Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SECTION 5
Dowdeswell (A40) to Birdlip
Distance
9½ miles (15km)
Maps
Harvey's Cotswold Way 1:40,000
OS Landranger 163 Cheltenham & Cirencester
Area 1:50,000
OS Explorer 179 Gloucester, Cheltenham &
Stroud 1:25,000
Accommodation
Charlton Kings (+ ½ mile (800m)), Little Witcombe
(+1½ miles (2½km)) and Birdlip
Refreshments
Seven Springs, Crickley Hill and Birdlip
Away from the A40 the Cotswold Way enters woodland before angling up onto the
scarp edge once more. Here the route has been much improved, thanks to national
trail status. In the past you had a choice of either following the busy A436, or making
a detour through further woodland and across fields on the way to Seven Springs, but
now the scarp edge is enjoyed a little longer before a new path leads to the Seven
Springs crossroads. From here the way makes a north-westerly curve to regain the
scarp edge, where once again there are magnificent views to enjoy. Along Charlton
Kings Common, past the stubby finger of the Devil's Chimney below Leckhampton Hill,
the route takes you on to Crickley Hill Country Park and its fascinating archaeological
site. From there a final 2 miles (3/km) of scarp and woodland bring you to Birdlip and
the end of this stage.
Having crossed the A40 near The Reservoir Inn follow a footpath winding
just below the road, then curve right on a track leading into Lineover
Wood, which is owned by the Woodland Trust. Slant up the left-hand side
of the trees before entering the woods proper. Mostly surfaced with stone
chippings, the path rises steadily, then mounts a series of wood-braced
steps. Emerging into a meadow, continue up its left-hand boundary to the
top corner.
