A River Ramble  by the WINDRUSH………followed by a Feeding Frenzy at the Fox

March 2, 2012No CommentsEdit Post

My favourite walk in the Cotswolds leads through fields and a stand of trees – gradually climbing higher and higher until suddenly opening out onto what seems like the top of the world. The view of the rolling Cotswold hills stretches as far as the eye can see and winding lazily below is the beautiful river Windrush gently lapping its way to the Barringtons. Every summer  the first thing I do is take this superb hike high above the banks of the Windrush. The route is along a public footpath – but the only company is the odd farmer and a bunch of sheep. There is usually a fresh breeze and the view always seems to be bathed in sunshine.

Once, with my husband, on this hike we met a salty old farmer digging a hole. He chatted in his broad country dialect about the Cotswolds of long ago when he was a child. Talking of his strict father he said ‘when I was cheeky my father would give me a right rasping and no mistake’

Windrush Walk directions

The hike starts in Temple Guiting.  Take the B4077 from Stow-on-the-Wold and turn left at the village of Ford to find Temple Guiting village in a small lane on the left. Park at St. Mary’s church in Temple Guiting and walk West out of the village back to the Ford to Kineton Road. Turn left and a few steps later turn right at a farm road marked “unsuitable for motors”. Follow this track uphill for about 200 yards to a small stand of trees at the brow of the hill. After passing these trees turn right along a path that follows the top of the hill. After going through a gate and stile enter an open field with spectacular views across the Windrush valley. Take in the views wander down to the river and later retrace your steps to return.

The Feeding Frenzy

After this walk we drive to Oddington, about a twenty minute meander through incredible countryside, to a charming Pub/restaurant with a gorgeous garden and scrumptious food. Details below.  Book for lunch first.

THE FOX AT ODDINGTON,

Near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 OUR

www.foxinn.net  Telephone: 01451 870 555

After Lunch Stroll- ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH

Do not to miss nearby St Nicholas Church to see the Doom paintings. This is the older of two churches in Oddington. The Medieval paintings on the interior walls of St. Nicholas are thought to be the most important in the Cotswolds.