Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cross the road with great care and go through a gap in the drystone wall
opposite. Walk straight ahead along the right headland of a large field,
and on reaching the far corner cross a private road. Through a gate take
a track rising into Wistley Grove. At the top of the slope turn left on an
enclosed path, which now leaves the wood and takes you round two sides
of a large hilltop field, then along the scarp edge with huge views to enjoy.
The way brings you alongside Wistley Plantation on Wistley Hill, where you
then bear left near a seat that exploits the view, and take the continu-
ing path that angles down the steep scarp slope to its bottom right-hand
corner.
SEVEN SPRINGS
Seven Springs is often claimed to be the source of the River Thames, although this is
a moot point since it's the River Churn which begins here, and that is only a tributary
of the Thames. The springs leak from the water table beneath Hartley Hill and may be
found a short distance down the A436 in a tree-clad hollow north of the road.
Pass through a gate and a group of trees, then walk down towards Old
Dole Farm. On the way you come to a waymark post where you bear right
to find another gate leading into Lineover Wood. Draped on the scarp slope
this is an ancient woodland first mentioned in documents of the ninth cen-
tury.
The path through Lineover Wood is obvious and waymarked. It makes
a steady rising traverse, comes out through a gate and cuts round a field
corner to another gate. It then descends along the boundary of a meadow
before re-entering the wood to descend a number of timber-braced steps.
The path continues to lose height, finally spilling out at the A40 almost op-
posite a tall grey building overlooking
Dowdeswell Reservoir
.
DOWDESWELL RESERVOIR
The reservoir was created in the late 19th century by damming the River Chelt up-
stream of Charlton Kings, in order to supply the needs of fast-growing Cheltenham.
Despite its close proximity to the Cotswold Way, it is barely glimpsed by passing walk-
ers.
Take the path on the left winding downhill below the road towards The
Reservoir Inn. Just before the pub cross the A40 with great care, descend
