Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of woodland before coming onto the fairway once more. Yet more marker
posts lead the way to a fine signpost on the edge of woods, where the al-
ternative shortcut route from the clubhouse joins the main Cotswold Way.
Turn right here and descend the steep wooded slope.
STINCHCOMBE HILL
Given to the public by Sir Stanley Tubbs in 1930, Stinchcombe Hill is a magnificent
vantage point, with numerous outlooks from the scarp edge, and with a topograph
near Drakestone Point highlighting some of the main features in the panorama. These
include Berkeley Castle, the Malvern Hills, the Brecon Beacons, and even Exmoor,
which it is claimed can be seen from here.
SHORTCUT
For the shortcut, bear left at the clubhouse, turn right onto a narrow road, then almost
immediately leave the tarmac to take a line across the left-hand edge of a fairway.
Marker posts guide this shortcut, and direct you to the point at which the Cotswold
Way proper enters woodland for a steep descent that eventually leads to North Nibley.
Near the foot of the slope leave the bridleway for a path on the left which
crosses a gully by some gas pipes. The way now cuts across sloping fields
to a stile leading onto the narrow Park Lane (grid ref: 743972). Turn left,
and a few paces later go through a kissing gate on the right into a large
field. A signpost here directs the route to North Nibley. Walk through the
middle of the field and out again by way of a stile on the far side, then
straight ahead to the edge of a steep slope. The continuing path goes half-
right, crosses another stile and comes out onto a lane by some cottages.
Bear right along the lane as far as a road junction.
Cross straight ahead onto a bridleway among trees. Along this trackway
you will pass an old doorway, dated 1607, in the right-hand wall, of which
little appears to be known. The way narrows to become almost a tunnel,
then emerges to a lane in front of houses. Continue straight ahead, then
bear left into The Street in
North Nibley
, which has bed-and-breakfast
accommodation, refreshments at the Black Horse Inn, and a shop (grid
ref: 740958).
