Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SECTION 12
Winchcombe to Stanton
Distance
8 miles (12 ½km)
Maps
Harvey's Cotswold Way 1:40,000 OS Landranger 150 Worcester,
The Malverns & Surrounding Area 1:50,000 OS Explorer OL45 The
Cotswolds 1:25,000
Accommodation
Hailes, Wood Stanway, Stanway and Stanton
Refreshments
Hailes and Stanton
Much of this penultimate stage wanders below the scarp face, although above Hailes
Abbey the Cotswold Way climbs onto the Wolden escarpment for a short spell before
dropping down the slope again. This is a peaceful walk, a gentle lowland treasure of
long views and tiny villages, of superb specimen trees and individual buildings that
make you pause and wonder.
The route takes you through Winchcombe into quiet farmland, across a former salt
way and by the side of the ruins of Hailes Abbey (which had a 500-year chequered
history and is worth a brief visit). From Hailes the route goes into orchard country and
up to yet another hill fort site before coming onto an old drove-road leading to Stumps
Cross. Down then to Wood Stanway tucked against the hill, and across more fields to
the tiny village of Stanway, with its Jacobean gatehouse, 12th-century church, great
tithe barn and lovely thatched cricket pavilion set upon staddle stones. The continuing
path cuts through the stately parkland of Stanway House, over a handful of low-lying
fields and into one of the loveliest of all Cotswold villages. Stanton is the prime lure
on this stage. It beckons unseen across the fields, and has the effect of elevating the
walk to a truly memorable outing - even without the day's other attributes, which in
themselves ought not to be lightly dismissed.
Please see map,
Southbound, Section 2.
Entering Winchcombe from Vineyard Street, turn right and walk through
the town along the B4632. On the northern outskirts the road swings right
and then left to cross the River Isbourne. Soon after this you leave it and
turn right along Puck Pit Lane. At first metalled, the lane becomes an en-
closed track. When it ends, cross a stile and walk across a field to a foot-
bridge, and then continue heading north-east over a series of undulating
fields, linked by gates and guided by waymarks, until you come to a track.
Bear left and the track will take you to Salter's Lane (grid ref: 047301)
on the outskirts of Hailes (accommodation). Turn right along this one-time