Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Colgate Farm. Cross the farm drive, through yet another kissing gate, and
onto an enclosed path among trees. This narrow footpath leads alongside
Dowdeswell Wood Nature Reserve - full of colour in springtime with an
abundance of bluebells and white-starred ramsons (wild garlic) forming
vast carpets among the trees. The path is very steep in places, and greasy
in wet weather, when you will need to exercise caution, but a number of
steps have been cut into the slope to ease the gradient.
Near the foot of the slope
Dowdeswell Reservoir
may be seen to the
left (grid ref: 987197). At the time of writing, a cottage on the right (Lan-
gett) offers refreshments and accommodation for Cotswold Way walkers
(see
The Cotswold Way Handbook & Accommodation List
for up-to-date
information). Beyond the cottage cross a sluice and follow a stony drive.
Shortly after this curves to the right, go through a gate on the left and
climb a slope to the A40. Cross the road with care to the left of The Reser-
voir Inn.
DOWDESWELL RESERVOIR
Dowdeswell Reservoir was created in the late 19th century by damming the River
Chelt, upstream of Charlton Kings, in order to supply the needs of the fast-growing
town of Cheltenham. Despite its close proximity to the Cotswold Way, it is barely
glimpsed by passing walkers.
