4. Winchcombe and Belas Knap
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Cotswold Way Circular Walks 4. Winchcombe and Belas Knap This scenic and interesting the other side. Continue to follow little walk takes you from the the signs along the field boundaries Winchcombe B4078 delightfully unspoilt town of until you reach Corndean Lane. Start Winchcombe, along Cotswold Watching for traffic, turn left 1 Way routes old and new, and head up the lane until the Almsbury 2 and up to one of the area’s Cotswold Way branches off Farm most intriguing ancient through a wide gate on the right. monuments, Belas Knap - Carry on up this access road, past y Wa A combination of history the cricket ground on the right, old 7 and scenery that will leave until a fingerpost guides you B4632 you eager to discover more through a kissing gate on your left. Cotsw of the National Trail and Head on up through the middle the inspirational landscape of the rolling green fields towards through which it runs. the woods at the top of the hill. Chipping Campden Wadfield 3 The kissing gate at the top Cor Distance: Grove is an excellent spot to rest awhile Winchcombe ndean Lane 5¼ miles and take in the wonderful views (Shorter route 3½ miles) over the town behind you. Once Duration: you’ve caught your breath, go 3 - 4 hrs (Shorter route: 2 - 3 hrs) through the gate and leave the Difficulty: Cotswold Way to head right, Bath Moderate, some steep sections up the road between the trees. and stiles (If you don’t fancy the last climb up Wadfield to Belas Knap, head along the road 3 6 Farm Public transport: 5 straight ahead to take up the route No. 606 bus from Cheltenham at point 5). Not long after you pass (See Cotswold Way public Hill Barn Farm on your right, turn transport leaflet, or call Traveline left at the fingerpost next to the on 0871 200 2233) Humblebee large oak tree to rejoin the Cottages Start/Finish: Cotswold Way and head towards Grid reference SP024282 the mound of Belas Knap rising (OS Explorer sheet OL45) up at the far side of the field. Hill Barn Postcode GL54 5LL Farm 4 This Neolithic long barrow, 4 Refreshments: 1000 Metres or burial chamber, is surrounded Several excellent pubs and cafes in by many myths and legends. Winchcombe. Public toilets at the The first recorded excavation Cotswold Way and follow the road Sudeley Castle with over a top of Vineyard Street. took place in 1863, and since then for a quarter of a mile until thousand years of royal history and hundreds of human bones have you reach a turning on your left. some of the most magical gardens 1 Start at the war memorial been uncovered, some of which Follow this track, the old route in the country. Continue to follow on Abbey Terrace, opposite the date back over 6,000 years. It is of the Cotswold Way, down past the waymarked path downhill, Plaisterer’s arms. Facing the pub, one of the most intriguing and Humblebee Cottages all the while around and across fields and over turn right and make for Vineyard iconic structures in the Cotswolds, taking in the incredible views stiles, finally passing through a Street. Turn left down this little road and an excellent place to pause eastwards into the heart of the kissing gate onto the road. bordered by picturesque terraced and soak up the past. Leaving Cotswolds. cottages and pollarded trees until the barrow behind, cross over 7 Turn left, and follow the road you reach the stone bridge at the the stone stile at the far side and 6 Follow the path to the right back towards point 2, retracing bottom. continue to follow the Cotswold of the farm buildings and continue your steps back into Winchcombe. Way for half a mile along field between the metal fence and Whatever the time of year, this 2 Just after the bridge, take the boundaries and down through hedge towards the stile at the fascinating, living, breathing town Cotswold Way through the gate woods until you meet the road. end. Again, wonderful views open has a wealth of tea rooms, pubs on your right and cross the grassy up below you, this time over and places of interest ready to meadow in the shadow of St 5 Keeping a good ear out Winchcombe and the stunning welcome enquiring minds and Peter’s Church, towards the gate on for traffic, turn right to leave the weary walkers. Rest and enjoy! Cotswold Way National Trail • Tel: 01451 862000 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.nationaltrail.co.uk Gloucestershire Rights of Way • Tel: 01452 425577 • Email: [email protected].