Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SECTION 9
Dursley to Wotton-under-Edge
Distance
7 miles (11km)
Maps
Harvey's Cotswold Way 1:40,000
OS Landranger 162 Gloucester & Forest of
Dean Area 1:50,000
OS Explorer 167 Thornbury, Dursley & Yate 1:25,000
Accommodation
North Nibley and Wotton-under-Edge
Refreshments
North Nibley and Wotton-under-Edge
The way continues to explore the western edge of the escarpment, with wide vistas
that include the River Severn and Forest of Dean. There's a section of low-lying farm-
land to cross, but in itself this is as interesting as the scarp edge. By contrast with the
previous walk, on this stage there is only one prehistoric site - the hill fort of Brack-
enbury Ditches. This is to the south of the lofty Tyndale Monument, built to commem-
orate the life of William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English.
From Dursley a steep climb through woodland leads onto Stinchcombe Hill, where a
circuit of the plateau is made which reveals one of the finest of all Cotswold panora-
mas. Then follows a descent over an agricultural landscape to the little village of North
Nibley. Another climb takes you back to the escarpment by the Tyndale Monument on
Nibley Knoll, continues through Westridge Wood, and then past Brackenbury Ditches.
Wotton Hill comes next, with its circular enclosure of the Jubilee Plantation, from which
you gain a splendid overview of Wotton-under-Edge. A steep path then descends into
this old wool town to make a fitting conclusion to the day.
To leave Dursley walk through the pedestrian shopping precinct behind the
old Market House, and at the far end go left into May Lane. Leave this
when Hill Road branches from it by the Old Spot pub. Wander up Hill Road,
but when it swings left, go ahead on a track on the edge of woodland.
In a few paces branch half-left ahead (the second path on the left) on a
steep woodland path leading directly onto
Stinchcombe Hill
, where you
emerge by the clubhouse of Dursley Golf Club to begin a tour of the plat-
eau.
