Northleach, Hampnett and Saltway - Miles without Stiles

From the square 1 turn left (west) along the main street to the crossroads at the end of the town. 2

Cross the Fosse Way carefully at the Old Prison Café.

Climb the hill and turn left onto the road to Hampnett. 3 The Norman church is worth visiting to see the chancel painted by the Victorian rector, a controversial act in its day. Pass the church and keeping right, walk on through the village. In Norman times, Hampnett was a much bigger village and you may be able to detect the foundations of deserted houses across to your left.

At the top of the hill just after the last house in the village, take the bridleway by ‘Ballingers Barn’ to the left 4 and almost immediately turn left again. Proceed to a metal gate and then on to another gate with a wall on your left descend into the valley. Cross a track at the bottom and ascend the other side of the valley.

At the top of the hill cross the road and carry straight on to another road. 5

Turn left on this road and walk to the Fosse Way (A429). The road you are on is an ancient Saltway along which salt was transported from Droitwich
to the Cotswolds and beyond. Halfway along you cross the Portway, the C13th road from Gloucester Abbey to its sheep market in Northleach.

To shorten the walk, you can follow the Portway back to Northleach.

Cross the Fosse Way to a restricted bridleway on the opposite side. 6 (The main Saltway continues a little further to the right.) The path bears left along the wall and becomes a track passing Winterwell Barn and Church Farm.

At the next road turn left 7 and follow the road down into Northleach and if you have time visit the magnificent ‘wool’ church, with its unusual chimes at midday.

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