North Cerney - Cirencester - Miles without Stiles

This picturesque linear walk snakes through the Churn Valley from the Bathhurst Arms in North Cerney into the Capital of the Cotswolds - Cirencester.

Distance

4 miles / 6.44 km

Duration

2.5 hours

Difficulty

Unsurfaced paths, basic fitness

Mobility aid rating

Stile free

Shape

Linear

Route description

Before leaving North Cerney it is worth visiting the church with its beautiful interior and on the outside walls its two graffiti-like beast drawings.

Start

Address

Bathurst Arms, 46 Dark Ln, North Cerney, Cirencester GL7 7BZ, UK
View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SP018079

What3Words

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Refreshments

The Bathurst Arms check for opening times.

Travel Info

Stagecoach Bus Route 51 (Cheltenham to Swindon) alight at North Cerney. The Bathurst Arms is set back from the main road.

End

Address

2 Market Pl, Cirencester GL7 2NS, UK
View end on Google Maps

Public toilets

Abbey Grounds and Forum Car Park

Refreshments

Various cafes and pubs in Cirencester.

Travel Info

Various car parks and buses in Cirencester.

Navigation

The walk begins along the minor road to the left of the Bathurst Arms. 1

After 200 metres take the right fork towards Calmsden and Chedworth and after a further 200 metres turn right through a gate 2. Follow the path
south along the Churn Valley for about a mile (1.6km) to Perrotts Brook Farm.

After the farm, turn right on a minor road 3 and continue until another road 4.

Cross this road to the restricted byway opposite. and continue along the valley. You will pass under the A417, a noisy intrusion into this quiet valley
About 300 metres after the A417 look for the turning 5 on your right down to a bridge.

Divert to the bridge to see an ancient sheep wash restored by the Voluntary Wardens. On the other side of the bridge is an old water meadow and beyond that Trinity Mill, the site of a mill since Saxon times. There are old water meadows in the valley from here all the way to Cirencester. They were flooded in winter to provide an early crop of grass.

Go back to the track and continue into Baunton. The church is famous for its 14th century wall painting of St. Christopher, an old embroidery.

In Baunton take the second turning left uphill at the T-junction. After the road has swung to the right take the bridleway to the right 6 and continue along the side of the valley. Cross several fields with gates and soon you will see the tower of Cirencester Church.

After a mile (1.6km) the path reaches a road at Bowling Green 7 and at the end of this road you reach the main road. Cross carefully, now you will cross the River Churn again as it flows to join the Thames at Cricklade. Carry on for 200 metres and turn left down Gloucester Street to reach the Market Place in the centre of Cirencester.