Guildford Ramblers Enjoy A Walking Holiday In the Cotswolds

Published on: 11 Sep, 2022
Updated on: 11 Sep, 2022

The Guildford Ramblers group don’t only offers walks in the Surrey area. Nearly 40 members of the group have just returned from an excellent group walking holiday in the Cotswolds.

They report they were based in the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the Water, and members had a choice of 12 walks over five days varying in length from four to 12 miles.

Guildford Ramblers at Hyde Mill, during their walking holiday in the Cotswolds.

They used parts of many well-known Cotswold paths which converge on Bourton-on-the Water, such as the Windrush Way, Monarch Way and Gloucestershire Way.

All were led by Guildford Ramblers’ own experienced walk leaders and often included a visit to a village pub or café to help the local tourist trade.

They say the Cotswolds were markedly greener than Surrey, and showed off at their best the many honey-coloured cottages and colourful gardens in the pretty villages of Wyck, Icomb, the three Rissingtons and others.

Walks included 10 miles to Naunton, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book and back via the picture postcard villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter.

On the second day there were walks to the hilltop town of Stow-on-the-Wold, where St Edward’s church features a door flanked by two ancient yew trees, thought to be the inspiration for the Doors of Durin in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. On the final day, some members did a morning walk which finished at Chedworth Roman Villa, with its spectacular mosaics.

Lynne Davies, who chairs the Guildford Ramblers said: “After the heat of the summer, which some found a bit hot for walking, it was good to get away and have the opportunity to walk in different countryside to what we are familiar with around Guildford.

“We were blessed with fine weather and a cooling breeze, with only one shower, and have come back refreshed and revigorated. We are looking forward to our regular local walks in the Surrey Hills and Wey Valley this autumn.”

Full details of Guildford Ramblers walks programme can be found at www.guildfordramblers.org.uk. To find out about joining the Ramblers simply Google ‘How do I join the Ramblers.’

The Guildford Ramblers are also leading free walks during this year’s Guildford Walkfest, taking place throughout September. For details click here on the Guildford Walkfest website.