Cotswold Gateways Winchcombe 1 Sudeley Castle
A short circular walk taking in pretty Vineyard Street, Sudeley Castle and the river.
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
Back Lane car park
Leave Back Lane car park via the far corner access into Cowl Lane. Turn right and follow the road to the High Street. Turn right and follow Abbey Terrace until you see Vineyard Street on your left. Carefully cross the main street and continue down Vineyard Street (also known as Duck Street), over the bridge spanning the River Isbourne and up the slope to the entrance of Sudeley Castle
Castle Entrance Gate
Continue ahead along the drive, passing the unusual Almsbury Lodge. Walk down through the avenue of lime trees to the bridge over the lake. Carry straight on along the driveway, passing the children’s play fort on your right towards the car park. Follow the drive and pass in front of the Visitor Centre and continue on to the car park exit
Car park Exit
Go through the gate and turn right along the road, until you reach the gatehouse Turn left and carefully cross the road into Rushley Lane. (Be careful of traffic along here). Follow this lane past Laundry Cottage, taking in the views across the valley to Winchcombe. Eventually the lane turns left at the junction with Stancombe Lane. Follow the road as it turns left and walk down to the main Broadway Road and then turn left
Broadway Road turn left
From here there are two options to return to the town centre:
Option 1 – Just before the bridge, go through the gate on your left and follow the surfaced path alongside the river. At the far end of the third field go through the gate and walk along the alley between the cottages to Castle Street D. Turn right and follow the road over the bridge and uphill to the High Street. Carefully cross the road and turn left to the end of the shops and turn right into Cowl Lane and follow this to Back Lane car park.
Option 2 - To stay on a hard surface follow Broadway Road back into town
with its variety of different style houses. Follow the road into Winchcombe, go past North Street, continue ahead into High Street until the end of the shops. Here turn right into Cowl Lane and follow to Back Lane car park