Cow Parsley lines both sides of a public footpath running through the heart of the village of Painswick.
Whether or not you are a keen hiker you will probably have heard of the Cotswold Way … after all it is one of England’s oldest and most popular national walking trails.
The Cotswold Way is extremely important to us here at the Edgemoor Inn, because we’re slap bang in the middle of it and it passes right by our door, bringing with it all manner of lovely people from all walks (excuse the pun!) of life. We love hosting them when they stop by to rest their feet over a pint or a meal, sharing tales of their trail adventures or picking our brains for some local knowledge before they continue on their way.
The Cotswold Way itself is 102 miles long, running from the city of Bath and winding its way north to the town of Chipping Campden.
Of course, not all the trail-walkers we meet here at the Inn are covering the entire distance. Most of them have chosen just to complete a section, and it seems that this middle section which runs from Painswick, up to the Edge Common, through Standish Woods and into the Stroud Valleys, is one of the most popular, particularly in the spectacularly scenic spring and summer months.
DAY TRIPPING ON THE TRAIL
In fact, many visitors make a day trip to Painswick to enjoy a stroll around the picturesque town, then wander along part of the National Trail (signposted with those iconic acorn markers) and join us for lunch or dinner.
We’d recommend a circular route covering about four miles (which will take you around two hours at a fairly leisurely pace) starting out at the fascinating Rococo Garden. (You should leave some time either before or after your walk to explore this garden full of surprises – but more about that another time!)
You can leave your car in the free car park at the Gardens, and follow the road on foot down into the centre of the village of Painswick. Turn right at New Street, pass the village Post Office and St Mary’s Church, where there is a turning opposite the Lych Gate into Edge Road.
Follow the road and you’ll find the Cotswold Way signpost, pointing left through a gate and across a field. From then on you simply follow the National Trail acorns until the path takes a left turn towards Jenkins Lane. Here you leave the Cotswold Way, turn right and walk downhill to a stile, cross that and a footbridge, then go up to Edge Hill Farm. Following Edge Lane up the hill you will come to a fork that brings you into the centre of Edge Village, where the Edgemoor Inn waits to welcome you.
When you call in to the Inn on your ramble, we’ll make sure you’re refreshed and ready for the walk back, and give you directions to return you to the Rococo Garden.
AN ABUNDANCE OF WALKS
The route takes you through some very pretty country, across fields, along leafy lanes and past picturesque farms.
There is an abundance of wonderful walks all around our area. A visit to the local Tourist Information Centre in Painswick (which, in quirky local style, is to be found in the Gravedigger’s Hut in St Mary’s Churchyard) will equip you with plenty of information about where to walk, and what interesting features to look out for on the way.
Bring your binoculars to make the most of the brilliant bird life and spectacular views, put on some stout walking shoes with good grip (particularly when it’s wet) and you’ll enjoy a day out to remember. Of course, if you’re staying in our area for longer than a day, we’ll be even more delighted.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Cotswold Way.
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