of the railway line and joins a track. Here we turn right and walk up to Greenrigg where we turn left on a minor road which we follow to reach a road junction at Bilton. Here we turn left and walk downhill to cross the railway line and entrance to Alnmouth Station. We continue straight on at a roundabout towards Alnmouth to join the English Coastal Path.
The coastal path route goes close to the road and then crosses the River Aln at the Duchess Bridge. After crossing the river on a walkway besides the bridge we go right to stay with the coastal path to walk beside the river on a path waymarked as Lovers’ Walk.
We now pause to look back at the fine Duchess Bridge. This was built in 1864 and has a plate on the south parapet stating “To Eleanor Duchess of Northumberland the public are chiefly indebted for this stone bridge and footpath to the station”.
We follow the path around and are soon besides Alnmouth Harbour. In the 18th century grain and cargo were shipped between Alnmouth and London. Then in 1806 a major storm hit the Northumberland Coast and changed the course of the River Aln to how it looks today. Apparently this resulted in the river being much shallower and more difficult for ships to use. Therefore the port declined and the harbour is now used for fishing boats and pleasure craft.
Across the river a wooden cross marks the spot where the village church once stood before the storm of 1806 altered the course of the river and cut the church off from the village.
We join Riverside Road and follow it until it becomes Northumberland Street, and walk along this main street through the village to reach a roundabout where we go straight on into Foxton Road. We follow this road out of the village and then just after passing the last house on the right take a footpath which leads us uphill to the Night Fold Field Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar. This is the 313th trig I have bagged.
Now we have to make up our mind on the route to take back to the caravan. I had originally planned a circular walk, but time is getting on and we have still got to eat so we decide the sensible option is to retrace our route. We therefore descend the hill and turn back into Alnmouth and then turn right at the roundabout and follow the road to cross Duchess Bridge.
From here it is a straightforward process of retracing our route back along the road and then rejoining the path besides the Aln Valley Railway to return to the caravan.
Our wander has covered just over eight and a half miles and has been a pleasant stretch of the legs after a couple of lengthy days travelling.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
This is the final day of our stay at Goodleigh Hill CL, tomorrow we will be heading back home after a nineteen night tour. We have done some cracking walking in the Brecon Beacons, on the Malvern Hills and over the last few days in the Vale of Evesham. We have bagged a few new Ordnance Survey trig points on this trip and there is still a chance to get another today.
The starting point for our walk is the parking area on the edge of Kempsey Common (Grid Ref: SO865482). From the car park we head onto the common besides a gate in front of us.
We follow a broad clearing heading east along the edge of the common. The gorse is in bloom and the air is full of that familiar coconut scent it produces.
As the path levels we turn to the right and head diagonally across to reach the fence line still heading east and soon spot the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar which sits just on the far side of the fence on the edge of a field in Park Farm. This is the 312th trig I have bagged.
Our walk continues along the edge of the common, we ignore a footpath off to the right and keep heading towards a farm on the edge of the common.
We had planned to take a path on the right heading alongside Pirton Gorse, however, the field is occupied by frisky young cattle so we decide it would be more sensible to avoid walking through them with the dog. Instead we continue on the common and after passing a couple of fields on the right we reach a kissing gate. Here we leave the common, turning right to head uphill through fields of pasture to reach Worcester Road where we turn right and pass Kites Farm. Soon after passing the farm buildings we turn left onto a bridleway that heads downhill towards Swanbrook Farm.
The bridleway leads to a junction of footpaths and a minor road, we turn right and head along the road towards Pirton. At a junction we turn left onto Hill Road and walk past a farmyard. We ignore a footpath on the right going over a stile, instead we take one a few hundred yards further on which goes through a kissing gate and then heads south along the field edge.
We stay with the path as it crosses a stream and then continues along the edge of the next field. This brings us to a junction of paths. We take the one that heads diagonally uphill across a field towards a house.
After going through a kissing gate we turn right to walk a short distance along the road to reach St Peter’s Church.
Parts of this church date from the 12th century with the tower and chancel being of 14th century origin. All around the exterior of the church there is evidence of work that has been done over the centuries to maintain the structure.
We had hoped to pop inside to look at the internal features, however like so many churches we have visited in this area it is locked.
Resuming our walk we go back along the road to the kissing gate but this time take a footpath that heads straight downhill and then continues in the same westerly direction through another field. This brings us into a field with two footpaths heading diagonally across it heading towards Pirton Court. We take the right fork as this path can be seen clearly through the rapeseed. At a junction of paths in the field we turn left still aiming for Pirton Court.
The path leads to a stile which we cross and go through a small orchard.
After passing the trees we follow the waymarkers through a five bar gate on the right and then continue along the edge of the next field to pass a house and reach a minor road. Here we turn right and then very soon reach a junction where we turn left and pass the entrance to Pirton Court.
We continue along the road for a short distance and then take a footpath on the left which heads across arable fields towards Lickmoor Coppice.
The route is clearly waymarked through the trees and leads to a footpath onto the National Trust Land of Croome Park.
The footpath crosses fields to reach a minor road which we cross and continue on National Trust land soon passing a pond on our left.
It is now a short ascent to reach the church of St Mary Magdalene.
This church was built in 1763 replacing a 13th century church that had stood nearer to the main house but was in the way of the redevelopment planned by the 6th Earl of Coventry. This replacement is a striking building with several monuments, taken from the old church, to various previous Earls and Barons of Coventry.
The monument to the 1st Earl is missing as the 2nd Earl disapproved of his father’s second marriage to a servant. Therefore he had his memorial placed in St Mary’s Church at Elmley Castle. We visited that church on our stay in this area in November.
Standing at the foot of the church you have a good view of Croome Court. Parts of the house date back to the 1640’s. Changes were made to the original building by the 4th Earl of Coventry, but the major works which resulted in the current structure were undertaken by the 6th Earl of Coventry after he inherited the estate in 1751.
In 1948 the house and parkland were purchased by the Roman Catholic Church and it was run as St Joseph’s Special School. It was then purchased in 1979 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and became its UK headquarters and training college.
From 1984 onwards various organisations owned the property and operated it as a training centre, restaurant, apartments, hotel and golf course. It was purchased by a charity, the Croome Heritage Trust, and it is now managed by the National Trust.
From the church we follow the footpath at the rear of the church which leads to a minor road where we turn right and walk along to reach the main entrance to the grounds an impressive London Arch designed in 1770 by Robert Adams.
Just after the arch we take a footpath on the right initially heading along a concrete track and then continuing along a grass track. It is a cracking afternoon, but surprisingly quiet and we don’t see anyone else.
We take a slight diversion from the path to look at the Park Seat which is known as the Owls Nest and was designed by Robert Adams in 1770 as a viewing point to look over the parkland.
Back on the footpath we soon turn right to head downhill towards a weir at the southern end of a lake.
The path now heads across fields towards Westfield Farm with good views of Croome Court away to our right.
At a junction of pats besides the farm we head north along a track which goes past a cattle grid and then runs alongside woodland. At a junction of tracks we go straight on along a footpath to enter a field. The path heads diagonally through the crops towards High Green.
On reaching a road we turn left to pass houses and then take a footpath on the right. It is poorly waymarked, but leads to the farmyard of High Green Farm keeping to the right of the farm buildings and then heads north across an arable field.
At a minor road we turn left and follow the road towards the M5, just before reaching the M5 we take a footpath on the right initially going down a concrete driveway towards a gate. To our left is a telecommunications mast.
The path now heads north running parallel to the M5, the road is not visible but there is plenty of noise from the traffic. Away to the right on top of Rabbit Bank is Pirton Castle, despite its name it is not actually a castle, but a folly designed by James Wyatt in 1797 as a gothic ruin.
At a junction of footpaths we stay alongside the motorway, the footpath on the right leads up to the folly. In normal circumstances we would pop up and have a look, however, we want to get back to the caravan to start packing up for our journey home so decide to leave the castle for another visit.
The path leads into a pasture field below Park Farm. After going through a gate we take the footpath that continues besides the motorway and soon passes a pond.
Gingerly we go over a cattle grid as the gate besides it is padlocked, this is difficult with a dog. After cursing the inconsiderate approach of the farmer we reach a junction of paths. We turn right taking a bridleway heading east onto open access land on Kempsey Common.
We keep the boundary of the access land to our right and continue steadily uphill to reach the point we were at earlier when heading towards the trig pillar. From here we follow the path back to the car park.
Our walk has covered 10 miles and it has been a good end to our trip away. It is time to get back and start packing for an early start in the morning.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
Today we are walking from the caravan again, this time heading out over a route we did last November, but this time we are doing it the other way around with a couple of variations and an additional section alongside the River Avon.
We leave the caravan site and follow the pavement towards Pershore. Just after crossing the River Avon we turn left on a footpath joining the route of the Millennium Way, this 100-mile long distance path goes between Pershore and Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire.
There are a network of tracks across the meadows but we stick with the Millennium Way which hugs the side of the river heading in a westerly direction.
After passing besides a copse and crossing a bridge over a stream we ignore a footpath on the right, instead continuing beside the river.
At the next junction of paths besides a footbridge over a stream, the Millennium Way turns to the right, we continue besides the river on the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk this is a five-mile circular walk around Pershore.
After crossing a couple of footbridges the waymarked path turns to the right to head towards houses sat above the A4104.
After going through a kissing gate we turn left and walk on the wide roadside verge and then cross with care at a waymarker to head into Tiddesley Wood.
We follow the Pershore Bridges Walk waymarkers through the woods. This area of woodland was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey. In the 1950’s the Forestry Commission took ownership and used it a as commercial woodland and planted coniferous trees. Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust there is a process of clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.
The route is a clear track and easy to follow. Reaching a crossing of way-marked footpaths we turn left leaving the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk and rejoining the Millennium Way which heads steadily downhill on a wide ride leading to a bridge over Bow Brook.
After crossing the bridge at a fork in the path we leave the Millennium Way and take a path on the left which heads diagonally across a field.
The map shows the path leaving the field and entering an area of shrubland. In November we walked though that shrub area and there was no clear path, I had hoped that it might have been cleared but sadly it is still overgrown and unclear, so we continue along the edge of the field to reach a gateway where we turn left along a minor road and then after just over a hundred yards we take a footpath on the right. The fingerpost here appears to have been a casualty to hedge cutting.
The footpath follows a track between arable fields heading towards Besford Court. At a junction of paths we carry straight on into the grounds of Besford Court. The original timber framed building was constructed here around 1500. In 1910 the estate was purchased by Major George Noble who went about reconstructing the building into its current mode under the guidance of architect Albert Randall Wells.
Apparently work stopped in 1912 when the Noble’s separated and they were divorced in 1916. The following year Noble’s wife married his architect. The house was never completed or lived in and was sold in its incomplete state and became known as Besford Court Hospital and it was apparently described in the New Catholic Dictionary as a “welfare home for mentally-defective Catholic children, restricted to feeble minded boys aged from seven to twenty-one”.
In 2001 the school closed and even twenty-years later men are coming forward to describe the abuse they suffered at the hands of those entrusted with their welfare. Following the closure of the school the building was converted into apartments.
We follow the footpath waymarkers which pass a fine arch and then at a junction of paths turn right to walk with a hedge on our right and soon pass a football pitch on our left.
After a stile we cross a minor road and go through a kissing gate into a field. There are a network of paths crossing this field. It has recently been sown and the pathways are not clear but we opt for one in a south-westerly direction diagonally across the field towards a property in the village of Besford.
After crossing a stile we continue along the side of a paddock and then cross a wooden fence and then immediately go through a gate. It is unclear what purpose the fence serves other than to make it more difficult for walkers to get through.
On the road, cussing about inconsiderate landowners, we turn left and reach St Peter’s Church. This 14th century church is apparently unique as it has the only timber nave in England. The chancel was rebuilt in stone in the 19th century.
According to the village’s website the interior of the church has important monuments, a pre-reformation rood screen and Jacobean alter rails. Unfortunately the door is locked so we cannot go in to view them. I find it hard to understand the policy of some diocese, you would think that people might want to gain access to a church outside of the times it’s open for services.
We go back to the road and turn right and then almost immediately take a waymarked footpath down a track leading to a property. As the track reaches the house the footpath turns right and goes through a gate the path now forks and we keep to the left to follow the fence line of the property and then enter another field where we go right keeping the hedge on our right and then at the corner of the field go left, still with the fence on our right.
At the next the point when the fence turns to the right we head diagonally downhill across the field towards a gate. After passing through the gate we turn left along a minor road and walk towards houses. After about four hundred yards, on reaching houses on the left we take a footpath on the right which goes besides fields and heads towards Defford. There are good views across the fields towards the Malvern Hills.
After passing a playing field we go through a gate and reach Defford. Now we go along the road towards St James Church which has Norman origins and underwent a major restoration in the 19th century. This is another locked church so we have no idea what it might look like inside.
Leaving the church we turn left and walk through the village. On reaching a junction we turn right into Crown Lane and follow this to reach the A4104. We cross the road and turn left in front of Defford Garage and then almost immediately take a footpath on the right which goes over a stile besides a gate.
This path goes downhill by a field and then through a wooded area to reach a bridge over a stream. We then go uphill to reach a gate and pass through a field following the path down between hedges to reach a stile into a paddock. Crossing the paddock, whilst trying to avoid the inquisitive horses, we reach another stile onto a road. We cross and enter open access land where we turn right and follow a well-worn path through the meadow towards Eckington Bridge.
Apparently the first bridge constructed across the river here was built in 1440. The current red sandstone bridge dates back to the 1720’s.
From the bridge we turn to the left and take a clear path that heads diagonally across the meadows in the direction of Birlingham. To our right in the distance is the tower on Bredon Hill, a spot we visited last November.
On the far side of the open access land we join the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, an eighty-eight mile long distance path following the river Avon from its source at Naseby to ins confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury. We now follow this route around fields to reach a minor road where we turn right and then almost immediately take a left on a footpath through a wooden gate. This path goes close to properties and then emerges on a road at a junction. We head straight across and stay with the road as it turns into a track heading towards Nafford.
We go through a kissing gate and then across Berwick Brook.
The route continues to a weir on the River Avon.
After crossing the weir we continue on the path to reach Nafford Lock which makes the River Avon navigable at this point.
After crossing the lock we reach the sluice gates on the Avon.
We now head uphill on a track to reach a minor road where we turn left. As the road bends to the right we go through a kissing gate to follow a footpath across a field on the Shakespeare’s Avon Way. There are great views across the river from here.
After crossing a footbridge the path continues into the next field and passes a fine dead tree.
At a gate we carry on through a further field, the route then goes to the left through a gate and heads uphill to reach another gate which leads to a road in Great Comberton. Here we turn left and follow the road through this attractive village.
We continue through the village and then take a footpath on the left shortly before reaching the village War Memorial. This track leads steadily downhill back towards the River Avon where a couple of barges are moored and their occupants are enjoying the spring sunshine in a clearing.
We now go to the right and pass through a gate to follow a broad grassy track with the river to our left.
At a fork in the track just before reaching woodland we go right heading uphill on the route of the Shakespeare Avon Way. This passes a field which looks as if it is being prepared as a static caravan park.
After going through another gate we carry on following the path as it skirts the edge of a field and then crosses a footbridge.
On the far side of the field the map shows the route going through the crops, however, it is clear that folk walk the perimeter of the field so we follow their example and turn right and then left around the field to join a track which leads towards Pensham Hill.
The track soon becomes a tarmac lane leading into Pensham Hill where we turn right and follow the road to the private path leading back up to the caravan site at Goodleigh Hill CL.
Our wander in this part of the Vale of Evesham has covered just over eleven and a half miles. We are heading into Pershore to eat this evening so the timing is just right for us to get spruced up before we go.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
Today is one of those days when Crosby and I are heading out on our own. Lynnie has decided to spend a few hours wandering around Pershore so I am free to walk as far as I please. I don’t fancy driving anywhere so after a quick scan of the map I decide to head out from the caravan.
Leaving the site by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and the turn left and head uphill into Pensham Hill. As the road levels out I take a footpath on the right beside a post box. The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.
This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty-mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and the Cotswold village of Broadway. I go through the field with the hedge to my right to reach a kissing gate and then follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham.
On reaching a road in the village I turn left and continue on this towards Pensham Farm. The road then becomes a track and passes glass houses and barns. Shortly after the last barn the footpath turns to the right, here the footpath goes diagonally across a field but there is a permissive path around the field edge which I choose instead. If possible I prefer to take a route that avoids damaging crops.
The permitted path turns left at the corner of the field and soon rejoins the main footpath continuing along the edge of the field. I reach a point where the footpath goes through bushes, when I last walked the path in the opposite direction the path was overgrown and impassable, things have not improved so I continue along the edge of the field towards glass houses and then turn right to follow a track downhill to rejoin the main footpath which goes over a footbridge into a field.
Over the bridge I turn to the right and the path soon turns besides the River Avon and I continue along with the river on my right.
Through a gate I keep going along a broad grassy path besides the river, in front of me is a good view of Bredon Hill, Lynnie and I walked up there on a cold day last November but it is not on my list of planned walks this trip.
After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton. At a junction with a road I turn right and walk into the village and then fork left by a telephone box, now being used as a book swap, and walk along Church Street. I soon reach a junction with Russell Street and follow this tarmac lane which passes houses and then becomes a track as it heads out of the village.
I stay with this track as it becomes a footpath leading through fields heading east. At a junction of footpaths besides a gate I continue straight on along a hedge-lined path to take a track where I turn right following it for a few hundred yards to reach a footpath on the left. This path goes east across the field with the fence-line on the left hand side.
In the corner of the field I cross a stream on a footbridge and then continue along the waymarked path heading through fields towards Elmley Castle.
At a junction of paths besides a barn I turn right, this leads to a lane where I turn left and walk into the attractive village.
On reaching the village pub, The Queen Elizabeth, I turn left. This 16th century pub apparently derives its name from the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Elmley Castle in August 1575. One side of the pub sign shows the date 20th August 1575, and the pub’s website says they like to think that the Queen stayed at the inn. Even if it can’t be proven it is a good marketing ploy.
Just after the pub I turn right into a narrow lane which soon reaches the village cricket field.
To avoid the narrow lane I walk besides the cricket pitch and then rejoin the road by the entrance to the field car park. I now have a section on the road, but it broadens out and there is very little traffic. I ignore a footpath on the left and a couple of others on the right and carry on besides the road until I reach a footpath sign which points to a path on the left crossing a stile besides a gate into a paddock area, this is marked on the map as Netherton Fields. The path goes beside the paddock and then along the edge of woodland.
Emerging from the trees I follow the path heading north to reach barns at Elms Farm where there is an abandoned old lorry.
I follow the track around the barns and then pass a gate and continue on the farm driveway to reach a road where I turn right and then very soon take a left along a lane signposted to Netherton.
The lane goes by cottages and continues on past the old barns of Chapel Farm.
At a crossing of footpaths I carry on northwards along a track to a gateway. Through this I keep north and at the next gateway enter a field of cattle, thankfully they show no interest in Crosby and I as we make our way between them and my heart rate returns to normal when we are safely through the gate on the far side of the field.
The next gate reaches a junction of paths and I turn left staying on the Wychavon Way and keeping left when the path forks. The route continues along a hedge-lined track.
At a footpath on the right I turn to follow a broad path between fields heading in the direction of Cropvale Farm.
After crossing a bridge the path turns to the left and heads north towards Cropthorne and I soon pass a fine old barn.
Staying with the waymarked route I continue through fields with a stream to my left. This footpath leads to the B4084 which I cross and turn left along the pavement for a hundred yards before turning right at a junction down Brooks Lane. This lane takes me into Cropthorne and I stay with it as it bends to the right and crosses a stream before heading uphill to the village church.
The church of St Michael has an interesting interior with fragments of an ancient wall painting.
There are also some interesting memorials one of which is Francis Dingley (died 1624) and his wife Elizabeth Bigg. The inscription states they were married for 50 years and had eleven sons and seven daughters.
Leaving the churchyard I turn left and continue through the village to a junction where I turn left into Neigh Lane which is signposted to Fladbury. I follow this road out of the village and then downhill to reach a junction where I turn left and cross the River Avon.
On the far side of the bridge I join a permissive path on the right crossing meadows besides the river, heading to Fladbury Mill.
The path leads to a road besides Fladbury Mill, here I turn right and walk into the village passing the Anchor pub and the Fladbury Pie Shop which is opposite the St John the Baptist church, built in 1340.
I continue through the village past the Social Club and then almost immediately after take a footpath on the left leading down Coach Drive, this passes houses and then allotments and follows a concrete driveway heading towards Spring Hill Farm. This is the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way an eighty-eight mile long distance path following the river Avon from its source at Naseby to its confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury.
As the path nears Spring Hill Farm I go to the right and follow the route as it passes farm buildings and then heads west to cross a minor road and then the waymarked route heads towards a static caravan park. The route through the park is clearly waymarked and passes the caravans dotted around disused gravel pits.
Staying with the waymarkers for Shakespeare’s Avon Way I continue on to skirt around a sewage works and then Lower End Farm and then carry on, ignoring other footpaths, to reach Wyre Piddle.
The path joins a road where I turn left and wander through the village passing the Anchor Inn to reach the village medieval cross.
I go left at the cross and follow the lane past the small church of St Ann.
The lane heads out of the village, going downhill passing the entrance to Wyre Boatyard and then reaching Wyre Mill, this old corn mill dates from the early 1800’s and originally had three wheels. It is now the base of Wyre Mill Club a social club for locals and visiting caravanners and boaters.
After passing the mill and the entrance to a caravan and camping site the path continues on to follow a footpath across meadows heading towards Pershore.
I have a number of options on reaching the edge of Pershore and choose to walk around past the entrance of Pershore Football Club and then wander through a car park besides Asda supermarket and join the High Street where I turn left and continue along the road through the town and then across the River Avon before turning right to return to Goodleigh Hill CL.
My walk has covered fifteen miles and there have been plenty of interesting things to see along the way.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
After our walk at the southern end of the Malvern Hills yesterday we have decided to explore the northern end today. When planning this trip I had not realised it was the Royal Horticultural Malvern Flower Show this week. This means it is best to avoid heading anywhere near the County Show Ground at the weekend.
In November we walked part of today’s route, but on that occasion we started close to Malvern. Today we decide to start our walk, like yesterday, from the British Camp car park (WR13 6DW). Leaving the car park we cross the busy road and look at the decorations around the Wynds Point Spout.
Well dressing is a long standing tradition in these parts. Apparently the first recorded event took place back in 1870 and continued for a number of years before dying out. The idea was reintroduced in 1993 and this year over 55 of the 130 spring and well sites on the hills are being decorated by local school children.
As we head up the hill towards the junction of the A449 and B4232 we are passed by a familiar car. It is our neighbours from across the lane back home, they are heading to the flower show. We knew they were in the area but it is an odd coincidence that our paths should cross.
At the junction with the B4232 we turn right and walk besides the hotel. We are going to head up to join the ridge at Wynds Point, there are a number of options and we take one that gradually ascends through an area of Bluebells in front of some benches.
At a junction of paths we go to the right and make a short steep ascent to reach the top of the ridge. This is not the last of the uphill walking, but it has taken us to a point where we can see either side of the hills and the clear route in front of us.
It is our intention to walk along all the summits on this northern section of the ridge and then pick a less strenuous route for our return to the car park. So we follow the broad path as it heads north towards Black Hill. To our right we look over the County Showground with all the marquees set up for the flower show.
After going over Black Hill the next summit looming in front of us is Pinnacle Hill.
The path we are taking along the ridge follows the route of the Shire Ditch, this forms the boundary between Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Apparently in the 13th century, the Earl of Gloucester was granted the hunting rights to the east of the Malvern Hills, but he kept popping over to the west side onto land owned by the Bishop of Herefordshire and was accused of trespass. After a hearing which the Bishop won, the Earl fortified the shire ditch so that his livestock could not stray to the west.
Staying with the clear path we go over Jubilee Hill and Perseverance Hill and then start to descend into Upper Wyche. Here the Wyche Spring Well has also been dressed.
From the bench besides the well we cross the road to join Beacon Road which heads uphill to pass a car park and then continues upwards as a pathway.
The path leads us to a stone structure with waymarkers, it shows the location as Gold Mine. Apparently back in the reign of Elizabeth I small quantities of gold were extracted from these hills though subsequent efforts to strike it rich have proved fruitless.
Now on the ridge we head north over Summer Hill towards the Worcestershire Beacon which has a trig point besides it. We bagged the trig last November and had been here previously many years ago in our pre caravanning days. That time we stayed at a quirky bed and breakfast, it was prior to online booking and at a time when we would turn up in a town and drive around looking for somewhere to stay. We had some great times and stayed in some interesting places the likes of which would not survive in the current world of online reviews for everything.
The Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point in Worcestershire and it has a toposcope erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign.
When we walk up hills I frequently tell Lynnie there will be a cafe on the top, of course this is rarely the case and today is no exception. However, there was a cafe up here for many years until in burnt down in 1987. When it came to rebuilding it the Malvern Hills Conservators were refused planning permission and they sought to amend the Malvern Hills Bill which was going through parliamentary process. After a visit by members of the House of Lords Select Committee it was determined there were enough alternative facilities in the area and there was no need for a cafe.
Personally I think a cafe here would detract from the beauty of the location, but of course Lynnie would argue the provision of ice cream on top of a hill would be an asset, indeed an essential requirement.
There is an extensive network of paths here so it is difficult to describe with accuracy our route, we are heading to St Ann’s Well via Green Valley.
The path we take goes around Sugarloaf Hill and then goes right to descend into Green Valley where we come across another dressed well.
Now it is just a case of following the waymarkers as the path heads downhill towards St Ann’s Well.
The water supply at St Ann’s Well is located in a building dating back to 1813 and has a very elaborate carved water Sicilian marble water spout which was donated by the local landowner, Lady Emily Foley, in 1892.
The water here is said to have special healing qualities and was a very popular source of the pure water flowing from the hills. The popularity of the site resulted in the addition of an octagonal building in 1841.
It is a fine building but in 1963 the Malvern Hills Conservators thought it might be a good idea to demolish the Victorian buildings. Clearly they forgot the conservation element of their role, thankfully common sense prevailed and the historic building continues to operate as a cafe. To Lynnie’s delight she is able to acquire an ice cream just before the cafe closes for the day.
From the cafe we join a path heading south which follows the contour line through trees.
The path leads us to the edge of a quarry on the eastern side of Summer Hill.
From the quarry the path gradually ascends to return to the Gold Mine route marker. From here we return to Upper Wyche on the track we walked earlier. After crossing the road we take the path at the side of the fine bus shelter besides the public toilets.
After ascending to the ridge we take a path that skirts around the summit of Perseverance Hill and then I head over Jubilee Hill whilst Lynnie takes a path around the side.
At Pinnacle Hill we both decide to take the path that goes around rather than over the summit and do the same when we get to Black Hill. There are plenty of options for our descent, we take a path down towards a car park and then walk alongside the B4232 to return to our starting point in the British Camp car park.
Our walk has covered almost 9 miles, there has been a lot of ascent and fortunately we have been blessed with a clear day to appreciate the stunning views.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
On our previous trip to Goodleigh Hill CL in November I did a couple of walks on the Malvern Hills. On the first Lynnie accompanied me, but on the second I visited British Camp on a very cold day with snow forecast and Lynnie declined to join me, preferring to spend a few hours wandering around Pershore. It was a stunning walk and is top of my list of places to revisit during this stay.
It is about fifteen miles from the caravan site to the British Camp car park (WR13 6DW) besides the A449. This is a pay and display car park with a set fee for the day, the proceeds are used to maintain the Malvern Hills as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Leaving the car park we go through a gate and follow a broad path that gradually ascends the hill.
At a junction of paths we continue straight on, ignoring steps which lead to British Camp. The path we are on hugs the contour line below the camp and soon take us above the British Camp Reservoir.
Apparently following water shortages, the 1891 Malvern Water Act was introduced. This allowed the reservoir to be built and it was opened in 1895, it collects water from the springs in the area. It is a fine looking small reservoir, the current low level of water reflects the recent dry spell we have been experiencing.
The path we are on is the route of the Three Choirs Way, a 100-mile long distance walk which links the cathedral towns of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester. After passing the reservoir we start to gradually ascend to a point where a number of paths join. Here we stay with the route of the Three Choirs Way as it leads past Clutter’s Cave. According to the Malvern Hills Trust this is a folly created in Edwardian or Victorian times, however, others describe it as a small quarry or a medieval hermit’s dwelling. Confusingly it is also known as Hermit’s Cave, Giant’s Cave or Waum’s Cave.
The pat continues along the ridge and then at a junction of paths we stay with the Three Choirs Way as it gradually descends towards Gullet Wood. There is a stone marker here pointing the way to The Gullet and Midsummer Hill.
It is a cracking afternoon and we pass an area of bluebells and continue along the path to go through a gate besides a cattle grid.
We now continue on the track to reach a junction of tracks, we turn right and go through a kissing gate and head uphill on the route of the Geopark Way. This long-distance path goes 109 miles between Bridgnorth and Gloucester exploring the geological changes along the way. We are only following for a short distance to reach Eastnor Obelisk at the top of the hill.
This obelisk was erected in 1812 and is a monument to various members of the Somers Cocks family. Those commemorated include John Somers, Lord Chancellor in 1700 who was an adviser to William III, and Philip James Cocks, who was an intelligence officer on Wellington’s staff and died during the siege of Burgos in the Peninsular War in 1812. Afterwards his father, Earl Somers, had the obelisk erected.
From the obelisk we retrace our route down the hill to the junction of paths.
After going through the gate we continue along the route of the Geopark Way and the Three Choirs Way heading south towards the A438.
As we head along this track we get a good view back across to the Eastnor Obelisk.
On reaching the A438 we turn right at the entrance to a small car park and walk along the road for just over a hundred yards and then cross the road with care to go through a kissing gate leading to Ragged Stone Common. This is open access land but we choose to initially stick to the route of the Geopark Way which goes to the right and skirts around the hill passing through an area of stunning Bluebells.
When the Geopark Way turns to the right we continue on a clear path leading to Whiteleaved Oak. In this attractive hamlet we turn right and then almost immediately turn left on a path which goes besides a cottage and continues along a sunken track.
The track leads to open access land where we continue on a well-worn path that ascends Chase End Hill. This is a short steep ascent and we are soon on the top of the hill standing beside the Ordnance Survey trig pillar. I bagged this trig back in November but it is Lynnie’s first visit here.
It is a cracking day and the views from Chase End Hill are stunning.
We continue on heading downhill to a junction of paths where we turn left and then left again to follow a track through woodland.
At a junction paths we turn right to leave the track and briefly go downhill to reach the Three Choirs Way where we turn left and follow what appears to be an old tramway heading north. We soon cross a bridge over a minor road in Whiteleaved Oak.
On leaving the woodland the route continues across fields.
After passing an interesting thatch cottage we join a minor road and follow this towards the A438.
After passing Hollybush village hall we cross the main road and continue along a minor road.
This minor road goes north along the edge of woodland and then as we near The Gullett we fork left on a path, the map shows this a minor road, but clearly it is a long time since a vehicle travelled along it.
This path goes above a stream and then on reaching a bridge over the water we turn right to cross the bridge and then turn right again to follow a path alongside the disused Gullet Quarry. In the early 1900’s many quarries were opened on the Malvern Hills to extract granite for road making. In 1953 the government of the day decided that extraction should stop and most of the quarries closed, but an exception was made for this quarry and it continued to be worked for another twenty years before closing around 1977.
There are numerous signs about the dangers of wild swimming and every effort has been made to make the quarry inaccessible, however, people foolishly continue to try and access the water to swim. Sadly there are numerous reports of deaths, mainly of young men. In 2020 the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue service told the BBC that there had been 5 deaths in the previous 14 years.
The information board besides the quarry explains the geological structure of the hills. We walk along a track and then as it nears a road turn left to head steadily up Swinyard Hill.
One of the features about walking around the Malvern Hills is the old waymarkers that indicate various routes. We reach one of these and take the route to Giant’s Cave and British Camp.
This is the path we walked down earlier as we descended from the cave and it soon comes into view again.
Continuing on past the cave we reach a point where there are multiple options, we take the route towards British Camp.
The route goes uphill giving good views back across the British Camp Reservoir.
I visited British Camp last November for the first time, on that occasion Lynnie was not with me so it is her first visit and it could not be a better evening for it.
British Camp was originally an Iron Age hillfort and thought to be bonded around the time of the Roman invasion. It was later the location of a medieval castle which was constructed within the iron age ramparts.
The summit of the hill is known as Herefordshire Beacon, this is not the highest point of Herefordshire, but it still stands at 338 metres, or if you prefer 1,109 feet, above sea level and on a day like this the views are panoramic.
In front the northern ridge of the hills stretch into the distance, we plan to walk along that ridge tomorrow and the number of ascents and descents look a bit daunting from here.
We have one last descent on our walk today making our way down the hill back to our starting point in the British Camp car park. It has been a cracking walk covering nine miles, which is shorter than I would normally walk, but there has been 1,555 feet of ascent along the way so not a bad day’s exercise.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
After a couple of weeks walking on and around the Brecon Beacons we have moved site and are now located at Goodleigh Hill CL on the outskirts of Pershore. We visited this site for the first time last November, it was a very cold spell and we decided to return in warmer weather.
Our journey from Llangadog was straightforward and we were warmly greeted by Emily, the site owner. It is always useful to arrive at a site and meet someone happy to share their local knowledge with you. Goodleigh Hill is a relatively new CL and it has been developed well. All pitches are fully serviced on a large hardstanding and on arrival there is a comprehensive information folder which you can peruse at your leisure during your stay.
As soon as we are pitched up it is time for a quick walk from the site. We aim to walk into Pershore to pick up some shopping later so decide to do the walk that formed my morning circuit when we last stayed here.
Leaving the site by the pedestrian access we walk down to the road and the turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill. As the road levels out we take a footpath on the right beside a post box. The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.
This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and Broadway. We go through the field with the hedge to our right to reach a kissing gate.
We now follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham.
On reaching a road in the village we turn left and soon reach a junction of minor roads where we turn left to head back to Pensham Hill. This is a long straight road with very little traffic so easy walking.
As we leave the village we pass the entrance to the village field, apparently in 2000 local residents raised funds to purchase a couple of acres of land for planting with trees and an Orchard creating a recreation area. Such initiatives are great for supporting wildlife habitat and developing communities.
At the entrance to the field is a notice saying that the Bonfire is permanently closed. I am not a fan of bonfires or those that light them on sunny afternoons when folk are trying to relax in their gardens.
A little further along the lane is another sign. Whilst I concur with the sentiments it leads us to wonder why folk would feel the need to use the field as a toilet, presumably it is a frequent occurrence otherwise why put up such a notice. But equally concerning is that someone is lurking behind a tree with a camera just on the off chance that someone might have a desperate call of nature!
We now stay with the road returning back to Pensham Hill and continue straight on going steadily downhill to reach the entrance to the CL. This little route is just over two miles, enough for Crosby to stretch his legs after being in the car for a few hours. Now it is time to pop into Pershore and get some supplies before planning our walks for the next few days.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
The interactive map below shows details of the 80 caravan sites we have visited on our travels. By clicking on the caravan you will see a link to my blogs from that site and a link more details about the caravan site. (more…)
