Walking at Winchcombe in the Northern Cotswolds Tuesday 21 June to Friday 24 June, 2016 Winchcombe is an unspoilt market town nestled amongst the hills of the northern Cotswolds. Dating from Saxon times it has an interesting old church, a castle with lovely gardens, and quaint old inns and shops. It can boast being the first “Walkers are Welcome” town in the Cotswolds and is considered to be the “Walking Capital of the Cotswolds”. What makes it special is that no less than seven named walking routes actually pass through Winchcombe. These are: the Winchcombe Way, the Wardens Way, the Gloucestershire Way, the Wychavon Way, the Windrush Way, the Isbourne Way, and finally the Cotswold Way. Having so many well-marked footpaths with a variety of pastoral scenery in the vicinity makes Winchcombe a great base for a selection of both shorter and longer car-free walks. Getting There By car, it is a 145 mile drive to Winchcombe via the M4, Severn Bridge, M5 to Junction 9, and A46, A4077, & B4078 to Winchcombe, taking about 3 hours allowing for a rest stop. If you’d prefer to leave the car at home, it is apparently possible to make the journey by train/bus in about 5 hours (Daily trains from Carmarthen to Bristol Parkway train station, then by train to Cheltenham Spa train station, then by bus to Royal Well bus station, & finally by bus to Winchcombe.) Walking Programme We plan to walk in the Winchcombe area in June 2016 over four days. Three of the walks start in Winchcombe, and we will use coach transport from Winchcombe for only our linear walk on Thursday. On each of the four days there is a choice of a shorter or a longer walk. (Note that the shorter walks do require some extra transport.) For all of our walks (except some shorter versions, as noted below) we will meet at the Back Lane Pay & Display car park (£1.00 all day) which is, unsurprisingly, on Back Lane in Winchcombe. On Thursday, a booked coach will take us all from this same car park to Bourton on the Water, which is a short journey by road. The exact cost will depend on the number of participants, but it will be less than £5 per person. Tuesday, 21 June You have a choice of a 7 mile (330m of climbing) or an 11 mile walk (380m of climbing). For the 7 mile walk, you may choose to first shuttle your car(s) less than 3 miles down the B4632 to the free car park at the Cleeve Hill Golf Club so that you will have transport back from there at the end of your walk. Otherwise, you can ring a taxi for the 3 mile journey back to Winchcombe when we reach the Golf Club. Another alternative is catching the local bus (Marchant’s Coaches) which stops at the Cleeve Hill Golf Course at 14:59, 16:45, and 18:00 and arrives in Winchcombe 6 minutes later. Both the 7 mile and the 11 mile walk group will leave the Winchcombe car park together at 10:00 am; walking south on the Winchcombe Way through rolling farm country. We will stop to visit the ancient Belas Knap Long Barrow and then continue on the Winchcombe Way to Cleeve Hill, to enjoy wonderful views to the south and west. Those doing the shorter walk can get transport back to Winchcombe once we reach the Cleeve Hill Golf Club, while the rest of us drop down into Elder Grove, passing Postlip Hall, and continuing downstream alongside the River Isbourne to the impressive Postlip Mill. The riverside path then joins the Cotswold Way for a short saunter back to Winchcombe. Page 1 of 10 Wednesday, 22 June There is a choice today of walking either 5 miles (200m of climbing), or 10 miles (340m of climbing). Those doing the shorter walk can enjoy a second cup of coffee before making their way (an easy 3 mile car journey) to meet the rest of the group around 11:00 am at the Hailes Abbey (free) car park. Those on the longer walk will leave the Back Lane car park at 10:00 and follow the Winchcombe Way north to Hailes Abbey to join those who have gone there by car. Everyone will then continue on the Winchcombe Way north to Wood Stanway. Here we will pick up the Cotswold Way and climb to our high point of the day (277m). Now those on the shorter walk will continue walking on the Cotswold Way back to their car(s) at Hailes Abbey, while the rest will continue south to intersect the Gloucestershire Way which we will follow past Monk’s Hole and Fluke’s Hill back to Winchcombe. Thursday, 23 June Today you have a choice of either an easy 8 mile walk (220m of climbing), or a 14 mile walk (430m of climbing). We will all meet our booked coach at the Back Lane car park for a 10:00 am departure for the short drive (13 miles) to Bourton-on-the-Water - the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. From here we will all follow the Warden’s Way through the Cotswold countryside passing through charming villages of Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, and Naunton before reaching Guiting Power. Here those doing the shorter walk can visit the pub and arrange their taxi back to Winchcombe. The longer walk will continue on the Warden’s Way, passing through lovely Guiting Wood and on past Sudeley Lodge, and passing through the grounds of Sudeley Castle before finishing back in Winchcombe. Friday, 24 June You have a choice of a 7 mile (180m of climbing) or an 11 mile walk (630m of climbing). For the 7 mile walk today, a short (2 miles) drive to Gretton will reduce the overall walk length by 4 miles. Have another cup of coffee, drive to Gretton and meet the group for a 7 mile walk. Those on the longer walk will leave the Back Lane car park at 10:00 and follow a local path to join the Wychavon Way over Langley Hill and down to Gretton to meet those who have driven there. We will all then cross level farm fields on the Winchcombe Way to the village of Alderton. From here we will continue on the Winchcombe Way, pausing to check out the 15th century Hobnails Inn, and on to Dixton Manor. From here those on the shorter walk can continue along a road back to their car(s) at Gretton. The rest of us will follow a different route back over Langley Hill to return to Winchcombe on the Gloucestershire Way and Wychavon Way. Evening Meals We will arrange bookings for evening meals as a group on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings for those who wish to join us. The tentative plan is as follows: Tuesday Evening: Plaisterers Arms, a village pub with real ales, ranked #6 on Trip Advisor Website: http://www.plaisterersarms.co.uk/ Reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186294-d1057886-Reviews-Plaisterers_ArmsWinchcombe_Cotswolds_England.html Wednesday Evening: White Hart Inn, a 16th century inn, pub grub, ranked #8 on Trip Advisor Website: http://wineandsausage.whitehartwinchcombe.co.uk/ Sample menu: http://wineandsausage.whitehartwinchcombe.co.uk/images/WHW_Sample_Function_Menu.pdf Reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186294-d8491216-Reviews-The_White_Hart_InnWinchcombe_Cotswolds_England.html Thursday evening: Corner Cupboard, a 15th century village pub, real ales, ranked #4 on Trip Advisor Website: http://www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk/ Reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186294-d1073267-Reviews-The_Corner_CupboardWinchcombe_Cotswolds_England.html Page 2 of 10 We will book spaces for everyone who wants to eat together on those evenings. Closer to the date I will confirm the details and circulate menus so that we can pre-order our choices for speedier service on the night. Accommodation Staying in or close to Winchcombe would be most convenient, as all of the walks start in town. In booking B&B accommodation you may find it helpful to ring the Winchcombe Tourist Information Centre, a locally run office with very helpful and friendly staff. I have listed some of the local accommodation to give you an idea of what is available, but do ring the Tourist Information Centre for more help. The TIC is open 10 am to 4 pm daily from April to the end of October, but note their limited (weekends only) winter hours: Winter opening hours (November to the end of March): Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays 10 am to 3 pm. Winchcombe Tourist Information Centre (01242 602925) The places I have rung are grouped in four categories – B&Bs, Hostels, Self-Catering, and Caravanning or Camping. Look at the individual websites for photos and further information on many of the places. There are far more places than I have listed so if nothing here appeals to you, contact the Tourist Information Centre. A word to the wise is to Book Early! Several of the places I called are already partially booked for our week in June 2015, so for the best selection don’t delay. B&Bs This list includes inns, private homes and farms. The first five places are in the town of Winchcombe, and the remaining nine are listed in order of distance from the centre of Winchcombe. The rates shown are all per night, but you may be able to negotiate a better rate for a stay longer than one night. Plaisterers Arms Abbey Terrace, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5L Telephone: 01242 602358 Website: http://www.plaisterersarms.co.uk/ Email: plaisterers.arms@btinternet.com A pub situated in the centre of Winchcombe Rated on Trip Advisor #8 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe 4 ensuite rooms – 2 Doubles and 2 Twins Double occupancy £65, Single occupancy £40 White Hart Inn High St, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5LJ Telephone: 01242 602359 Website: www.whitehartwinchcombe.co.uk Email: info@whitehartwinchcombe.co.uk 16th century inn situated in the centre of Winchcombe Rated on Trip Advisor #6 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe 8 ensuite bedrooms and 3 'Ramblers' rooms (shared facilities) Double occupancy from £75 (ensuite), or from £50 (shared bathroom) Single occupancy from £65 (ensuite) or from £40 (shared bathroom) Page 3 of 10 One Silk Mill Lane – not taking advance bookings for 2016 (I left it here to let you know) Silk Mill Lane, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5HZ Telephone: 01242 603952 eMail: jenny.cheshire@virgin.net Situated in the centre of Winchcombe and Rated #3 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe They are doing extensive renovations in 2016 and don’t know when they will be ready to reopen Wesley House High Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5LJ Telephone: 01242 602366 Website: www.wesleyhouse.co.uk Email: enquiries@wesleyhouse.co.uk A pub situated in the centre of Winchcombe Rated by Trip Advisor #4 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe Four double bedrooms and 1 Twin, all with ensuite shower rooms, Double occupancy £85 (Mon to Thurs) and £95 (Fri to Sun), Single occupancy £70 (Mon to Thurs) and £85 (Fri to Sun) Blair House 41 Gretton Road Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5EG Telephone: 01242 603626 Email: chissurv@aol.com A short walk to the centre of Winchcombe A private home rated by Trip Advisor #7 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe 1 double ensuite; 1 large twin room with washbasin (shared bathroom), 1 small double (shared) There is a sitting room for guests on the ground floor Double occupancy £75 (ensuite) or £70 (shared bathroom), Single occupancy £50 (shared bathroom) Sudeley Hill Farm Sudeley Road Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5QA Telephone: 01242 602344 A farm ¾ of a mile from Winchcombe Rated by Trip Advisor #2 of 3 Specialty Lodgings in and around Winchcombe 1 Double ensuite and 1 Twin ensuite Double occupancy £70 (for a stay of 4 nights or more), Single occupancy £60 Byways B&B Market Lane, Greet, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5BJ Telephone: 01242 604860 or 07860 824291 Email: info@Byways-House.co.uk Website: www.Byways-House.co.uk In the village of Greet, less than 1 mile from Winchcombe. Stunning country views and just a short walk to the local pub and GWR Steam Railway Two double rooms (king or twin as you prefer) with private baths - packed lunches and lifts are also available Double occupancy £70, Single occupancy £55 Page 4 of 10 Old Station House B&B Greet, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LD Telephone: 01242 602283 Email: old_station_house@hotmail.com Jenny and Norman Collier Former station master's house set in an attractive garden about 1 mile from Winchcombe Guest lounge with open fire, home baked afternoon tea on arrival 1 Double room (ensuite) and 1 Double room (private bath) Double occupancy £68, Single occupancy £40 Manor Farm B&B Greet Gloucestershire GL54 5BJ Mrs Janet Day Telephone: 01242 602423 Email: janet@dickandjanet.fsnet.co.uk About 1 mile from Winchcombe 2 Double rooms and 1 Twin, all ensuite Double occupancy £85, Single occupancy £65 Ireley Farm Bed & Breakfast Ireley Road Winchcombe GL54 5PA Telephone: 01242 602445 Website: http://www.ireleyfarm.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=7 Email: nadine@ireleyfarm.com About 1 1/2 miles from Winchcombe Rated by Trip Advisor #9 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe 3 large ensuite rooms (2 doubles, 1 twin) with stunning views on a working farm Double occupancy £64, Single occupancy £32 Postlip Hall Farm B&B Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5AQ Telephone: 01242 603351 Website: www.smoothound.co.uk/hotels/postlip Email: valerie-albutt@btconnect.com About 2 miles south of Winchcombe Rated by Trip Advisor #5 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe Absolute peace and quiet guaranteed, yet just a few minutes by car to Winchcombe 2 Double (King-size beds) rooms ensuite and 1 Double room with private facilities Guest lounge and relaxing garden to enjoy with countryside views Double occupancy £75, Single occupancy £60 Page 5 of 10 Elms Farm, Gretton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL54 5HQ Telephone: 01242 620150 or Mobile: 07881876298 email: roseandmartyn@gmail.com Website: http://www.elmsfarm.info/ About 3 miles from Winchcombe in a newly built farmhouse Rave reviews on Trip Advisor 1 Double and 1 Twin room available both ensuite, plus a twin with private bathroom Countryside views, hot tub in the garden which guest may use Landlady will drive guests (for free) to and from Winchcombe Double occupancy £90 (ensuite) or £80 (private), Single occupancy £70 (ensuite) or £60 (private) North Farmcote B&B David Eayrs North Farmcote, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5AU Telephone: 01242 602304 Email: davideayrs@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://www.northfarmcote.co.uk/ About 4 miles from Winchcombe on a working family farm Rated by Trip Advisor #1 of 12 B&B’s in and around Winchcombe 1 twin ensuite, 1 twin with private bathroom, 1 double ensuite The rooms are non-smoking and equipped with television, radio, hairdryer, and hospitality tray. Large garden where guests can have afternoon tea on the terrace enjoying the views Double occupancy £95, Single occupancy £60, free parking Gautier B&B 12 Church Road, Alderton, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8NR Telephone: 01242 620343 or Mobile: 07787 504872 Email: johnandsueparry@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://www.gantier.co.uk/1679.html About 4 miles from Winchcombe – hosts will deliver & pick up guests to & from Winchcombe for walks Rave reviews on Trip Advisor 1 Double ensuite and 1 Double with private bath Double occupancy £75, Single occupancy £45 Self-Catering There are a number of self-catering flats, cottages, & houses in and around Winchcombe, some quite large (and expensive). Here is a taste of what’s available in smaller cottages. Stableyard Cottages Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5NY Telephone: 01242 602603 Email: winchcombeholidaycottages@gmail.com Located 1 mile from Winchcombe near the little village of Greet Four different holiday cottages in the quiet grounds of a private home All have lounge, kitchen, bathroom, and 1 bedroom Weekly rentals from £210 per cottage Page 6 of 10 Anvil Cottage View & Book at: https://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/winchcombe/1715329 Located in Winchcombe Lounge, kitchen,1 bedroom, bathroom plus a small, sunny front patio / herb garden Allocated parking space within the courtyard. (A rarity in Winchcombe!) Available for our week when I looked (£400 per week – weekly rate only) The Vine – a luxury house wing View & Book at: https://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/accommodation/p8147381 Located in Winchcombe Sitting room with kitchen & dining, bedroom suite,& bathroom Landscaped terrace with views on open countryside Available for our week when I looked (£400 for 5 nights, but more or fewer nights available) Holiday Cottage in Winchcombe View & Book at: https://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/accommodation/p8147411 Located in Winchcombe Lounge with log fire, kitchen & dining room,1 bedroom suite,& deluxe bathroom Patio garden with table & chairs off the kitchen Available for our week when I looked (£350 for 5 nights, but more or fewer nights available) Wold Cottage View at: http://www.follycottages.co.uk/ Email: maggie@follycottages.co.uk Telephone: 0771 263 2686 Located in the centre of Winchcombe Sitting room with living gas fire, dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms & bathroom Patio and garden to the rear Available from £425 per week The Cottage View & book at: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRentalReview-g186294-d5019515-The_CottageWinchcombe_Cotswolds_England.html Located in Winchcombe Living room, kitchen with dining table, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom No garden. Street parking or use nearby car park (free overnight) Available in June – from £60 per night There are lots more self-catering choices. If you are interested contact the Tourist Information Centre or look online on Trip Advisor. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRentals-g186294-Reviews-Winchcombe_Cotswolds_EnglandVacation_Rentals.html Hostels I couldn’t find any hostel accommodation near Winchcombe. Page 7 of 10 Camping or Caravanning These are listed in order of distance from Winchcombe. Manor Farm Greet Gloucestershire GL54 5BJ Mrs Janet Day Telephone: 01242 602423 Email: janet@dickandjanet.fsnet.co.uk About 1 mile from Winchcombe 6 camping pitches £6 per person: 4 Caravan pitches £16 per night, with electric hook-ups Oak Peace Camping Field Just off the B4632, between Winchcombe & Cleeve Hill Tel: 07969 623654 (logs for sale sign) About 2 miles from Winchcombe A large, quiet camping field with toilets (no other services) £10 per unit per night Hayles Fruit Farm Hailes, Gloucestershire Telephone: 01242 602123 Email: info@haylesfruitfarm.co.uk Website: http://www.haylesfruitfarm.co.uk/home/ Less than 3 miles from Winchcombe Caravans, motorhomes and tents are welcome. 12 hard standings with electric hook-up are available for Caravans / Motorhomes - all with ample room for an awning (if required) and parking for one vehicle. £19 per night for 2 people with electric hook-ups or £16 for 2 without hook up Tents are situated in a separate section of the field. £8 per person per night. Full facilities with a Toilet ⁄ shower block, Chemical disposal point, ‘Washing up Station’, as well as a Farm shop - including a camping convenience corner, and a Restaurant ⁄ Tearoom Winchcombe Camping and Caravanning Club Brooklands Farm, Alderton, Gloucestershire GL20 8NX Telephone: 01242 620259 Website: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk About 4 miles from Winchcombe Caravans, motorhomes and tents are welcome. Members and non-members welcome From £8 per person per night Full facilities Page 8 of 10 Local Information and Services Winchcombe Tourist Information Centre This is a very helpful place to book accommodation and make inquiries about the area. The centre has a wide range of ideas for walks including leaflets, guide books and maps as well as postcards and mementos. High Street, Winchcombe Gloucestershire GL54 5LJ Telephone: 01242 602925 Website: http://tewkesbury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1790 Email: winchcombetic@tewkesbury.gov.uk Map of Winchcombe http://www.ukmapsz.co.uk/winchcombe.html This one gives you an interactive street map of Winchcombe. Zoom in or out to see different scales, and pan around to explore the area. Taxi Service: “Taylor Private Hire” A local family taxi business Tel: 01242 603651 Mobile: 07814 570876 Website: http://www.winchcombe.co.uk/directory/item/taylor-private-hire-taxi The fare from Guiting Power back to Winchcombe is £11 shared by up to 4 people. (Re: Thursday’s short walk). Winchcombe Welcomes Walkers http://www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/home/index.asp This website for visitors to Winchcombe gives you lots of information in one place. Winchcombe Tourist Information and Travel Guide http://www.cotswolds.info/places/winchcombe.shtml Another site with lots of links for local information. Visit the Cotswolds http://www.visitcotswolds.co.uk/contentok.php?id=570 Another site to explore on a rainy day. Nearby Places of Interest Sudeley Castle http://www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/ Sudeley Castle is still a private home, but has lovely gardens and areas of the historic castle which are open to visitors. It is also a popular wedding venue, and has eleven self-catering cottages to let. It is located on the outskirts of Winchcombe, and we will walk past it on Thursday’s walk. Winchcombe Antiques Centre http://www.winchcombeantiquescentre.co.uk/ This gets great reviews from visitors to Winchcombe who enjoy antiques. Winchcombe Heritage Museum http://www.winchcombemuseum.org.uk/police.html A small local museum located over the Tourist Information Centre. St Peter's Church http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/glouces/churches/Winchcombe.htm Christian worship began in Winchcombe in Saxon times. The earliest reference to the church is in 1175 when its close association with the abbey that once stood to the east of the church is described. The present building dates from 1468, and remains externally very much as it was when it was built. The exterior features 40 comic and grotesque gargoyles. It is located close to the centre of the town and open daily from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Page 9 of 10 Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway http://www.gwsr.com/ Situated between Winchcombe and Toddington, approximately 2 miles from Winchcombe, the GWR is an allvolunteer steam and diesel heritage railway with over 10 miles of track between Toddington and Cheltenham. There is a timetable of services and special events including steam and diesel galas, visits by Postman Pat, Thomas the Tank Engine and Santa Specials. Belas Knapp Long Burrow http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belas-knap-long-barrow/history/ Built about 3000 B.C. the barrow is approximately 178 feet long and 60 feet wide, and nearly 14 feet in height. It is a chambered barrow with a false entrance at the larger northern end. We will visit and explore this site on Tuesday’s walk on our way to Cleeve Common. Cleeve Common http://www.cotswoldjourneys.com/cotswolds-guide/cleeve-common/ The common covers 1000 acres and is the highest point of the Cotswold Hills (330m). There are spectacular views across the Severn Vale to the Forest of Dean, Malvern Hills and to the Black Mountains in Wales. It is the site of an Iron Age hillfort as well as a pay & play golf course. The common is an extensive area of unimproved limestone grassland on the Cotswold escarpment, most of it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We will walk across Cleeve Common on Tuesday’s walk. Stanway House and Fountain http://www.stanwayfountain.co.uk/ The highest gravity fountain in the country is located at this beautiful Jacobean manor house. It is, located at Stanway approximately five miles from Winchcombe. The Stanway Fountain rises to over 300 feet, making it the tallest fountain in Britain, the tallest gravity fountain in the world, and the second tallest fountain in Europe, after the 400-foot-high turbine-driven fountain in Lake Geneva. Hailes Abbey http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hailes-abbey/ A ruined Cistercian Abbey situated two miles from Winchcombe. It was founded in 1246 and became a site of pilgrimage. From the proceeds, the monks of Hailes were able to rebuild the Abbey on an extensive and elaborate scale. The abbey was one of the last religious institutions to acquiesce following the Dissolution Act of 1536, on Christmas Eve 1539. Managed by English Heritage, National Trust members admitted free. We will go past this site on Wednesday’s walk, but will not go inside. Hailes Church http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/hailes-church Across the road from Hailes Abbey is Hailes Church, which contains some magnificent 13th-century wall paintings of saints, coats of arms, and hunting scenes. Snowshill Manor http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden Snowshill manor is a most interesting National Trust property about 9 miles from Winchcombe. Cotswold Farm Park http://www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/ The Farm Park is about 10 miles from Winchcombe. It was created in 1971 to protect rare breeds of farm animals. Page 10 of 10