Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Situated between Old Sodbury and Tormarton, Dodington House is unseen from the
Cotswold Way, although it is only a short distance from the path. Occupying the site
of a former Tudor house, the rather severe mansion (one of the largest of all in the
Cotswolds) was built by James Wyatt in 1795 for Christopher Bethell Codrington, a
man whose great wealth was made on the backs of slaves in the West Indies. The
rolling parkland was landscaped by Capability Brown 30 years before the house was
built, and it is this which brings the Cotswold Way walker another graceful interlude
and the company of game birds scurrying to and fro.
Footbridge in Dodington Park
Cross the road with the utmost caution. The continuing path is signed to
Tormarton and begins next to an old milestone half-hidden on the verge.
Across the field go over a narrow road and continue straight ahead through
the next field with a second lane beyond. Maintain direction through a third
field towards a row of houses, but on joining another road bear left and
a few paces later turn right to cross a final field towards the Church of St
Mary Magdalene. Bear right in front of the church. On coming to a road
junction turn left near the Portcullis Inn in the heart of
Tormarton
(grid
ref: 768787), which has several possibilities for accommodation, as well
as refreshments.
TORMARTON
Tormarton is explored by the route as it makes a dogleg to visit the Church of St
Mary Magdalene. Adorned outside by gargoyles, and within by some fine brasses and
an interesting Jacobean pulpit, the church is Norman, although it is thought a previ-
