There are over 3000 miles of public footpath in the
Cotswolds - The Cotswold Way is a well known long-distance footpath,
approximately 103 miles (166 km) long, running the length of this Area of
Natural Beauty, mainly on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment with good views
over the Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham. Walking The Cotswold Way or
part of it is a great way to take in this beautiful countryside and many Hotels
and Bed & Breakfasts are happy to arrange luggage transportation to your
next overnight location.
One of the Views when Walking the Cotswold Way from
Chipping Campden to Broadway
The Cotswold Way walking trail runs from the market town of Chipping Campden
in the north, through many picturesque villages, such as Broadway, Buckland
& Stanton, and close to a significant number of historic sites such as the
Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Hailes
Abbey and many beautiful churches and historic houses, concluding in the south
at the World Heritage City of Bath.
The Cotswold Way has existed as a promoted long distance walk for over 30
years. Following many years of lobbying by the Ramblers Association and others,
its special qualities have been recognised and in 1998 the government approved
its development as a National Trail. The Cotswold Way was formally launched as
a National Trail in May 2007. This designation is a very special one and there
are only a few other Trails in England with this special grading.
Ideal for a short walk or a longer hike - there are so many different routes to
choose from. Enjoy a healthy day out in beautiful scenery and fresh air.
If you think a map or a mapped walks guide book might be useful I have included
links to some of those available on Amazon UK below:
There is a lovely walk from Broadway via Broadway Tower to
Snowshill and then back to Broadway via a different route.The first stage of
the walk is on the Cotswold Way, which climbs Broadway Hill to the tower on its
top. The tower was designed in 1799 by James Wyatt for the sixth Earl and
Countess of Coventry, who lived at Croome Court, near Pershore, but also owned
Springhill Estate at Broadway. The view from the top of the tower includes
Croome Court and is claimed to embrace at least 12 counties on a clear day.
There is an entrance fee for the tower, but the view from the Cotswold Way at
the foot of the building costs nothing. Leaving the Cotswold Way, the walk
continues towards Snowshill along a lane called Buckle Street, (often described
as a Roman road). Snowshill village is close to the halfway point of the walk
and is a good place to take a break, perhaps at the Snowshill Arms. If
Snowshill Manor is open, it’s well-worth the short detour required to
visit it. A beautiful 15th-century house, now a National Trust Property, it
once belonged to Catherine Parr, the sixth wife and widow of Henry VIII.
FACTFILE: Start: High Street, Broadway, grid ref SP095375.
Length: Seven miles/11km. Maps: OS Explorer OL45, OS Landranger 150. Terrain:
Mostly sheep pasture, with some arable and woodland; there is about a mile on a
quiet lane; there are two moderately steep ascents and one quite steep but
short descent. Footpaths: Excellent. Stiles: Four. Parking: Broadway.
Refreshments: Broadway and Snowshill. NB: There is a charge to enter Broadway Tower Country Park but this does not apply to
walkers passing through on rights of way. If you have time to visit the Tower,
as well as offering amazing views, houses exhibitions connected with its past
including a number of well-known owners and occupants one of which was William
Morris, famous architect, designer, poet and revolutionary used the Tower as a
holiday retreat together with his friends Edward Burne-Jones and Rosetti. The
park may be closed in winter but again this does not affect walkers using
rights of way. There is also an entrance charge for Snowshill
Manor, except for National Trust members.
DIRECTIONS: 1) Walk up the High Street until you can leave it on the right on
the Cotswold Way, which is easily followed up Broadway Hill to the tower. Leave
the Cotswold Way and follow another path to the country park entrance. Turn
right along a quiet, tree-lined lane (Buckle Street) and go to the right at two
junctions. 2) Join a bridleway on the right soon after passing the second road
junction. Follow a stone wall to a hunting gate and then go diagonally left
across a field. Pass through another gate and stay on the bridleway until a
footpath branches left by a wall. Follow it to a road and turn right. Keep
straight on at a crossroad, into Snowshill. 3) Pass to the left of St
Barnabas’ church then turn left by the Old Forge. Pass Oat House then take
a footpath on the right which undulates through fields and copses before
climbing to meet a track on Laverton Hill. Turn right. Keep straight on past
Buckland Wood at a junction and you’ll soon find you’re back on the
Cotswold Way, which joins the track from the left near Manor Farm. Follow the
Cotswold Way down to Broadway.
Recommend use of OS Explorer Maps - this walk is based on OS
Explorer OL45. Please note this walk has been carefully checked and the
directions are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. No
responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or
omissions, or for any loss, accident or injury, however caused.
