Journeying | Pilgrimage Holidays | Christian Walking Holidays | Christian Short Breaks

Description

This walk will explore the southern part of the Cotswolds National Landscape and pass
through one of the candidates for “prettiest village in England”. Walking in the spirit of pilgrimage, we will share reflections and prayers along the way.

Our starting point is just south of the M4 near Chippenham in the village of Yatton Keynell. From here we make our way north to join an ancient trackway, eventually descending to the picture postcard village of Castle Combe. This is a village frozen in time, as development ceased when the cloth trade began leaving the area in the 1700s. Its iconic views have graced many a calendar and chocolate box. The village is also a favoured film location, having featured in Dr Doolittle, War Horse, and TV’s Poirot. Although a tourist hot spot, we will try to find somewhere quiet to eat our packed lunches. There will be time to explore the village - market cross, St Michael’s Church, weavers’ cottages and packhorse bridge.

Leaving Castle Combe, we cross the river Bybrook on a delightful stone footbridge to climb steadily through trees before dropping down again towards the little group of mill and cottages at Long Dean. Woodland gives way to unimproved limestone grassland at West Yatton Down, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The last leg of the walk gives glimpses of Yatton Keynell’s Manor House as we return to the village, maybe stopping by the parish church of St Margaret of Antioch for a final blessing to end our journey.

Yatton Keynell is a little off the beaten track and more detailed directions to the starting point will be supplied to those who join the walk.

The 6-mile circular route follows good footpaths and tracks, with short stretches along quiet country roads. Some paths may be muddy after rain so appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended. Well behaved dogs are welcome, but owners should be aware that there may be livestock in some fields towards the end of the walk.

Please remember to bring a packed lunch and drink.

To book a place, please go to our Eventbrite Page here

Contact

Walk leaders:
David Heathcote (07922 492423) and David Gleed (07896 285839)
For more information please contact: info@journeying.co.uk