Following yesterday’s unsettled weather today’s forecast is for a warm, sunny day so we decide not to wander too far. Crosby is not so keen on long walks in hot weather these days. We have a route in mind which will visit Winskill, but we have an option to shorten it if Crosby is struggling.
Leaving Brigholme Farm CL we turn right and follow Station Road towards Penny Bridge. Before reaching the bridge we turn left into Sandholme Close and soon join the Dales Way as it heads besides the River Ribble on a tarmac path. We soon reach the Giggleswick Memorial Bridge with the converted Kings Mill on the far side of the river. Kings Mill was an old cotton mill built around 1830 by John Proctor.
Instead of crossing the bridge we continue along the path with the river to our right. On reaching Settle Bridge we still keep the river to our right and cross the road to take the footpath which runs beside Settle United AFC’s football ground. There is a match in progress so we watch as we slowly pass the side of the pitch. Formed in 1884, Settle United AFC until recently played in the Craven Premier League which they won on a number of occasions. They now play in the East Lancashire League and their website claims they are highly successful at this level. However, today they look set for a defeat.
After passing the school playing field we go through a wall gate and enter a pasture field following the Dales Way towards Stackhouse Lane.
After going through a couple of fields we reach the lane and turn right and walk along the road to reach Stackhouse Farm. Since we were here last year a new Caravan and Motorhome Club CL site has opened at Stackhouse Farm.
We take a footpath on the right just before Stackhouse Farm, this goes through a gate and follows a walled path towards the River Ribble.
At the river the Dales Way goes to the left, but we take the path leading over a bridge and past a weir.
On the far side of the river we turn right and walk through cottages on either side and then take a path besides the final cottage on the left. This leads to a gate which we go through to walk beside the Mill Pond of Langcliffe Mill.
The High Mill at Langcliffe was built in 1780 and was one of Yorkshire’s earliest and largest cotton-spinning mills. It is still in use today as a paper mill.
We follow the path around the side of the mill to reach the entrance driveway to Langcliffe Park Caravan site. Crossing the driveway we take a walled footpath leading to a footbridge over the Settle to Carlisle railway line.
The footpath leads us to the B6479 which we cross with care and walk into Langcliffe where we stop at the War Memorial to get a drink for Crosby. We decide it is too hot to head towards Winskill so instead opt for the shorter route back towards Settle.
Continuing through the village we pass the Church and former school and continue uphill on the road. Just as the road bends to the left we take a footpath in front of us which goes through a gate and then heads steeply up through a pasture field.
The path turns to head south through fields passing under the limestone outcrop of Blua Crags with views towards Settle to our right.
We keep the drystone wall to our right going through a couple of gates to join a track heading steadily downhill into Settle.
In Settle we head down to the Market Square.
We then make our way back through Settle to the caravan at Brigholme Farm. In has been a pleasant wander on a warm afternoon.
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.
Last year whilst staying at Burnt Ash Farm CL I headed out on a circular walk which took me through Avening. When I later looked at the map I realised a short diversion from the route would have bagged an Ordnance Survey trig pillar. So today we are going to do a variation of the walk but this time seeking out the trig.
We leave the caravan site by the footpath which runs beside the ménage and then heads across paddocks to a stile which we go over and then cross the road to another stile into a field.
We soon reach another stile which is built into a gate. This is a strange feature, I can’t recall encountering any stiles like this elsewhere in the country and we have gone over two in the last two days.
The path now follows the edge of the field heading towards Peaches Farm. At the farm we turn right and follow a track past a stable and into a field.
We reach Lower Peaches Farm and then turn left along a track heading east.
It is a cracking day and as we walk along the track the sky is full of small planes launching gliders into the sky from the nearby Cotswold Gliding Club on Aston Down Airfield. This airfield originally opened as RAF Minchinhampton during the first World War and was used by the Australian Air Corps. After the war it closed but reopened in 1938 with the new name of Aston Down RAF apparently after lobbying from the residents of Minchinhampton who feared if the town was connected to the airfield it would reduce house prices.
In 1967 the Cotswold Glider Club took over the airfield and in 2002 sections of land and the hangers were sold by the MOD for developers to create industrial units.
At a junction of tracks we turn right and head south along a broad grassy track. Overhead the planes and gliders continue to take to the sky. I’m not keen on flying and there is no way I could be persuaded to get into a glider!
Ignoring a footpath on the right we stay on the track to reach a minor road and follow this downhill through a valley.
At a road junction on the edge of Cherington we turn right and head towards Nag’s Head. We are now going to follow the Macmillan Way for a few miles.
Initially the route follows the lane and then at the bottom of the hill we turn left onto a footpath into trees which soon has us walking besides Cherington Pond.
This pond was dug in 1740 as an addition to the Cherington Park deer park which was created in 1730. It is a tranquil spot and we enjoy a few minutes watching the wildlife around the pond.
Continuing our walk we reach a minor road and turn right and follow this lane to reach Nag’s Head. This is one of those villages which is named after the village pub. Unfortunately the Nag’s Head pub closed in the early 1970’s but the pub building is easily identified as we head into the village.
We go through the village and continue along the lane towards Avening and as we go along I think how lucky we are that villages are no longer named after pubs, who would want to live in Slug & Lettuce for example.
However, modern developments do have a tendency to be misleading, why name a housing development which has gobbled up acres of farmland after the farm it has replaced, or name a street on a new development Orchard View, when all you can see is houses that once stood on an orchard!
At a road junction we turn left and follow the pavement into Avening. Opposite the Queen Matilda Pub, which still has its old name the Cross Inn painted on the side, is the William Fowles Memorial. It carries the inscription “William Fowles 1835-1896. This to his memory by those amongst whom he lived and who knew his worth”
Later I set about researching what William had done to deserve this lasting legacy. An edition of the local parish council newsletter in 2015 contains a detailed account of his life. He was the second in a family of nine children. The 1851 census shows him as a 15 year old working for his father as a baker. Ten years later the census shows him as a master baker and Poor Rate collector. In 1863 he became the Parish Clerk, a position he held until his death at the age of 61.
It is reported he died of blood poisoning as a result of wearing coloured socks on feet that had sores. At the time of his death he owned twenty-three cottages locally, so he was obviously a successful business man.
We continue into the village along the High Street and then fork left by the telephone box into Point Road which goes into Farm Hill where we soon turn left onto a footpath which is still part of the Macmillan Way.
After an initial uphill section the path levels out and crosses fields heading towards the B4014.
At the road we turn right and follow it for a short while and then take a footpath on the right which takes us back into fields. At this point we realise that although the footpath does follow the road, the field margin has been left and used by walkers so there was no need for us to have walked along the section of busy road.
Now our route, which is still following the Macmillan Way, heads diagonally across fields towards a minor road which we cross and continue across further fields to reach another minor road close to the entrance to Chavenage House.
We now leave the Macmillan Way and turn right along the road and walk through a fine avenue of trees.
At a fork in the road we go right and then just before reaching Ledgemoor Road Cottages we fork right again onto a track. Besides this track is a notice warning people about shooting across the land. It infers that people proceeding along a public right of way do so at their own risk of being shot.
Perhaps the landowner or person who erected the sign should read the British Associations of Shooting and Conservations guidance on shoots over public rights of way. This states “If a member of public is using a public right of way that crosses or is in the vicinity of your shoot or drive, the member of public has the right to pass and re-pass along the right of way without hindrance. Therefore any shooting should be refrained from until they are at a distance where your activity should not cause any concern. This is particularly important if a bridleway is in use as a horse rider could be endangered by a startled horse. If a member of public approaches a path/bridleway a method for ceasing to shoot should be in place.”
We head along the broad track without fear of being shot, but if we were not confident about walking in the countryside we might have been slightly cautious even though the dates on the notice have long passed.
It is pleasant walking along this track and we soon pass Orange Grove Barn away to our right. Although we cannot see it from here there is apparently a private airstrip located beside this barn.
The track now descends into Ledgemore Bottom and then quickly rises again through Ledgemore Wood before proceeding between fields. After passing a couple of fields I make a slight diversion from the path to wander along the field margin to bag the Ordnance Survey trig pillar at Barton End, this is the 389th trig I have bagged.
Back on the track we continue to head north and soon reach a junction of tracks here. We turn right onto Shiptons Grave Lane. Apparently the lane is named after a local man whose grave lies at the crossroads of Tetbury Lane. It is reported he was executed for stealing sheep to provide for a starving family.
There is no obvious sign of where such a grave might be located and a quick search on the Internet provides no clues, so we head along the lane wondering if it is a rural myth or is there a sheep rustler buried hereabouts.
At the next crossing of paths we continue straight on with woodland to our right and then quickly reach another crossing of paths. Once again we go straight ahead, this time on a fenced path leading to Hazel Wood.
At a junction of paths on the edge of Hazel Wood we pass an information board and take the path in front of us leading downhill through the trees.
I walked through this area of woodland last year and noticed the number of trees suffering from Ash dieback. Since my last visit there has been a lot of forestry work to fell the diseased trees.
Following the path downhill we reach the B4014 road where we turn left to pass the Weighbridge Inn. Apparently parts of this pub date back to the 17th century, at that time the path we have just taken was a packhorse trail between Bristol and London. Then in the 1820’s the road we are on became a turnpike and the innkeeper ran both the pub and the weighbridge for the local woollen mills.
The Weighbridge Inn’s website also boasts about it being the home of ‘the famous 2 in 1 pies’, one half containing a filling of your choice and topped with pastry, the other half home-made cauliflower cheese. It sounds the sort of pie Lynnie and I would both enjoy.
Turning right at a road junction by the pub we cross a bridge and then go uphill. Soon we go through a gate besides a cattle grid and keep heading up towards Ball’s Green. Just before reaching the sign for the village we turn left up a driveway with a fingerpost for a public footpath to Box.
The path follows the driveway and then goes besides a property to emerge as a walled path.
After going through a kissing gate the path becomes a track again and leads us to Box Lane. Here we turn right and follow this quiet lane into Minchinhampton. At a junction we turn right onto Common Road and then head into the centre of town.
After passing the Fish and Chip Shop and the Butchers we turn left into the High Street and wander past the recently refurbished Crown Inn and the fine old Market House. Like many Cotswold towns Minchinhampton was built up around the wool market and the Market House with cattle barriers in the lower part would have been at the hub of the community.
From the Market House we join Butt Street and head uphill away from the centre of town. At a cattle grid with white gates beside it we turn right into Summerfield Road and walk through houses to reach another cattle grid where we turn right to rejoin the lane heading to the old common.
We go over the stile built into the metal gate and cross the field to go over a stone stile into a field and then head back to the caravan site. It has been an interesting walk full of local history
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.
It is another warm day with bright sunshine, so as far as Lynnie is concerned it is definitely a day for an ice cream. Then again with Winstone’s Ice Cream parlour nearby Lynnie would describe most days as an ice cream day.
Last summer we did a walk around a section of Rodborough Common, today’s walk is a slightly shorter version of that walk. In this very warm weather we are avoiding walking up too many hills.
We leave the caravan site by the footpath alongside the ménage and then head across paddocks to join another footpath close to the road. Here we stay in the field and turn right to walk along the edge of the field with the wall on the left.
We cross a stone stile and continue into another field keeping the wall to our left hand side.
After crossing another stone stile the footpath forks. We take the right fork to head through a meadow towards a gate. Going over a stile on the gate we join a track and turn left.
The track soon opens out onto a small common and leads to a residential lane. We stay with the lane to reach the Cirencester Road where we turn left and then quickly reach a crossroads and Minchinhampton Common. We cross the road and head onto the Common.
There are a patchwork of paths on the common, we keep to one running parallel to the main road and then cross a minor road leading into Minchinhampton and continue along the Bulwarks, this is an Iron Age earthworks sweeping around part of the common.
After a couple of hundred yards we reach the main road and cross. On the far side there is a minor road, we fork left away from this on a grassy path across the common heading towards the edge of Burleigh and soon pass a green on the Minchinhampton Golf Course.
The path reaches a minor road and we cross and continue in the same direction over another area of the common. As we near a cottage on the common we take a path on the right leading to a track which we follow to a minor road.
At the road we turn left and follow this lane as it passes properties in Bownham. To our right there are fine views across the Golden Valley.
We stay with this lane until we reach Winstone’s Ice Cream Parlour. Lynnie is a bit of connoisseur when it comes to ice creams and I know from our visit to this area last year she rates Winstone’s highly.
According to their website this is a family business started in 1925 by Albert Winstone after he had been made redundant from his job in Stroud as a French polisher. Initially selling ice creams the business grew and nearly 100 years later the 4th generation of the family continue the business.
This is a popular spot and there are a constant stream of cars pulling up and folk descending on the parlour from all directions. I have learnt over the years that Lynnie has to savour an ice cream, so we sit on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.
Resuming our walk we head uphill to cross a road and then continue on the clear path heading in a northerly direction to reach a milestone beside the main Stroud to Cirencester road.
We cross the road here and follow a path which goes close to the wall of properties in a private housing estate on Rodborough Common.
As we follow the wall around the estate we are treated to some far reaching views.
On our trip to this area last year we walked up the hill from Rodborough Manor, it was a short steep ascent which still lives in the memory. Today looking down towards Woodchester the gradient on the hill makes us realise why we struggled so much.
There are paths leading downhill but we stick with the one close to the wall. It is a well-worn route popular with dog walkers and folk wandering out to take in the view.
As we near the road we head towards the Bear of Rodborough Hotel. Apparently this was built in the 17th century as a coaching inn and has been a popular watering hole for travellers ever since.
We pass the hotel and follow the pavement for a short section until we reach the common once again where we veer to the right and follow a grassy path towards Amberley.
After passing the War Memorial we cross the road and continue on another section of the common through part of Minchinhampton Golf Club. The route now heads towards the golf course clubhouse.
Minchinhampton Golf Club has three courses, two of which are near the village of Avening, but this is the original course, known as the “Old Course”. This course was established in 1889 and although we have seen a few golfers about it is clearly not the most popular of the club’s courses.
After passing the clubhouse we continue heading south beside more golf holes heading to the Halfway Cafe. This cafe is a former pub which, despite a campaign by locals was closed in 2013 and allowed to re-open as a cafe.
We cross the road and then turn left to follow the Bulwarks earthworks heading north parallel to a road.
After crossing a minor road we continue on to the point on the Bulwarks where we had turned towards Burleigh earlier in our walk. From here it is a case of retracing our steps across the common. Along the way we pass a large herd of cows who have settled to chew the cud.
After crossing the road and following the lane to the small common we choose not to cross the gate with the stile, but instead stay with the track until we reach the Cirencester Road where we turn right and follow the wide verge to Burnt Ash Farm.
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.
Last year we spent an enjoyable week at Burnt Ash Farm CL on the outskirts of Minchinhampton exploring areas of the Cotswolds we had not previously visited. There was plenty of good walking and an added bonus for Lynnie was the opportunity to visit Winston’s Ice Cream Parlour on the edge of Rodborough Common. So when looking for a convenient spot for a week away at short notice it ticked all the boxes.
We are dogless this trip, Crosby is staying at home with our son who is back for a couple of months. It feels very odd to be packing the car and not including Crosby, this will be our first trip away without a dog since we started caravanning.
On arrival we quickly get pitched up and are soon out for a short walk to stretch our legs after the journey. We leave the caravan site by the footpath running beside the ménage and then heading across paddocks to join another footpath close to the road. Here we stay in the field and turn right to walk along the edge of the field with a wall on the left.
After crossing a stone stile we continue into another field and keep walking with the wall to our left. After crossing another stone stile the footpath forks.
We take the right fork to head through a meadow towards a gate. Crossing a stile on the gate we join a track and turn left. The track soon opens out onto a small common which leads to a residential lane. We stay with the lane to reach the Cirencester Road where we turn left and then quickly reach a crossroads and Minchinhampton Common.
We cross the road and head onto Minchinhampton 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. Our route heads west with old earthworks and the road running parallel on our right.
On reaching a minor road, Dr Brown’s Road, we turn left to leave the common and walk into Minchinhampton. At a T-junction in the town we turn left to walk along West End leading into the old part of the town.
After passing the Fish and Chip Shop and the Butchers we turn left into the High Street and wander past the recently refurbished Crown Inn and the fine old Market House. Like many Cotswold towns Minchinhampton was built up around the wool market and the Market House with cattle barriers in the lower part would have been at the hub of the community.
From the Market House we join Butt Street and head uphill away from the centre of town. At a cattle grid with white gates beside it we turn right into Summerfield Road and walk through houses to reach another cattle grid where we turn right to rejoin the lane heading back to the common.
From the common we retrace our steps over the gate and through the meadows back to the caravan.
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.
Yesterday we spent a leisurely day and left it until midafternoon to take a wander along the promenade into Brighton. Strolling along we encountered the Brighton Naked Bike Ride, apparently this is an annual event where cyclists discard their clothing and ride through the town to the seafront. Why they should feel the need to do so is beyond me. The naturist beach is fine, call me prudish but I think hundreds of people riding through a town starkers is inappropriate, and I imagine uncomfortable!
Hopefully today appropriate clothing will be worn by everyone we meet. The recent hot spell has resulted in a sea mist providing some respite from the sun. We are walking from the caravan, departing the site it’s still very warm.
We walk through East Brighton Park to reach the road and then turn left and continue on pavements, we cross the main A259 and follow the signpost down to join the Undercliff heading towards Saltdean.
Soon we pass the edge of Brighton Marina. Work began on building the marina in 1971 and still appears to be underway with construction going on at the western end. Apparently there are 1,600 berths provided in the marina with some linked to waterfront houses.
This part of our route is very straightforward, we will be staying with the under cliff walk all the way to Saltdean. The path is shared with bikes, scooters and skateboards, many electric, so we need to be mindful of folk coming up behind us at pace. Of course pedestrians have priority over folk on two wheels, but the speed that some pass us makes it hard to believe they have a duty of care toward walkers.
It is not too long before we reach Rottingdean and the White Horse Inn. We spent a very enjoyable evening there on Friday evening having a pre-wedding get together with friends. The pub was very busy but for some reason there only ever seemed to be one person serving drinks at a time whilst the staff’s main preoccupation was chatting to each other and restocking the shelves with glasses.
We keep heading east along the under cliff walk. The tide is out and the sea mist has kept people away from the seafront so it is very quiet as we walk along.
On reaching Saltdean we pop into the White Cliff Cafe, this was the venue for Saturday’s wedding reception. It was a memorable evening with much laughter and merriment. The only damper on the evening was on our return when I realised I had left my new cap behind. I pop in to see if it is in the cafe’s lost property box. Sadly no sign of the cap, but fortunately a message a few hours later from a friend confirmed they picked up my hat whilst clearing up on Sunday.
Resuming our walk we leave the under cliff walk and follow the path up to reach the A259 and turn right to continue heading east until we reach a memorial which was unveiled in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Turning away from the sea we cross the main road with care and join a footpath going through a gate onto Telscombe Tye, this is an area of common land owned by Telscombe Town Council. We follow a path that heads in a northerly direction across the grassland.
The sea mist is still reducing visibility but as we walk away from the coast it starts to clear and immediately the temperature rises. Just after passing a fenced dew pond we turn left and follow a path besides a track heading towards a house on the horizon.
On reaching a gate we go through and then stop to admire the far reaching view behind us.
Resuming our walk we go right and pass through another gate and then follow a track besides a field heading in a northerly direction again.
After going through another gate we take a slight diversion from our route and walk up a track towards a covered reservoir and then follow the fence around the reservoir to spot the High Dole Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar within the fenced enclosure.
Returning to the track we pass a footpath on our left. Within another 100 yards we reach another path on the left and take this to descend from Highdole Hill towards Pickers Hill Farm.
Reaching the farmyard it is a bit confusing where the route goes. The footpath is between farm buildings and then through a gate but the route is overgrown. We spot someone walking down a wide track in the field next to the path and assume this is one of those places with an unofficial diversion so we follow the well-worn path up High Hill.
It has become very hot so nearing the top of the hill we stop for a drink and admire the view behind us.
Halfway up the hill the official footpath route joins the field we are in and as we reach the top the way markers direct us through a gateway and then along a track.
At a junction of paths near a horse paddock we turn right and go across a field towards a gate. From here there are stunning views across the South Downs.
At the gateway we turn left and join a tarmac track heading south to pass Balsdean Farm, the track becomes a minor road which leads into Rottingdean. At a road junction in the village we turn right and follow the pavement until we reach a footpath sign on the left. This path is along the driveway to a playing field.
We cross the field and take a footpath uphill onto access land on Beacon Hill. We are back near the coast and have entered the sea mist so the temperature has dropped again.
On the access land we keep heading in a northwesterly direction on a clear path to reach a gate onto a road in Ovingdean. Now we keep going in the same direction and head through the village on Longhill Road. At the end of this road we turn right into Ovingdean Road and head uphill, soon reaching a track on the left which takes us towards Mount Pleasant.
At a gate on the left we enter an area of open access land and wander across to visit the Ordnance Survey Mount Pleasant Trig Pillar, my 387th trig bagged.
Returning to the track we soon take a path on the left which heads steeply downhill to a junction of tracks where we turn left. We follow the track to reach another junction where we once again turn left and then soon take a track on the right. This track almost immediately forks, we go to the right and follow the path as it gradually ascends Red Hill with a golf course to our right.
At the top of the hill the path goes across East Brighton Golf Course and we take a short diversion to visit our third Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar of the day.
Returning to the footpath we continue across the golf course to reach a gate which leads onto open access land in East Brighton Park. There are a network of paths and tracks on this area of downland. We steadily descend the hill with views across the park in front of us.
After going through a gate we go down steps and soon reach a car park besides the Pavilion Cafe.
In 1913 Brighton Corporation purchased 1000 acres of land in the parish of Ovingdean. Sixty acres were set aside to create this park area which has football and cricket pitches. An area is occupied by Whitehawk Football Club and Brighton College also rent an area for playing fields.
In 1968 areas of the park were transformed to replicate the trenches in the Battle of the Somme for scenes in the film “Oh! What a Lovely War”.
Leaving the car park we turn right and follow the driveway to reach the caravan site and complete our fourteen mile walk.
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.
It is unusual for us to stay on a Caravan Club main site during the summer. The majority of our stays when travelling are on the Club’s network of CL sites. Occasionally during the winter we use a main site because of the hard standing and their location. This stay in Brighton is to enable us attend a friend’s wedding party in nearby Saltdean and when booking we decided to stay a few extra days to explore in and around Brighton.
The wedding party is late on Saturday afternoon giving me time to head out for a walk before catching a bus to the party venue. As usual it is my preference to walk from the caravan so I head off from the site and follow the entrance driveway until I reach a car park for the East Brighton Park Pavilion and Cafe.
In 1913 Brighton Corporation purchased 1000 acres of land in the parish of Ovingdean. Sixty acres were set aside to create this park area which has football and cricket pitches. An area is occupied by Whitehawk Football Club and Brighton College also rent an area for playing fields.
I follow a route through the park passing the pavilion cafe and then at a junction of paths turn left and follow a route that gradually ascends the downs. I have views across the cricket pitches and further on towards the sea.
Staying with the path northwards I can soon see the Brighton Racecourse grandstand on the horizon. Racing has been taking place on this course since 1783 when the Duke of Cumberland held the first public race day.
My route continues steadily uphill with houses and the railings of the racecourse in front of me.
At a gate I cross the racecourse, it is all quiet today but when we arrived yesterday there was a race meeting going on and it was a busy scene as we crossed the racetrack on the road leading to the caravan site.
On the far side of the course I turn left and follow a wide grassy margin besides Warren Road and then after a couple of hundred yards cross the road and walk along to Drove Road where I turn right and pass a livery yard. This lane soon becomes a footpath and passes along the back of houses heading towards the B2123.
After crossing the road there is a junction of paths besides a parking area and information board for Woodingdean. I take the path which runs beside the road and soon pass a South Downs National Park sign
This well-made path is shared with cyclists and horse riders. Today I only encounter a couple of cyclists as I wander along.
At a crossing of footpaths I cross the road and join a footpath heading westward along Falmer Hill.
The path follows the field margin and then goes to the right to meet a crossing of routes. Here I go left and follow a track heading west to reach a gate. Here at a fork in the path I go right to follow the fence line heading steadily downhill towards East Moulescoomb.
After going through a kissing gate I follow paths down steps through a housing estate in East Moulescoomb to reach Hodsgrove Lane heading towards the A270.
After crossing the main road at traffic lights I turn right to walk away from Brighton and soon reach an area of grassland in North Moulescoomb. Walking across the grass I reach a small parking area and then take a footpath on the left which goes up steps overlooking a sports ground.
It is a hot day and this is a long series of steps as I head uphill to reach houses on the edge of Coldean. I turn left and follow a housing estate road for a couple of hundred yards to reach a footpath on the left which I take and continue uphill across downland towards Hollingbury Hillfort.
Behind me is the Amex Stadium home of Brighton and Hove Football club since 2011. The story of their departure from the Goldstone Ground, their home since 1901, started when the board sold the freehold of the stadium to a property developer in effect making them homeless. The club then played in various locations including at Gillingham and at the Withdean Athletics Stadium.
For those into their football trivia it was at the Goldstone Ground that David Beckham made his first team debut for Manchester United in 1992 when he came on as a substitute in a League Cup second round tie.
I keep going uphill until I reach a junction of paths besides an information board. Here I turn left and follow a footpath running parallel to the hillfort and then at a junction of paths turn right to head up through the ramparts of the fort and head towards the Bronze Age barrows.
Hollingbury Fort also known as Hollingbury Castle is an Iron Age hillfort with far reaching views across the South Downs and out to sea. It is easy to see why it would her been chosen as a location, unwanted visitors could be spotted from miles away.
I head across to reach the Hollingbury Castle Ordnance Survey trig pillar which sits on the ramparts on the west side of the castle. This is the 385th trig I have bagged.
The hillfort is surrounded by Hollingbury Golf Course which leases the land from Brighton and Hove Council. It looks a pleasant spot to play golf on a summer’s day, but I expect it can be pretty bleak up here in the winter.
From the trig I follow the ramparts to the south and then take a permissive path across a fairway to join a waymarked permissive route heading south downhill through the golf course.
At the bottom of the golf course the path goes to the left and then through trees to reach a footpath. Here I turn right and follow a path leading to a housing estate in Hollingdean.
My route through the housing estate keeps heading south towards a ‘B’ road where I turn left and pass under the railway line. I continue to a junction with the main A270, turning right to walk through the outskirts of Brighton towards the seafront.
It is rare for my walks to take me through towns but it makes an interesting change to be walking in an urban area. There are plenty of interesting buildings to look at, many of which appear to be owned by the University and of course there is the famous Royal Pavilion.
This is a former Royal Residence and was built in three stages commencing in 1787 for George, Prince of Wales, later to become King George IV. It is a very unusual design and was used by royalty until Queen Victoria, who disliked Brighton, and instead had a seaside residency at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
On reaching the seafront at the Pavilion Pier I turn left and follow the promenade. Brighton seafront on a sunny day is too busy for me. Fortunately as I head along it gets less crowded but it is still not my type of walking.
At steps I head up to the main Marine Parade and follow this to Marine Way where I turn left and head north following the road to the entrance to East Brighton Park. From here I walk through the park to return to the caravan site. My walk has covered twelve and a half miles and my timing is spot on to prepare for the party.
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 yesterday’s exploits with flooded brooks Lynnie has decided that a wander into Pershore is more attractive than the proposition of venturing far today. I have decided to walk from the caravan site again and plan to do a variation on a walk I did during our last stay at Goodleigh Hill CL.
Leaving by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill and continue until I reach a road junction where I turn left and follow the lane out of the village on the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way.
Soon the lane turns into a farm track and the route continues between fields with the snow still covering the top of Bredon Hill in front of me.
After passing junctions with two other paths the map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field, however, clearly a route around the edge of the field is well walked so rather than damage crops I follow the field margin to reach a footbridge over a stream.
The path now goes to the right and then left around the edge of a recently ploughed field and then turns to the right to walk a grassy path besides the site of a former golf course currently being turned into a mobile home park.
After going through a kissing gate the path descends to the River Avon where I turn left to head along a broad grassy path beside the river. The river level is still very high, but hopefully there will be no more rain today.
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 left and walk along the pavement to pass the village War Memorial.
I ignore a road on the left which leads back to Pershore and continue a few hundred yards to where the road bends sharp to the left, here I go through a gate in front of me and follow a path across fields towards Little Comberton.
As I near the village I cross an old ridge and furrow field which is being grazed by sheep. Ridge and furrow fields are a consequence of ploughing with non-reversible ploughs on the same strip of land each year. They are found on land that was ploughed in the Middle Ages, but has not been ploughed since then. It is always a treat to come across one on a walk.
The footpath heads diagonally across the field and enters the village by a stile. This leads to a path between properties and then reaches a road in the village where I turn right towards a crossroads where there is a village information area. This logs the history of the village and serves as a reminder that communities had a whole range of services that no longer exist. The list includes a dairy, bakery, laundry, forge, cheesemaker, post office, shops, petrol station as well as the village policeman and district nurse.
I continue my walk by turning into Manor Lane.
After passing the church I turn left along the pavement and then take a footpath on the right leading into a field.
St Peter’s Church dates back to the 12th century and over the years there have been many additions to the original structure. In 1871 the then rector Reverend William Parker paid for a clock to be installed in the tower which still chimes the hours. In 1886 major restorations were undertaken to create the church as it now stands.
I follow the well-used footpath alongside fields heading east toward Bricklehampton,. Away to my right I get a glimpse of Bricklehampton Hall behind trees. This is an interesting Italianate house built in 1848 which, has now been converted into a care home.
Arriving in Bricklehampton I turn right along a road to reach St Michael’s church and take a footpath through the churchyard. This Norman church was restored in 1875. It has started to drizzle so I decide to press on rather than take a look inside.
Apparently Bricklehampton lays claim to having the longest village name in England that does not repeat any letters.
From the back of the churchyard the path heads east across a field and then alongside horse paddocks to reach a minor road. At the road I turn left and head north to pass Lower Field Barn. As the road bends sharp left at Lower End I take a bridleway on the right.
I stay with this track until I reach a footpath on the left that follows 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 right and then almost immediately take a footpath on the left which goes besides Rowlings Nurseries.
The path goes over a field and then crosses a footbridge and then at a junction of paths I continue north to enter Cropthorne where I turn right along the road and soon pass Holland House which is a Christian retreat.
Further up the road I pass St Michael’s Church. I have previously visited this church which has a number of interesting features, but today Crosby and I are both wet and muddy so I decide not to go in.
From the church 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 flood waters in the meadow mean I have to take a circuitous route to reach a gate in the corner of the field close to the mill.
The oldest part of Fladbury Mill dates to 1650 when Fladbury Lock and weir was built to make the River Avon navigable. In 1888 electric turbines were installed in the mill which used the power of the river to provide electricity to some houses in the village. By 1900 two turbines were installed and these provided enough electricity for homes and street lighting.
The mill is now in the ownership of the Society for Protected Buildings (SPAB) , it was donated to them in 2021 in a bequest from the then owner David Wynn.
I turn right along the road and pass the mill and then take a brief diversion to look across the flooded river towards Cropthorne Mill. This mill was built in the early 18th century and operated as a mill until the 1930’s.
Continuing through the village I pass the Anchor pub and the Fladbury Pie Shop which is opposite the 1340 St John the Baptist church.
I then pass the Social Club and almost immediately 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. I’m on the 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 past farm buildings and then west to cross a minor road. The waymarked route heads towards a static caravan park. The path is clearly signed and passes 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, 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 past 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 to 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.
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 the snow a couple of days ago we have had overnight rain, but today’s forecast is pretty good so hopefully the wet weather gear can stay in our rucksacks. We have done a number of walks in the local area on previous trips to Goodleigh Hill CL, but so far have not explored much to the north of Pershore. Today I have plotted a route visiting a couple of the local villages we have not visited.
We leave the caravan site and follow the pavement towards Pershore. Just after crossing the River Avon we turn left on a footpath and go down steps to enter a meadow. It is noticeable how much higher the river is today compared to late yesterday afternoon.
We have joined the route of the Millennium Way. This 100-mile long distance path goes between Pershore and Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire and we follow this section beside the River Avon heading in a westerly direction.
After passing a copse and crossing a bridge over a stream we ignore a footpath on the right, instead continuing by the river.
At the next junction of paths by a footbridge over a stream, the Millennium Way turns to the right, we continue alongside the river on the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk, a five-mile circular walk around Pershore.
After crossing a couple of footbridges the waymarked path turns to the right heading towards houses sat above the A4104. Reaching the road we go through a kissing gate and turn left to walk on the wide roadside verge and then cross with care at a way-marker to head into Tiddesley Wood.
We follow the Pershore Bridges Walk way-markers 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 they are 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.
At a crossing of footpaths I had intended to go straight on to cross Bow Brook. However, the route looks flooded and on closer inspection there is no safe way of crossing.
A quick look at the map shows there is a relatively straightforward alternative route which will soon have us back on our intended path. So we take a footpath over a stile and head north along the edge of the woodland.
We stay with this path through an orchard of neglected plum trees and at a junction of footpaths on the northern edge of the woods we turn left over a stile and then continue north through another orchard towards a minor road.
At the road we turn left crossing Besford Bridge and then almost immediately cross a stile on the left to follow a footpath heading uphill across fields.
We stay with the path to reach another minor road which we cross to join a grassy track heading west.
At the end of the track we continue straight on across a field and then at the hedge line reach a junction of paths and turn right rejoining the Millennium Way. We now follow this clear path across fields towards a minor road.
At the road we turn left, staying with the Millennium Way along the road for just under half a mile before turning right on a footpath to keep with the Millennium Way as it crosses fields.
This path brings us to another minor road which we cross and take a footpath leading into Croome Perry Wood. This is a well-used path along the edge of the woodland.
The path leads to the edge of the village of Wadborough. We continue straight on through the village passing the Masons Arms. A couple of hundred yards after the pub we take a footpath over a stile on the right.
There is a choice of paths, our route is the path keeping the hedge line close to our right. After crossing another stile we continue past a horse’s paddock to reach yet another stile.
We now turn right along a minor road and then just before reaching houses on the left take a footpath going along the edge of a field behind the houses.
We are still on the route of the Millennium Way and keep with this path as it skirts around the edge of the field and then heads north towards Hawbridge.
In Hawbridge we turn left along the road and pass a closed down restaurant and then take a footpath through an old metal kissing gate on the right. The path heads across a field with chickens roaming free and then crosses a stile to go down steps to reach the B4084. We cross the road with care and take a footpath opposite which leads into an area of shrub.
The path then crosses a field to reach trees, there are several paths here, we choose one that goes beside a stream.
At a junction of paths near the north edge of the woods we turn right crossing the stream and then follow a well-worn muddy path along the edge of the woods.
After going through a gate we go east along the edge of a field heading towards Windmill Farm. The path goes on a track between farm buildings stabling horses to reach a lane where we continue straight on.
At a junction with the B4084 we turn right and before reaching Thorndon Farm take a footpath on the left leading into a field. We head east to reach a crossing of paths where we turn south towards Drakes Broughton.
After crossing a footbridge we are tempted to continue straight on along a well-worn route, however the map shows the footpath goes to the left besides a stream so we follow this route and then cross another stream to keep along the edge of a couple more fields to reach Drakes Broughton.
In the village we turn right and soon pass the Old Oak pub. Perhaps it’s just me, but the modern signage on an old pub does nothing to entice me through the door.
At a junction beside the church of St Barnabus we turn left into Walcot Lane.
We now head out of the village along the lane. After passing the last house on the right we take a footpath through a kissing gate beside a barn to enter a field.
After crossing a couple of fields we reach a lane and turn left soon passing Broughton Farm. The lane starts to head downhill and at the entrance to Bow Brook Farm we turn into the driveway and take a footpath on the right which goes through a gate and heads east through sheep pasture.
After going through a gate our route should descend to cross Bow Brook at Gig Bridge. However once again our route is blocked by the flooded brook.
Luckily an alternative route is available, so we turn left and follow the flooded river northward.
Just as I am feeling confident that this route is going to be fine we encounter a stretch where the river has flooded the path. Fortunately there is a fence along the edge of the field which we are able to use to keep above the water line.
The path then goes through another gate and heads uphill to reach a minor road at Walcot Farm. We now turn right and follow the lane past the farm and continue to reach a ford across Bow Brook. I am relieved to find there is a footbridge beside the ford which allows us a safe crossing.
Nearing what should be the ford we see a van which has been caught in the flood water. We assume the water has risen significantly since the van got stuck as it would have been foolhardy to try and go through water this deep.
Later I read this ford is notorious for people getting stuck and needing to be rescued and in 2007 a County Court Judge lost his life whilst attempting to drive through the ford.
Despite the potential hazards of this location it does look spectacular on a day like today.
After crossing the brook we continue up the road to the edge of Pershore. At a junction we turn right to head back into the centre of the town. Our diversion to gain access across the river means we are just over a mile from where I had planned to enter the town, but at least we have kept our feet dry.
Back at the caravan we reflect on what has been an interesting walk. The planned route was just under twelve miles, but with all the diversions we have walked a couple of extra miles!
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.
A good book has captured Lynnie’s attention so Crosby and I are venturing out on our own today. It is an essential part of our packing to ensure the caravan contains a sufficient number of books to open a small library. Both of us have a bit of a book habit and can’t be trusted to walk out of a charity shop without having acquired more reading material. The idea of an undisturbed day to read is, therefore, ideal as far as Lynnie is concerned.
I am walking from the site with a rough idea of a circuit but no clear route planned. I refer to days like this as “jamming about”, I just go where the mood takes me. As long as I’ve a flask of tea and some lunch there is no need for a strict route.
Leaving the site by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill and continue until I reach a road junction where I turn left and follow the lane out of the village on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way.
Soon the lane turns into a farm track and the route continues between fields with the snow covered Bredon Hill in front of me.
After passing junctions with two other paths the map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field, however it is clear the route around the edge of the field is well walked so rather than damage crops I follow the field margin to reach a footbridge over a stream.
The path now goes to the right and then left around the edge of a recently ploughed field and then turns to the right to walk a grassy path besides the site of a former golf course currently being turned into a mobile home park.
After going through a kissing gate the path descends to the River Avon where I turn left and head along a broad grassy path besides the river.
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 to walk into the village and then fork right by a telephone box to continue through this attractive village.
At a way-marker for a footpath to Nafford I turn right following the path to a wooden gate which I go through and continue downhill.
I am still on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, this is an eighty-eight mile long distance trail following the River Avon from its source at Nasby in Northamptonshire to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.
At the foot of the hill I go through another gate and then follow the path as it turns to the right and heads through a field of sheep pasture.
After another gate into a field I get fine views over the River Avon.
Keeping the fence line close to my left I continue through the field and then descend to reach a footbridge over a stream. Over the bridge I cross a field to a gate and another field. The path heads towards Nafford House and then after going through a kissing gate reaches a minor road.
I keep straight on to pass Nafford House and then take a footpath on the right heading downhill to reach the River Avon at the sluice gates.
Crossing the sluice gates I reach Nafford Lock which makes the River Avon navigable at this point. According to the Avon Navigation Trust’s website it was back in 1636 when William Sandys of Fladbury came up with a plan to make the river navigable from Tewkesbury to Stratford. In the 1830’s the Worcester and Birmingham Canal company leased the river, but like many canal companies suffered from increased competition from railways.
By World War II the route was barely navigable but in 1950 restoration commenced and by 1962 the Lower Avon Navigation was reopened to Evesham and then in 1974 it reopened all the way to Stratford.
Crossing on a swing bridge I continue to the weir over the Avon.
After crossing the weir I had intended to turn left and follow the footpath towards Birlingham, however, I spot a permissive path way-marker and follow this to the right heading towards the river. The permissive path then enters a field beside the river.
This path is not marked on the map so I am unsure where it will lead me. But then as luck would have it I meet a chap walking in the opposite direction who explains that the path follows the river for a few miles and then heads back to Birlingham via Woodfield Farm. Comfortable in this knowledge I continue along the path.
This is pleasant walking with nobody else about as I follow the frequent way-markers.
The river is very tranquil and there are cracking views of it as the path heads north.
After crossing a footbridge over a stream, with a plaque saying it’s “Baker’s Bridge” I decide to stop for lunch in a spinney which has a great outlook over the river.
I am soon heading along the river on the opposite side of the bank from where I was walking earlier as I headed to Great Comberton.
The land in this area is mainly used for growing vegetables and there are extensive irrigation systems which use water pumped from the river. To facilitate the extraction of the water, pump houses sit close to the river.
I stay with the river until reaching a fence into a field, here the permissive path goes left towards Woodfield Farm which has a number of static caravans, presumably used by agricultural workers.
After passing the farm I reach a road where I turn right and walk along it heading west. I ignore a minor road on the left and carry on to a T-junction turning right and then almost immediately take a footpath on the left, initially through trees, to reach an open area and then continue through a field.
The path joins a driveway passing properties and then continues along a track.
Near the end of the track I take a footpath on the right way-marked to Upper End.
This path leads along the hedge line of a field to reach a minor road where I cross and continue on the hedge-lined footpath besides a property. At a kissing gate the path enters an old orchard, Rough Hill Orchard, and turns left with good views across to the River Avon.
Rough Hill Orchard is owned by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and contains 30 old apple trees, 65 young apple trees and 25 plum trees. Apparently on this site nineteen nationally scarce species insects have been recorded.
Initiatives like this are great for the environment and educating people on the importance of maintaining habitats for flora and fauna.
The path leads to an information board beside a gate. Here I leave the orchard and cross the busy A4104 with care and follow a path into Tiddesley Wood.
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 planted coniferous trees making it a commercial woodland. Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust they are in the process of clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.
The path leads through the trees to reach a track where I turn right and head down to reach the A4104 again. I cross and take a way-marked footpath on the far side turning left to walk along the grassy verge to reach a kissing gate leading into a field where I head towards the River Avon.
At the river I turn left and follow a path beside it heading back towards Pershore.
It has started to rain, but luckily I don’t have far to go. After walking besides fields the path goes along the edge of a copse and then reaches open land. I keep by the river and climb steps at the end of Pershore Bridge to the road where I turn right across the bridge.
At a road junction I turn right and walk the short distance back to the pedestrian entrance to the caravan site.
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.
When we arrived at Goodleigh Hill CL yesterday it was a cracking afternoon, but overnight the weather has changed and the predicted cold wintery spell has arrived. I had planned for us to walk on the Malvern Hills today, however the fall of snow in the early hours has put Lynnie off. So instead we are going to walk from the caravan and head onto Bredon Hill.
We walked to the top of Bredon Hill on our first stay at this site, but today’s route to and from the summit will bit different. Leaving the site by the pedestrian access we walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill. As the road levels 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.
The path leads to a minor road where we turn left and walk through the village. At a junction of roads we continue straight on.
At the end of the lane we turn left, still on the route of the Wychavon Way and follow the farm track which passes glasshouses at Sandilands. After passing a barn which is being converted into a home we reach a junction of paths. Here we turn right still on the route of the Wychavon Way. The map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field but there is a permissive path around the field edge which we choose instead. When 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. We reach a point where the footpath goes through bushes, when we walked this path last year the path was overgrown and impassable, 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 we turn to the right and the path soon turns besides the River Avon and we continue along with the river on our right.
Through a gate we keep going along a broad grassy path besides the river.
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 we turn right to walk into the village and then fork right by a telephone box to continue through this attractive village.
At a way-marker for a footpath to Nafford we turn right following the path to a wooden gate which we go through and continue downhill.
We are now on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, this is an eighty-eight mile long distance trail following the River Avon from its source at Nasby in Northamptonshire to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.
At the foot of the hill we go through another gate and then follow the path as it turns to the right and heads through a field of sheep pasture.
After another gate into a field we get fine views over the River Avon.
Keeping the fence line close to our left we continue through the field and then descend to reach a footbridge over a stream. Over the bridge we cross a field to a gate and another field. The path heads towards Nafford House and then after going through a kissing gate reaches a minor road.
We turn left along the road to reach a junction where we turn left and then within fifty metres take a minor road on the right, Woollas Hill, going towards Woollas Hall. After passing Woollas Hall Farm we reach a gate by a cattle grid, here the footpath continues on the tarmac drive still heading towards Woollas Hall.
At a crossing of paths we leave the tarmac driveway going over a stile and continuing uphill on a grass path. We have now rejoined the Wychavon Way and it has started to snow.
We reach a gate besides a cattle grid and continue along a track until we reach a junction, here the footpath goes to the right into a field and the route is well waymarked as it ascends the hill.
After going through a gate the track heads uphill towards trees.
We go through another gate and quickly reach a junction of paths where we turn left and follow a broad path in the shelter of trees.
Leaving the trees we are exposed to the full force of the wind and snow. It is suddenly a bit bleak and the visibility is significantly reduced. We go through a gate and continue to Parsons’ Tower.
The tower was built in the mid 18th century for John Parsons, he was the local MP and squire at nearby Kemerton Court, apparently he intended to use it as a summer house so he could enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside.
The tower sits on the edge of an Iron Age hillfort known as Kemerton Camp, we are unable to see any of the fort because of the poor visibility.
Our route continues in a north easterly direction to reach a toposcope, I recall from our last visit enjoying some good views, however we can’t even see Parsons’ Tower from here.
From the toposcope we continue in a north easterly direction to reach a stone wall and then continue on the Wychavon Way with the wall to our left.
After passing through a gate we continue along to reach a junction of paths where we fork left staying with the Wychavon Way as it descends to a crossing of paths at which point we turn left to follow a path heading north downhill towards the edge of Doctor’s Wood.
The path leads to a pasture field which we cross to reach Comberton Wood.
In the woods the route descends steeply on a path, which has been well used by horses, and then reaches a track where we go right. Soon the track leaves the trees and heads downhill between fields.
We stay with the track at a crossing of paths and then at the next junction of paths turn left on a bridleway with a well-hidden fingerpost pointing towards Great Comberton.
We keep with the bridleway to Great Comberton, it is easy to follow, passing through a couple of fields to join a track into the village.
In the village we turn right at a junction and reach the telephone box and then go right before taking the left into Quay Lane leading us back towards the River Avon at Comberton Quay.
We are now on the route we covered earlier in the walk and turn right to walk along the grassy area besides the river. This time at a junction of paths we turn right to walk beside the site of a former golf course which is being turned into a mobile home park.
We go through a kissing gate and follow the grassy path besides the fence line and then reach a recently ploughed field. The path is waymarked and continues on the muddy margin with the field edge on our left to reach a footbridge over a stream.
After the bridge the map shows the footpath crossing a field, but it is clear from the worn route that locals use the field margin, so we turn right and then at a hedge line turn left and continue uphill to reach a track.
Staying with this track, which is the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way we head back to Pensham Hill. At a road junction we turn right and continue along to reach the pedestrian entrance to Goodleigh Hill CL.
Our walk has covered just over eleven miles and despite the wintery conditions and poor visibility on Bredon Hill it has been a very enjoyable bit of out.
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.
