Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SECTION 8
Middleyard (King's Stanley) to Dursley
Distance
6½ miles (10½km)
Maps
Harvey's Cotswold Way 1:40,000
OS Landranger 162 Gloucester & Forest of Dean
Area 1:50,000
OS Explorer 168 Stroud, Tetbury & Malmesbury,
and 167 Thornbury, Dursley & Yate 1:25,000
Accommodation
Uley and Dursley
Refreshments
None until Dursley
This short stage is strenuous in places, with a fair amount of height to be gained
and lost. There are interesting archaeological sites to be seen, more extensive views,
woodland walks and that finest of all outliers, Cam Long Down, to be crossed.
Climbing out of Middleyard, the way soon plunges into beech woods for a long tra-
verse of hillside, but when it finally emerges onto Frocester Hill near the Nympsfield
Long Barrow, a splendid open panorama comes as a welcome gift. Cam Long Down
and Cam Peak (or Peaked Down according to the Ordnance Survey) are seen clearly
from here: two isolated hills (outliers) that have become separated from the main es-
carpment, they appear like landlocked islands rising from the Vale of Berkeley to the
south-west. The route passes near Hetty Pegler's Tump, another Neolithic long barrow,
and Uleybury promontory fort which was created during the Iron Age. Short diversions
are recommended to look at both these ancient sites. The waymarked route slopes
down the steep scarp face, then cuts westward to make the ascent of Cam Long Down,
before descending by a cross-country route into Dursley, a busy little town wedged
between the wolds.
Where the path brings the Cotswold Way into Middleyard beside King's
Stanley Baptist Church, turn left and walk along the road for about 50
metres, then cross to the right into a very narrow drive beside Rosebank
Cottage. When it curves a little to the left, branch right on a continuing
drive, passing a house and coming to an enclosed footpath rising steadily
among trees. The path brings you to a sloping meadow which you cross
diagonally to its top right-hand corner. Turn left on a metalled lane, and
a few paces later take an enclosed path halfleft ahead to pass Brushwood
Cottage.
