Monday, 29th December, 2025 – Start: 10:00 am

Villages of the Golden Valley

A longer walk along footpaths and quiet lanes taking in the villages of the Golden Valley. There are a couple of steep climbs and a total distance of 8 miles to help work off all the Christmas Pudding and mince pies.

Villages of the Golden Valley

Image Description: Brownshill
Photographer: David Fickling

Distance

8 miles / 12.87 km

Duration

4 hours

Difficulty

May be steep slopes, moderate fitness

Shape

Circular

Route description

The walk takes in a section of the Thames and Severn canal, and rises to provide good views over the whole of the Golden Valley. It takes in the pretty villages of Brownshill, Chalford, France Lynch and Oakridge, plus a call at the lesser known hamlet of Hyde where there are some notable Grade II listed houses to be seen. The route also passes next to a neolithic long barrow and we will hear a little about the discoveries made when it was excavated.
The walk is on village roads, footpaths and pasture. In the event of very muddy conditions some adjustment may be made as necessary.

Organised by: Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

Led by: David Fickling, Harley Green

Start

Address

The start is in the large car park in Port Lane at Port Mill, Brimscombe.
View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SO 869 022.

What3Words

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Travel Info

From Cirencester take the A429 towards Stroud, passing through Chalford until the Ship Inn at Brimscombe is seen on the left – about 8 miles from Cirencester. Turn left at the Ship. From Stroud take the A429 towards Cirencester passing Thrupp until the Ship Inn at Brimscombe is seen on the right – about 2 miles from Stroud. Turn right at the Ship. From The Ship, head up Brimscombe hill for 50 yards before turning left into Port Lane. Port Mill car park lies on the left immediately after the river bridge.