Cotswold Gateways Marshfield 2 Southern loop
A scenic circular walk of moderate difficulty - allow 2 1/2 hours One steep climb. May meet cattle.
Directions included with waypoints.
This walk is one of a series of 37 Cotswold Gateways walking & cycling routes published by the Cotswolds National Landscape at www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/cotswold-gateways
The last revision date is March 2021. If any of the directions need updating please do let us know by emailing info@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
Other self-guided walks published by Cotswolds National Landscape are available at www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/explore-and-enjoy
Start from War Memorial in High Street
Walk from the War Memorial west along the High Street passing many of the town’s Georgian houses. Towards the end of the High Street you will see on your right the 17th century Almshouses.
Turn into Green Lane
Just before an old toll house ahead turn left down Green Lane which soon becomes a stony track with a short steep descent into a small valley. At the bottom bear right and climb gently between hedges for 800m
Turn left into Beeks Lane
Turn left along Beek’s Lane for 70m, then turn right onto another green lane.
Leave Beeks Lane into green lane on right
Follow the green lane with occasional views to Cold Ashton, St. Catherine’s Valley and Charmy Down. Where the track bears left don’t go through the ‘Bristol’ gate on your right. As you leave the high hedges pause by the gate on the right for an even better view. Press on across a tarmac farm track (cattle grid on the right) until you reach Ayford Lane.
Ayford Lane
Ayford Lane is your halfway point. Turn right downhill and in 120m leave the road, bearing left along another track between hedges. Along here you may spot Marshfield Church tower on the horizon on your left. After 700m you’ll reach a wide gate onto the road.
Ashwicke Road
Exit the wide gate onto Ashwicke Road The route home goes left here, but it’s worth turning right for 100m to enoy a wonderful view to Claverton Down (University of Bath), Limpley Stoke Valley and the distant Mendips.
Viewpoint - Ashwicke Home Farm
Enjoty the views, then turn back along the road for 400m to West Lodge a gate house to Ashwicke Hall.
West Lodge - leave Ashwicke Road
West Lodge is a gate house to Ashwicke Hall. The road turns left but you go straight ahead through the kissing gate into the field. From here it is straight ahead to Marshfield across open fields (there may be cattle) through a variety of gates. Approaching the crest of the hill keep to the right of the ragged hedge and your destination comes into sight. The path looks like a straightforward down and up, but there is a hidden switchback ahead. Grit your teeth and head on upwards to the church.
Approaching the modern houses go through the farmyard and turn left uphill on a narrow road. At the top, take a small zigzag to the back gate of the churchyard, then go past the church and out of the main gate to the Market Place.