Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
onto Edge Common, and over a crossing path ascends the slope among
scatterings of silver birch (a bird-happy stretch). Coming onto Scottsquar
Hill, you gain a charming view of Painswick gleaming white, backed, far
off, by the folds of green and pleasant hills.
Cowslips and several varieties of
orchids and herbs grow here, and the hillside attracts a population of various butterflies.
Scottsquar Hill bears the scars of old quarries, and between the hilltop
and a narrow lane to the west, the continuing path rises and falls among
its rough undulations, finally leaving the common by way of steps leading
up to a country lane. Cross this and go straight ahead where the way is
signed to Haresfield Beacon. A narrow path descends through Stockend
Wood (National Trust owned) and brings you to a farm track where you
bear left. After passing two or three houses the track narrows, and then
continues through more woods. (Being a bridleway, this track can be quite
muddy at times.) Eventually you come to a narrow lane where you main-
tain direction, and almost immediately have more fine views to the right,
across an indented coombe drained by Daniel's Brook, to the curving es-
carpment in the east. Scattered below, among the soft green meadows,
typical Cotswold stone cottages and farms appear toy-like in the distance.
About 350 metres along the lane come to Cliffwell Cottages on the left,
named after the well in its stone-built housing nearby.
The inscription on the
well-head is worth quoting: 'Whoer the Bucketful upwindeth, let him bless God, who wa-
ter findest. Yet water here but small availeth. Go seek that well which never failest.'
A path goes between the well and the cottage hedge and rises into Cliff
Wood. The path curves round the scarp edge, and often grants lovely
views between the trees. On a bend in the track you pass a stone com-
memorating the raising of the Siege of Gloucester on 5 September 1643
by the troops of Charles I.But why this commemorative stone should be
called Cromwell's Stone is unclear.
