Thursday, 12th March, 2026 – Start: 10:00 am

CNL 60 - An Ecclesiastical Meander from Abbey to Church

Starting at the site of Winchcombe Abbey, we walk across fields to the isolated gem of Charlton Abbots church, former outpost of the Abbey. The return route down the lovely Sudeley valley provides extensive views over Winchcombe and beyond.

CNL 60 - An Ecclesiastical Meander from Abbey to Church

St Martin’s Church, Charlton Abbotts./ Photo:  Roger Wasley

Distance

6 miles / 9.66 km

Duration

3 hours

Difficulty

May be steep slopes, moderate fitness

Shape

Circular

Route description

The route takes us past Sudeley Castle and its magnificent grounds and over to agricultural fields, which may be muddy. We walk through these on a more or less flat route on the Windrush Way until a junction when we leave the Way and start to climb into the hills surrounding Winchcombe. The views increase and we can see across the Sudeley Valley over to Toddington and beyond. Charlton Abbots church remains old and unspoiled. Please bring drink and snack.

Join the celebration in 2026 for the 60th year of the official designation of the Cotswolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This walk is one of a series of special walks aiming to connect people with hands-on opportunities to explore and understand the Special Qualities of the landscape, which are integral to its protected status.

THIS WALK TRACES THE ROUTE OF THE FIRST LEG OF THE RIVER COLN TRAIL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE WALKING THE RIVER COLN TRAIL WITH THE WARDENS, THERE ARE A FURTHER EIGHT CIRCULAR GUIDED WALKS COVERING THE ROUTE TO LECHLADE. THESE WALKS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH FROM APRIL TO NOVEMBER. MORE DETAILS WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE WEBSITE SHORTLY.

Organised by: Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

Led by: Margaret Reid, Sheila Wasley

Start

Address

Winchcombe Back Lane Car Park, Back Lane, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, UK
View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SP 024 285

What3Words

Statue.harps.supposes

Travel Info

Back Lane car park, Winchcombe (£1 all day parking pay & display) or RingGo App. Toilets (20p charge).