Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
But in spite of these valley sections the path does not completely desert the high
wolds, for it is not long after leaving Wotton that the escarpment is gained once more.
Yet again there are woodlands for company, and deep, sunken tracks to follow. More
charming, typical Cotswold cottages adorn the lower slopes, and there's plenty of vari-
ety to maintain interest all the way. As the Cotswold crow flies, Hawkesbury Upton is
barely 4 miles (6km) from Wotton, but the route doubles that distance without diffi-
culty on its zigzag course along the scarp edge and in and out of 'back country' valleys.
From Wotton-under-Edge the route leads initially north-eastwards beside a lovely
stream towards Coombe, then south and east steeply up Blackquarries Hill with views
growing in extent once more. Round Wortley Hill and Tor Hill among woods, the way
then descends a deep track to the edge of Wortley village. A cross-country section of
agricultural land journeys to tiny Alderley, before following the millstream of Kilcott
Brook through a lovely peaceful vale, then up to the Somerset Monument on the out-
skirts of Hawkesbury Upton. It is during this stage of the walk that the very nature of
the Cotswold Way begins to change.
On leaving the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, turn right and walk along
the pavement a short distance before turning right into Valley Road. This
curves to the left and brings you to a one-time millstream - a clear,
friendly companion to follow for a while on a tarmac footpath. Cross a nar-
row lane at Holywell, and continue in the same direction to Coombe. On
reaching a second narrow lane turn right, but coming to a house named
The Hive leave the roadway and turn left on a bridleway rising steeply
among trees, where the slopes are carpeted with ramsons in springtime.
Still climbing, come to a lane where you turn left onto Blackquarries Hill.
Out of the trees the lane runs along the hilltop between fields. Follow this
for a little over ½ mile (800m), but shortly after coming to a woodland on
the left a track cuts sharply back to the right with a signpost indicating the
way to Tor Hill and Alderley. Along this track the views take in the Tyndale
Monument across Wotton's valley, and far beyond that to a succession of
curving spurs and indents along the scarp slope.
When the track turns into a field on the left, continue straight ahead
through a field gate to follow a crumbling wall. The wall curves left and
ends, then a waymark directs you on a faint path across a sloping terrace
of pasture, with the scarp edge plunging steeply away to the right. This is
one of the last edges of the walk.
On the far side of the terrace go through a strip of woodland, by way of
steps, to a track where you bear right. Losing height enter a plantation.
Several alternative tracks break away, but waymarks keep you on course.
When the main track skirts left, continue straight ahead on a narrow path
