Tuesday, 5th August, 2025 – Start: 9:30 am

A Roman road and a couple of Swells!

We start in the less known village of Condicote in the North Cotswolds. Our route takes us along the Gloucestershire Way to follow the valley of the River Dickler to the villages of Lower and Upper Swell. Then the high Wolds Roman road, Ryknild Street, takes us back to our starting point.

A Roman road and a couple of Swells!

Photo:  Flower meadow near Condicote, Pat McCarthy

Distance

6.5 miles / 10.46 km

Duration

2.45 to 3.15 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Shape

Circular

Please note 9.30am start

Route description

Condicote is a remote village on the High Wolds, northwest of Stow on the Wold. It is famous for its racehorses, a medieval cross and a charming green space and cottages. It is on the Gloucestershire Way which leads us to the Donnington Brewery with its picturesque lake. From here we follow the valley of the River Dickler which eventually will flow into the River Windrush but not before we have  visited the villages of Upper Swell and Lower Swell with its Lutyens War Memorial.  Our path takes us west through countryside littered with tumuli and barrows to meet Ryknild Street, a dead straight Roman road also known as Condicote Lane, by which we will return to our start point.

Please bring a drink/snack.

Parking at Condicote Village Hall

Organised by: Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

Led by: Pat McCarthy, Ray Goold, John Milroy, Richard Sharp, Roy Taylor

Start

Address

Condicote Village Hall, Condicote Lane, Cheltenham, UK
View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SP 153 282

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