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What Is the Cotswold Water Park?

What is the Burford Time: 1 hour each 117 route cycle

118 WALK 6a & 6b off–road Glos Wildlife Trust Distance: 3km per walk

Cotswold Water Park? Nature Reserve 121 122 A417 15km PLUS Set in 40 square miles of Cotswold countryside, with more than 119

Coln 119b Country Park 120 150 lakes created by gravel extraction, the Cotswold Water Poulton A417 104 Lechlade Seven Stiles & St John’s walks 105 A361 102 103 101a 102a 106 102 107 Two beautiful short walks through vibrant Lechlade, with quaint shops, cafes and Meysey Park offers a fantastic range of activities for everyone. 101 (Restricted Hampton Hours) 136 125 113 101b Lechlade pubs, then following the National , heading downstream towards St 110 110a 123 Driffield 126 111a 112 124 M5 Johns Lock or upstream through the meadows keeping an eye out for the abundance & Gloucester 111 Cirencester 129 A417 116 115 A417 111b 127 WalkWalk 6 of wildlife such as ducks and swans. Location of walks 1-6 Whelford Pools Nature Reserve 131 114 128 Riverside Park Whelford Faringdon R.Coln Toilets & food seasonal Sustrans Route 45 Gateway to Cirencester Swindon Centre Lechlade Cirencester RAF Fairford

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4242 74a 50a 4545 R. Thames 51 WWalkalk 3 Swindon Map key: 53a 70 Six 92 64 Please note that 47 5757 59 Stile/kissing gate/bridge/steps 53 82 78b Bird hide Picnics Footpath 40 Cricklade whilst every effort has (These may present a barrier to some users) Faringdon 4411 6868c8c Leisure Centre 52 39 Bridlepath/Cyclepath 83 78a been made to ensure that es (May not be suitable for Other paths 58 m Car park Playground Lower Moor Farm 46/4846/48 6868d cycling all year round) Toilets & food seasonal Nature Reserve R. Tha the information contained 94 Fishing 93 (day tickets) Refreshments Cyclepath – hard surface Thames Path National Trail Swillbrook Lakes in this guide is accurate, S Waterhay Nature Reserve will Brook Horsebox Waterhay the Trust cannot Toilets Permissive route Quarries Hide (restricted access) (At discretion of landowner) accept responsibility in respect of errors or Nature reserve Watersports Track Caution Wootton Bassett omissions that may have occurred. (Limited vehicular access)

Sustrans Route 45 Swindon to Swindon Start: Riverside Park At (A), head towards the river until you meet Thames Path at (B). Turn right and walk along 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km path until you reach the road and Ha’Penny Bridge. Go up the steps and turn left, walking WALK 1 Time: 45 mins / 1.5 hrs / 2.5 hrs along pavement over bridge. WALK 1 Tow paths, train tracks and water meadows Distance: 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km Walk 6a – Seven Stiles An easy amble south along the old Thames and Severn , then following the route back When you reach the T junction at (C), turn left and follow the pavement through Lechlade. northwards up the route of the Swindon to Cirencester railway. See map for longer walks. Walk for 300m until after the layby on left (D) there is a footpath signposted ‘Seven Stiles Tow paths, train tracks and water meadows Stroll’. Going through metal gate follow footpath, going through four small fields, over five WALK 2 5.5km An easy amble south along the old towpath, then following foot bridges and through four gates. the route back northwards up the route of the Swindon to Cirencester railway. For a When you reach the road at (E) go straight ahead along road and take footpath on left longer walk follow the tow path down to North Meadow, a National Nature Reserve signposted ‘Roundhouse’ and ‘ and Canal’. Follow the track until you reach the From Bulrushes to Bow Wow (the Gateway to South Cerney) where the largest population of the purple snakeshead fritillaries in the UK abound in river. Bear left to follow the footpath and go over arched footbridge at (F). Turn left and follow

Tracking the route of the canal tow path, past locks and cottages, this walk takes you to South early Spring, and walk across lush green meadows by the banks of the Thames. footpath through field, alongside the River Thames. Turn right at interpretation panel to follow

Cerney. Past Cotswold stone houses, tree lined lanes, into the bustling heart of the village. footpath back to Riverside Park. Park Water Cotswold

5.8km / 7km 3 WALK 3 5b 7 A Wildlife Watch Isis & Windrush 86 300 Rivers, brooks and lakes 5a Gateway Lakeside All the Cotswold Water Park landscapes in one walk, the route begins and ends next to the infant 6 Centre D River Thames, with wonderful wooded walks by the Swill Brook. See optional longer route. 12 Statio St B antio Road n Rd ● Directions... Ce 11 Café by 14 Cerney C rny Wick Lane I WALK 4 14km Spring Wick ● CWP information BY ROAD: M5 Lane From left to right: Water Vole, Flag Iris, Goldfinch and Banded Demoiselle. 10 ● Starting point for M5 Exit J11a M Walking & Cycling Follow A417/9 Cirencester. Three villages walk A361 9 301 4 miles south of Cirencester take 11a A429 A great opportunity to experience three delightful villages of the Western Water Park, and Bridge Walk 6b – St John’s Lock B4696 Spine Road Junction. A417 Spine Road following part of the Thames Path National Trail, as it wends its way from the source at Kemble. E 12 Junction (B4696) When you reach the T junction at (C), turn right and follow the pavement through Lechlade. M4 Exit J15 Cirencester H Follow A419 Cirencester. Stroud A417 At the church, take public footpath to go along left side of the church through graveyard. A419 71 A419 3 miles north of Cricklade take 13 67 F When you get to the small road, cross over to go through kissing gate. Follow the footpath Kemble

B4696 Spine Road Junction. A361 WALK 5 16km / 18km Cerney 97 15 Tetbury A419 Wick along edge of a field, through another kissing gate and along stream/ditches. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A46 B4040 Wickwa ter Lane 14 Cricklade G When you reach the road at (G), turn right to walk along pavement past The Trout Inn. Walk TRAVELINE: B4696 Bike it or Walk it! Swindon 23a along the road over the bridge – please take great care as this road can be busy. Immediately T: 0871 2002233 Take your bikes and a picnic, and seek out some peaceful parts of the 61 Wickwater J W: www.traveline.info Hide after the bridge, turn right to go through a small gate to follow the Thames Path (H). Go past 15 Cotswold Water Park on this great circular off road cycle route. NATIONAL RAIL: M4 20 19 18 17 16 15 M4 St John’s Lock and follow the footpath through gate. Follow path through the field and go T: 08457 484950 60a 75 Reed M32 60 North Meadow through another gate. Walk along path alongside the River Thames for 750m until you reach W: www.nationalrail.co.uk Hide National Nature Bristol WALK 6a 3km 6b 3km Reserve Ha’Penny Bridge at (I). Follow path through the gate to walk under the bridge. Continue along NATIONAL EXPRESS: 95 path next to River Thames. Turn left to head back to Riverside Park. T: 08717 818178 Chippenham M5 Bath Lechlade Seven Stiles & St John’s Lock K W: www.nationalexpress.com Two beautiful short walks through vibrant Lechlade, with quaint shops, 74 Cleveland Lakes L Refreshments: Excellent choice of cafés & pubs in Lechlade. cafes and pubs, then following the Thames Path National Trail. Nature Reserve Who managesBack the Cotswold cover Water Park? Many of the lakes are privately owned by gravel companies, clubs and individuals but a 68 /b large number of lakes are open for public access and activities. Wildlife... Parking... Start: Gateway Centre of lake, to river, go sharp left to follow footpath with river on right. Follow The Cotswold Water Park Trust was set up as a registered charity to improve public access FREE path over footbridge and go through metal gate (D) straight ahead into hotel and to make the Cotswold Water Park a better environment for wildlife and people. is wonderful all year round in the Water Park! is available at the Walk between the Gateway and Cotswold Outdoor, and head along the tow path of the In the summer look out for hobbies, sand Gateway Centre (walks 1 & 2), grounds, and turning left, follow building all way back to Gateway. With a team of staff and volunteers the Trust manages the Gateway Centre, five Nature Thames and Severn Canal (A). martins, orchids, dragonflies and perhaps catch Neigh Bridge car park (walks 3 & 4), Longer route Reserves, six car parks and many miles of footpaths. We also work with mineral a glimpse of water voles and otters. In winter Waterhay car park (walk 5) Riverside Park companies, leisure providers, local businesses, councils and communities to create a Shortest route Continue on tow path to Latton Basin. (J) Turn right at the gate and walk down the drive over 20,000 water birds of 40 different species (walks 6a & 6b) seasonal charge. sustainable future for the Cotswold Water Park. After 700m, (B) at the finger post marker, turn right across small wooden bridge, and along and along a narrow path to the left of the building, then continue along the towpath. At the next visit the lakes, including smew, goosander and Cotswold Water shore of lake to far left corner of field, (C) and go through metal kissing gate. Turn right and point (K) you can enter North Meadow National Nature Reserve, or continue the walk along the If you would like to find out more about the work of the bittern. For up to date information and local Park Trust, please visit the website www.waterpark.org Refreshments... follow footpath with river on right. Cross over river, and pass through metal gate into hotel Thames Path. (NB This route is often flooded and impassable in wet weather.) Follow the sightings check out the website: are never far away on any of these walks! grounds (D) and turning left, follow hotel through car park all way back to Gateway. www.waterpark.org Thames Path along through the meadows until you reach an embankment and up onto the old On each of the walks the location of the nearest Middle route railway track (L) and head right towards the Spine Road (M). Where can I find out more? café/pub is mentioned. GATEWAY VISITOR CENTRE Follow the tow path to Cerney Wick lock and round house, turn right along road, (E) past pub and Lake 6 Spine Rd, South Cerney GL7 5TL Option to explore Cricklade: Leave the main entrance to the NNR and follow pavement into Best foot forward... through stile in hedge opposite. Continue across field, over stile, and cross road to next kissing OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | VISITOR INFORMATION | CAFÉ | Cricklade, and along High Street. Turn right down side of Vale Hotel, past St Sampsons Church, this walks guide offers the chance to explore Countryside code... gate (F). Continue straight through next kissing gate and over stile to reach footpath along edge TOILETS | FREE PARKING | school and fire station, at end turn right then left to Leisure Centre in Stones Lane. Take a footpaths and lanes around the Western & Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs. of lake (Cotswold Sailing Club). Follow footpath across small footbridge into field, along path to footpath to the right of the Leisure Centre, which is the start of the old railway line from T: 01793 752413 E: [email protected] W: www.waterpark.org Eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park . Leave gates and property as you find them. stile, (G) then turn right onto old railway track (and Sustrans National Cycle Route 45), signposted Swindon to Cirencester. This will take you all the way back to the Spine Road. Protect plants and animals and take your litter home. South Cerney and . Ignore first gate on right. Continue along path, and after about Keep dogs under close control. The production of this 500m turn right (H) across small bridge signposted to Gateway Centre. Follow this path to road, Walks Guide has been Consider other people. turn right, taking care around bend to Churn Pool to footbridge on left (I). Follow path along side Refreshments: Great choice of pubs & cafés in Cricklade. kindly supported by Natural England, Four Pillars Hotel and South Cerney Trust.

© Cotswold Water Park Trust Cotswold Water Park Trust Walks Guide has been devised by the CWP Trust and identifies some of the popular routes within the area using Public Rights of Way. If you encounter any problems with any of these walks please contact the Trust office on 01793 752413 or email [email protected] Designed & produced by Design Wall. Thank you to photographers: David Hall, Andrew Parkinson, Dave Kilbey, Andy Rouse, Dave Soons, Andy Sharpe, Richard Tyler, Nigel Gardener, Dave Collins and Jill Bewley. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from CWP Trust. B

Time: 1.5hrs Time: 2hrs / 2.5hrs Time: Approx 3 hrs Time: 2-3 hrs (cycling) WALK 2 WALK 3 WALK 4 WALK/CYCLE 5 Distance: 5.5km Distance: 5.8km / 7km Distance: 14km Distance: 16km or 18km From Bulrushes to Bow Wow Rivers, brooks and lakes Three villages walk Bike it or Walk it! Tracking the route of the canal tow path, past locks and cottages, this walk takes you Experience the various landscapes of the Water Park in one walk. A delightful woodland A great opportunity to pass through three picturesque villages of the Western Water Seek out some of the peaceful parts of the Cotswold Water Park on this great circular to South Cerney. Past Cotswold stone houses, tree lined lanes, into the bustling heart trail by the Swill Brook, then across open meadows to the infant River Thames, and Park, all with their own charm and fascinating past. Why not come back and explore off road cycle ride. If you have time, take a detour to the Reed Hide in the Cleveland of this vibrant village, then back along the old drover's route of Wildmoorway crystal clear lakes. Great wildlife all year round with dragonflies in summer, them further another day? The route follows the Thames Path National Trail as it Lakes Nature Reserve. Suitable for competent cyclists – the route can be rough and (pronounced Wilmer) Lane to the Gateway Centre. nightingales in Spring and a wonderful variety of visiting waterbirds in Winter. wends its way from the source at Kemble to 184 miles downstream. around the Thames Path it can be flooded in times of wet weather.

Churn South D Cerney Thames & Severn Canal Spine Road 32 (under restoration ) Junction Shorncote South 4 Reed Bed Coke’s Pit H Cerney Spine Road R. Ch 1 Nature Reserve 2 84 urn 3 A C 5b 7 34 (West) Thames Path 79 Isis & Windrush Thames & Severn Canal I 13 86 300 Manor 30 5a Neigh Bridge E Lakeside Farm B (under restoration) K 6 Country Park 79a South 12 36 89 Station Road Gateway L J Sta 4 tion Rd Centre Cerney L K 16 31 11 G 18 F 14 CerneyCerny Wick 99 35 Spring Wick LLaa nene ● F 37 19 10 Café by 1 E 87 88 ● 2 18 Bridge B CWP information 3 56 20 G ● Starting9 point for 301 C 5b 7 26 17 Walking & Cycling A 43 M Somerford 91 19 Isis & Windrush A 44 29 Keynes D 32 20 13 26 71 A419 63 65 33 Broadw 67 77 F ay Lane 5a 15 Cerney 97 Lakeside 62 25 21 Wick 50 27 Wickwater Lane 6 49 J Coke’s Pit Spine Road 22 H 2 25 23b 23a 12 Nature Reserve 34 (West) Wickwater Statio 27 61 38 B4696 Spine Road Hide Sta 42 I 30 28a E ntio R (East) oadn Rd 50a 28 75 16 45 36 B4696 60a Reed 11 Clayhill I 60 Hide 14 Ce R. Thames H Fridays rny WickGateway Lane N 99 35 Spring 37 Clayhill 95 Centre 92 96 Ham Lane N G 56 29 B 47 57 76 96 200 10 43 A 44 Ashton 74 40 Keynes 66 76 18 63 77 65 D Ashton M ● Café by 41 9 50 Keynes 66 Cleveland Lakes ● CWP information 49 C Nature Reserve 17 Bridge 69 81 19 ● Starting point for Neigh Bridge 42 38 68a/b 50a Country Park 72 Walking & Cycling 46/48 58 45 74a R. Thames 70 B 92 64 J 20 4 47 57 26 71 K 59 Broa 67 D 40 82 78b dway La 41 ne 39 68c E 52 39 21 15 C Swillbrook Lakes 83 78a F Nature Reserve Swillbrook Lakes 46/48 58 L es Wickwa Swill Broo 68d ter Lane Nature Reserve R. Tham 94 94 k Waterhay 22 93 25 23b 23a Start: Gateway Centre Start: Neigh Bridge Country Park Start: Neigh Bridge Country Park Start: Gateway Centre Start at North East corner of Gateway Centre car park (A) turning left along tow path under At (A) exit from car park to road and turn right, cross over Spine Road and go down Minety From the car park entrance right towards the Spine Road, (A) then left on the path to the Cross Spine Road (A) (slightly right) with care from Gateway Centre following National Cycle Spine Road bridge. Continue along canal tow path, and after 1.50km you will reach Boxwell Lane opposite for 800m – please proceed with caution as road is narrow with no footpath. Thames Path signpost, cross road and follow the lane, with lake on left and River Thames on Network 45 signs. Left onto cycle path following signs and crossing roads (care) until opposite Spring Lock, then a crossroads of track and footpath. Turn left (B) along the tarmac track Turn through wooden gate at entrance to Swillbrook Lakes Nature Reserve on left opposite right. Continue to end of lane, over metal bridge, and stay on Thames Path for 1km, until you Bridge car park at 1.2km. leading to Bow Wow with the and the mill race on either side. At end of lane, (C) small layby at (B). reach main road. (B) Cross over to wooden gate with care and keep straight on with river on Cross road (B) (care) through arches onto bridleway, crossing over at top of Station Road. (C) turn left past pubs and Post Office, and at crossroads turn left along main road passing the left. At end of Church Walk, on corner turn left, then immediately right onto Back Street. (C) Follow narrow path along lake edge, go through small gate at point (C) and follow footpath Follow signs NCN45 for 2.3km, under more brick arches, past houses, along embankment 17th Century cottages on the right. Continue along this road for 750m to (D) and go straight with Swill Brook on right. Continue through wooden gate on right at edge of lake. Follow path At end of road, (D) straight ahead take narrow public footpath past houses. Through two until steep slope down to road. (D) Turn left back into South Cerney past pubs & shops. Bear ahead up Wildmoorway Lane, where the road rises over a railway bridge. to (D), going over bridge to interpretation panel, then path across field. Route turns away from wooden kissing gates, head straight and follow path round between two lakes. Turning left, right, turn right then left at memorial cross (Broadway Lane) (E). Follow the lane, which will soon become a track. Cross over the river Churn (E) and follow the lake, with woods on left. At (E), where trees converge, go into next field and take right hand aim for gap in trees, over stile into Clayhill car park. (E) Leave car park at entrance, cross path through the kissing gate. After 800m you will reach Wildmoorway Lower Lock (F). Turn path around field boundary to footbridge over brook, along Otter Corridor towards Pike Spine Road, turn right for 50m, and take path left at signpost and over stile. Cross bridge on right towards the bridge and the Gateway Centre, passing safely under the Spine Road back to Corner (F) and turn left at interpretation panel. left, short path to the track. (F) Turn right. Wildlife Watch the car park. Follow path straight on, then with interpretation panel on left at (G), go over stile to join Follow track around lake, to grassy path. When track reaches an open area, keep right. (G) At Thames Path. ‘T’ junction, right, over small bridge and under trees. At road, left into village, past shop and Shortest route War Memorial is ahead of you. Turn left here. Continue along road until you reach the bend, Wildlife Watch Upper Up Car park is in front of you. (H) Turn left along River Thames with river on right, ignoring gateway on right, to metal footbridge at (H). Over footbridge turn left along lane to meet Spine Road, and left, cross road Take path across playing field, exit is in top right-hand corner. Through two gates, and cross to Neigh Bridge. road with extreme caution! Gate opposite, follow raised path. This path goes to Shorncote bird hides, may be flooded following wet weather. (I) Continue past the quarrying and following From left to right: Hobby, Glow Worm, Yellowhammer and Great Crested Grebe. path right to end. When you reach the Country Park, (J) turn immediately right along grass Wildlife Watch path inside fence boundary, follow around until paths merge. (K) Keep right at metal gate and through woods, to stile. (F) At end of houses after The Leaze take bridleway on right (wooden motorcycle barrier). From left to right: Tawny Owl Chicks, Black Headed Gull, Cowslips and Noctule Bat. After narrow wooden bridge/400m (G) take immediate left, keep stream on left. Follow grass (L) Then it’s woods-stile-field-stile-field-stile-field-bridge-field-road! Cross over to stile and then gravel track around lake past Whitefriars Sailing Club then tarmac to road. go immediately right through path in woods until stile at next road. Turn left along verge and cross over to stile next to gate. Follow edge of field to next stile, cross over road to next stile, Turn left onto road (extreme caution). Next left (Spine Road), join cycle path after 50m, (H) Refreshments: A variety in South Cerney, including pubs & takeaways. then take path diagonally across the field. (M) At junction of paths, turn right and follow path follow for 800m. Just past Clayhill car park cross road (care) onto bridleway (motorcycle through field gateway, then over narrow footbridge to river and join Thames Path, following barrier). (I) Follow track ahead then right along field edges then through gap in hedge river downstream. Follow path until (N) reach wooden bridge in to northern corner of Neigh (motorcycle barrier), and on permissive bridleway to road. (extreme caution) (J) Cross road on From left to right: Red Crested Pochard, Nightingale, Kingfisher and Common Blue Butterfly. Bridge Country Park, and path to car park. bend to gate and bridleway. (K) (Wet weather alternative: after 200m, take kissing gate on left (Cleveland Longer route Lakes), follow cycle track for 2km to rejoin Thames Path (M) through Wildlife Watch kissing gate on right). Turn right along River Thames. After 450m, left at footpath sign over footbridge at (I) and follow path. (L) Main route: pass kissing gate, left at track junction joining Thames At junction of paths (J), turn left, follow path (not Path following around lakes and river to humped wooden bridge (M). gravel track) keeping Lake 37 on right. Walk (Detour here to Reed hide) The Thames Path is a wonderful 184-mile along bank for 500m – after metal hut turn left (294km) walk and one of only 13 National through gap in the hedge (K). Turn right, follow Continue Thames Path, left at first T junction, right at second T (Elmlea in England. It follows the River Thames from path through scrub. Keep straight ahead to (N) its source near Kemble in the to the Meadow) then left onto Old Railway Line . Follow to main Spine Road, turn From left to right: Tufted Duck, Burnet Moth, Downy Emerald and Lapwing. near in London, gravel track. Turn left then take grass right onto cycle track and retrace route back to Gateway Centre (care road crossings). travelling through some of the finest path immediately on right (L) and follow countryside, including right through to stile in hedgerow onto Spine Road. the heart of the Cotswold Cross road, and turn left back to Neigh Water Park. Bridge Car Park. Refreshments: White Hart, Ashton Keynes. Royal Oak, South Cerney. Refreshments: Gateway Centre

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