Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SECTION 6
Dursley to Middleyard (King's Stanley)
Distance
6½ miles (10½km)
Maps
Harvey's Cotswold Way 1:40,000
OS Landranger 162 Gloucester & Forest of
Dean Area 1:50,000
OS Explorer 167 Thornbury, Dursley & Yate, and
168 Stroud, Tetbury & Malmesbury 1:25,000
Accommodation
Uley, Middleyard and King's Stanley
Refreshments
None until King's Stanley
The modest distance covered by this section belies the energetic nature of the route.
There is much height to be gained and lost - the crossing of a classic outlier, Cam
Long Down, and the ascent and re-ascent of the steep scarp face. There are inter-
esting archaeological sites, both on the route and a short distance from it, woodland
walks, and yet more extensive views to enjoy.
Out of Dursley one is at first lulled into a sense of ease with a series of meadows and
low-lying field paths, but then comes a steep climb up Cam Long Down with a superb
view from the top, followed by a sharp descent that leads to the foot of the main scarp
face. A sunken track takes you almost to the top of this near the earthworks of Uley-
bury promontory fort, then a short traverse is made before dropping through trees to
the foot of the slope once more. Having reached the low point, you then have to re-
ascend once more to Frocester Hill, pass the Nympsfield long barrow, and plunge into
woods for a long up and down traverse of the scarp before heading down to Middle-
yard and King's Stanley, south-west of Stroud. It's a fine walk, constantly interesting,
varied and scenic.
Please see map,
Southbound, section 8.
From the Market House in Dursley bear left and walk down Long Street,
leaving it when the road makes a left turn by a building named The Priory.
Veer right here on a lane that becomes a drive leading to The Chestal, a
large house at the head of parkland. Coming to this parkland, go through
a kissing gate on the left and angle across the meadow (the way was not
clearly defined during research) towards its top left-hand corner where
you will find a gateway leading into a very small meadow. Across this veer
slightly right to enter a larger meadow where you now keep ahead along-
