A hidden backwater of the River Thames at Radcot Bridge

The willow tree branches have such fascinating shapes.

Happy hiking

Anne

Cotswold Country Houses: History and Grandeur along the Trail

Scattered through the Cotswolds are fine country mansions, manor houses and there is even a palace. Our network of public footpaths, which date from ancient times, often pass very close to them and here are some of the historic houses next to our routes.

Chastleton House

Chastleton House is a Jacobean country house built between 1607 and 1612.  It was built by Walter Jones, a wealthy lawyer and wool merchant, with no expense spared.  But the family were Royalists during the English Civil War (1642-1651) and in the 18^th century they supported the Jacobite cause, which aimed to restore a Stuart king to the throne removing the Hanoverian dynasty.  As a result the family was heavily fined for its political views.  Subsequently, their fortunes did not improve and when the National Trust took the house over in 1991, the interior was much the same as it had been in the 1612.  It remains so today, as the National Trust have done only essential repairs, thus retaining the unique 17^th century atmosphere.

Our guided and self-guided day walk, ‘Adlestrop: Where for a moment a blackbird sang’ passes Chastleton House, and the house is open to the public on Wednesday to Sunday afternoon from early March to the end of October.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is the sumptuous home of the Dukes of Malborough.  The estate together with funds to build the palace were given to John Churchill, 1^st Duke of Malborough, by Queen Anne and parliament, who were grateful for his victory over Louis XIV of France on 13 August 1704 at the Battle of Blenheim.  John Churchill went on to win other battles in the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and the palace is a memorial to him and his military victories.
  

Set in a country estate, the view of the house and lake was described by Randolph Churchill as ‘The finest view in England’ to his future wife on her first visit.   Their son, Sir Winston Churchill(1864-1965) was born there and he is buried in the churchyard at Bladon, next to the estate.

We can arrange a short break of walks in and around Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. Walkers along Shakespeare’s Way and the Oxfordshire Way pass through the estate getting magnificent views of the lake and palace beyond.  The palace is open daily from mid-February to mid-December.

Sezincote House

Sezincote House, which lies on the spring line at the eastern side of the North Cotswolds, was designed in the “Indian Style”, by the architect, Samuel Pepys Cockerell in 1805.  The gardens were designed by Humphrey Repton, the eminent horticulturalist who is considered the last of the great British landscape gardeners.  When the Prince Regent visited the house in 1807 he admired the unique combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture, and it is said that it influenced the design of his exotic oriental retreat, the Brighton Pavilion.

Our ‘Classic Cotswold’ tour passes Sezincote on the routes from Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden to Stow-on-the-Wold.

Abbotswood House

Abbotswood is a lovely country house near Stow-on-the-Wold.  The estate dates back to 1253, but the current house was built in 1867.   Shortly afterwards it was remodelled and enlarged in 1902 by Edwin Lutyens, the eminent British architect who adapted traditional designs for modern day living.  Lutyens also designed the stunning gardens and these are open to the public in April when the rhododendrons in bloom and in October when the acers are in full autumn colour and at other times of the year – this photo was taken in mid-summer.  For people with deep pockets, the house together with the estate and 13 cottages was recently on the market for £30 million.

On our shortbreak based in Stow-on-the-Wold one of the walks passes through the estate.

Please contact Anne, to find out more or to book a walking holiday.

Happy hiking

Anne

Walk the Landscape

Malmsbury, a quiet, unspoiled Cotswold town

Went to a festival about the 'Philosophy of Walking' recently and it was my first visit to Malmsbury.
What a lovely little Wiltshire town it is, snuggled to the south-east of the Cotswold Hills. Here are a few pictures of the abbey, the town and the lovely Abbey Gardens.

Happy walking through the Cotswolds in our unusually warm autumn weather.

Anne
Walk the Landscape

Showers over the Vale of Evesham

Striking views across the Vale of Evesham from the Cotswold Edge when weather fronts pass through.

Happy hiking

Anne 

WalkTheLandscape

Cotswold Way Landmarks: The Devil's Chimney

The Cotswold Way, one of England's most picturesque National Trails

The Devil's Chimney

One of the most popular legends for the origin of this pillar of rock standing on the Cotswold Edge above Cheltenham, is that it is the home of the devil who resides deep in the ground below.  

Angered by the many churches in the region, it is thought that Old Nick, as the Devil is affectionately known, sat on top of Leckhampton Hill and hurled stones at pilgrims who were on their way to prayer down in the valley below. However, his wicked ways backfired as the stones turned and hurled themselves back up the hill, burying him beneath the ground for ever.  The heavy stones piled one upon the other, forming the chimney, locking him in and ensuring he could never escape. 

For extra protection, Cheltenham inhabitants would climb to the top of the chimney to leave a coin as insurance against the Devil's anger and, as some believe, to ensure the privacy of its most infamous inhabitant.

Generations of young people have climbed the rock, including 13 brave souls who hold the unofficial record for the largest number of people to stand on the top at the same time.   Sadly, owing to the gradual erosion of the landmark, climbing has been prohibited, but it remains one of the iconic sights along the Cotswold Way.

Contact us for hiking holidays along the Cotswold Way and other National Trail in the Heart of England.

Happy hiking
Anne
Walk the Landscape

The first day of spring in Windsor - on the Thames Path

Daffodils in the park by Windsor Castle (in the background)

Windsor Castle
The Royal Standard was flying from the round tower so the Queen was there for the weekend

Enjoy a leisurely lunch and watch the river boats

Why not spend a few days ambling along the Thames Path where you can visit historic towns, watch the river boats go by whilst enjoying a leisurely pub lunch.

The Thames Path starts near Cirencester in the Cotswolds and follows the river for 184 miles / 294 km long to the Thames Barrier, east of London.  Whilst you can walk the whole length in one holiday, many people walk a shorter section of the Thames as a short break.

Contact us to find out more about Thames Path Walking Holidays. 

Anne

Trails for all - from amblers and ramblers to serious hikers

Amble along the Oxford Canal

Ramble through Cotswold villages

Hike along the Cotswold Way

Happy days

Anne

Walk the Landscape

Sunset from Broadway Tower on the Cotswold Way

Happy hiking

Anne

Walk the Landscape

The Thames Path - a journey through English history

The Thames Path, a National Walking Trail from the source of the river in the south Cotswolds, through prosperous and historic towns west of London, to the capital city and the Thames Barrier in the east. 

Easy walking along the flat Thames Valley. Some walk the full distance of 184 mile (294 km) in one trip, others walk part of the trail.

Lechlade Bridge, over the young River Thames

Willows in spring at the Rose Revived, Newbridge, near Oxford

The Houses of Parliament and London Eye, Westminster, London

A great walking tour for people who like history, passing by Oxford University, Abingdon Abbey, Henley the home of the Royal Regatta, Windsor Castle, the Houses of Parliament, St Pauls, the Tower of London and many other famous sites.

Happy hiking

Anne

Holiday Memories

Still think of our wonderful walk in May, The Thames Path. Have told everyone how beautiful it was and how well we were looked after. Read 'Wind in the Willows' and ' Three men in a boat' again. Our friend from Australia joined us for a day and is still talking about it. 
Walking is the best way to see the countryside. 

Anita Campbell, December 2012

The Classic Cotswold Walking Tour

Discover

historic market towns

picturesque villages

rolling hills

Take a few days out to relax and enjoy walking through the beautiful landscapes of the North Cotswolds. 

Walking 5 to 12 miles (8 to 12 km) per day with B&B, luggage transfer, maps, directions and info on places of interest, the tour can be tailored to meet your preferences.  

Contact us for more information.

Happy New Year
Anne 
Walk the Landscape

Late Afternoon on the Thames Path near Reading

Enjoy walking over the festive season.

Best

Anne 

Walk the Landscape

Merry Christmas from Walk the Landscape

Walk the Landscape Newsletter

Enjoy a tranquil few days hiking through some of the most picturesque villages and landscapes in the whole of England. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser

In this Newsletter: New for 2014: Walking and Photography Weekend  Our best selling walking tours: The Classic Cotswolds and the Thames Path National Trail Tours coming up soon: The ancient landscapes and wide open spaces of the North Wessex Downs  Guided Walking Holidays for 2014  and Self-Guided Walking Trails       Walking and Photography Weekend   Friday 25th to Monday 28th April 2014 Do you often take photos of magnificent scenery and nature during walks? Do the images capture the full beauty of the landscape? Or are you sometimes disappointed with the results?   If so, why not join us at the Guildhouse, Stanton where you can take short walks with us and learn how to improve your images with help from Ruth Davey, a professional photographer and facilitator?   The venue offers great opportunities for photography. The Guildhouse, is a stylish 20th century manor house, set on the Cotswold Edge, with long views to the west as far as south Wales, and Stanton is considered one of the most beautiful villages in England .  Click here to find out more. The Classic Cotswolds Walking Tour "Excellent Adventure! Thank you so much" Diane Harsha, Franklin, USA The Classic Cotswolds Walking Tour is our most popular short holiday.  Planned to start and end at railway stations on the Cotswold Line, with direct links to Oxford, Worcester and London, it is an easy to moderate hike taking 3 to 8 days to walk through famous towns and villages like Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters and Northleach, walking 5 to 12 miles (8 to 20 km) each day.  The tour can also begin at Cheltenham railway station (with links to Bristol and the south-west) and can be based in one town.   We can of course customise to meet your preferences and often do, e.g. with shorter daily distances, rest days, excursions to Oxford, Blenheim or Stratford-upon-Avon. Check out our year round photos of the Classic Cotswold route on Flickr.  Although beautiful throughout the year, late April / early May is an especially good time to visit as the spring flowers and bluebells are blooming and the leaves on the trees are unfurling. Prices are typically £80 per person per night based on two people sharing good quality accommodation.  Included in the price is B&B accommodation, maps, written directions of the route, a booklet with information on places of interest, luggage transfer (as required), advice on travelling to and from the Cotswolds within the UK and support in the unlikely event of an emergency.   The Thames Path "Thanks for an excellent Thames Walk - we will be back to do the next stretch in 2014" Judy Wiseman, London,UK   The Thames Path is our most popular walking trail.  We offer hiking tours along the full length of 184 miles (294 km), from the Source, near Kemble in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier, east of London (or reverse).  Some groups do the full distance in one trip, walking as far as 25 miles (40 km) in a day, but many take it easy, walking, for example, the 54 miles (86 km) from the Source to Oxford, or the 74 miles (118 km) from Oxford to Windsor (which is convenient for Heathrow airport) and averaging 10 miles (16 km) per day.  There are even sections where you can take a river cruiser if you prefer not to walk for a day or so. The route offers a fascinating range of contrasts.  Upstream and to the west, the River Isis (as the Thames is also called) is peaceful and in places remote.  From Oxford to Windsor the river passes through some of the most historic and affluent towns in England. Closer to London, the river becomes the great tidal waterway that passes through the heart of the grand capital city.  You can see our photos of the Thames Path route on Flickr. Prices start at £75 per person per night but they do increase on the approach to London. They include B&B accommodation, maps, guide books with written directions of the route and information on places of interest, luggage transfer (as required), help with arranging transport within the UK and support in the unlikely event of an emergency.   Coming up early next year: Holidays on the North Wessex Downs:  A 3 to 4 day walking tour through the ancient landscape in and around Avebury, where you can walk amongst the stones in the largest Prehistoric stone circle in Europe. A linear walk from Avebury to Stonehenge.  See the route and with some of the interesting history in a recent TV programme, Walking Through History, presented by Tony Robinson of Time Team.  Short Guided Walking Holidays in 2014 Friday 16th to Monday 19th May: The Historic Cotswolds Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th June: Chipping Campden and the Cotswold Escarpment Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th September:Classic Cotswold Villages Friday 7th - Sunday 9th November: Prehistory in the Cotswold Landscape If you cannot make these dates and have a group of 6 or more, please contact us to discuss alternative dates. If you are in a smaller group, you may be interested in a customised walking tour. Self-guided Walking Trails Cotswold Way - 102 miles along the Cotswold Edge from Chipping Campden to Bath (or reverse) Cross Cotswold Pathway - 86 miles from Banbury in the north east to Bath in the south west Oxford Canal Walk - 77 miles of easy walking from Oxford to Coventry Oxfordshire Way - 68 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water to Henley-on-Thames Shakespeare's Way - 146 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon to The Globe Theatre, Central London Thames Path - 184 miles from the source near Kemble to the Thames Barrier, East London (or reverse) The Ridgeway - 87 miles from Ivinghoe Beacon to Overton Hill, Avebury (or reverse)

The City of Bath - A place to relax and enjoy at end of the Cotswold Way

At the southern end of the Cotswold Way lies the beautiful city of Bath.  

It's a good place to take a couple of days rest after completing the Trail, or get into the swing before you start.

It is famous for the warm springs, the only thermal springs in Britain. First discovered by the Celts,  the Romans built baths, a temple to the gods, Sulis and Minerva, and a busy town named 'Aquae Sulis' in the 1st century AD. 

In the 18th century Bath was one of the most fashionable cities in Britain, where aristocracy and society visited to 'take the water' and to be seen.   Jane Austen was a frequent visitor and her books 'Northanger Abbey' and 'Persuasion' describe the busy whorl of social life there during the Georgian period.

The Circus, one of the famous Georgian terraces in Bath designed by John Wood Sr and completed by John Wood Jr in 1768.

The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Bath, the church of the former Benedictine Monastery. Built largely during the 16th century, it is a fine example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Queen Elizabeth I described it as her 'Lantern in the West'.

The Roman Baths, built in the 1st century AD, were the at centre of the Roman town of Aquae Sulis. Today the springs continue to provide hot water at a temperature of 46 °C (114.8 °F) at the rate of 1,170,000 litres (257,364 imp gal) every day,  

The Roman Baths were excavated in the 19th century and are open to visitors. You can also relax and soak in the warm water in the open-air rooftop pool at the newly renovated Thermae Spa Bath.

In 2012, a large limestone disc was set into the pavement outside the west doors of the Abbey to mark the official start and end of the Cotswold Way.  It was carved with place names from along the trail by local artist Iain Cotton, and provides an invitation to walk, a welcome for tired feet and food for thought for the people that have walked the National Trail.

Check out the Cotswold Way Walking Tour for more information about the route, and Cotswold Way Images for photos of the 102 mile route.

Happy Hiking

Anne

Walk the Landscape

A great day out on the North Wessex Downs

Standing on Adams Grave Longbarrow, North Wessex Downs

Yesterday I had great day out on the North Wessex Downs, planning the route from ancient sites at Avebury to Stonehenge.   Our group included: 

    David Dawson, Curator of the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, 

    Sophie Campbell, Travel Journalist

    Anne Martis, Walk the Landscape 

    Penny Locke, North Wessex Downs, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Check out our website, Walk the Landscape, for updates on this route and for short walking breaks around the ancient and sacred landscape at Avebury.

Happy hiking

Anne

Berries bring colour to hedgerows along the Ridgeway National Trial

Spindle tree (Euonymus europaea) 
The wood was used to make ‘spindles’ for spinning and holding wool in the old days 

Black bryony (Dioscorea communis) berries
The only species from the Yam family of plants in Britain. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Old Man's Beard ( Clematis vitalba)
A climbing plant associated with devils and witches because it was thought to choke plants to death.

Rosehips (Rosa canina)
One of the richest sources of vitamin C in plants, used for tisanes, jams ...  The fine hairs inside the hip are also used as itching powder. 

Happy hiking
Best
Anne
Walk the Landscape

A walk around Chedworth

Chedworth is an attractive Cotswold village 7 miles from Cirencester, 5 miles from Northleach.  It lies in a steep sided valley along a tributary of the River Coln.

The village remains unspoilt and off the beaten track, with old and modern Cotswold stone houses hugging the steep sides of the valley which extends for almost 2 miles – and perhaps the longest village in England!

It is close to the Fosse Way, a Roman road which originally ran from Exeter to Lincoln and about a mile from Chedworth Roman Villa, which was one of the largest Romano-British villas in Britain and home to some of the richest people in the country in the 4th century.

The 'Seven Tuns' pub dates back to 1610, has a great old world atmosphere and good food.  A 'tun' is the name of a beer barrel holding 240 Imperial gallons (1091 litres).

Contact us for a 7 miles (11 km) circular walk from Chedworth village, to the Roman Villa and the Fosse Way, with pub stop.  Very convenient if you are staying in Cirencester, Cheltenham, Bibury or Barnsley House Hotel.

Happy hiking

Anne

Walkthelandscape.co.uk

Looking over Long Compton on a frosty morning

Long Compton from the Jurassic Way 

Long Compton, in the north east Cotswolds, is famous for its witches.  Perhaps the most notorious was Anne Tennant, the wife of a farm worker who on 15 September 1875 came to a bloody end.   Cruelly executed by a neighbour in the traditional manner for witches, this killing sent shock waves through 19th century England.  

Long Compton lies below the Jurassic Way, one of the ancient tracks across southern England.   It's just one mile away from the Rollright Stones, a Bronze Age stone circle, which in folklore is thought to be an invading Viking army turned into stone by a local witch.

Two of our long distance trails pass through Long Compton and by the Rollright Stones:

- Shakespeare's Way which follows the route from Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon to his workplace at the Globe Theatre, next to the Thames in the centre of London.

- Cross Cotswold Pathway that starts at Banbury in Oxfordshire and wends its way south-west to the city of Bath. 

Contact us if you would like to know more.

Happy hiking
Anne 
Walk the Landscape

PS: check out Warwickshire Life to find out more about Long Compton and its witches. 

Green Pastures

Happy hiking
Anne
Walk the Landscape