Friday 24th June 2011 Birdlip to Daneway, Glos

Dominic

This was a 10 miles walk done in 4 hours with my son, Dominic, in readiness for the Dales next week. This is a walk I did previously with Robin, Mike & Sally in September 2009, starting in the same place and ending at the Daneway pub a long while later. On that occasion we were lucky enough to see the preparations for the Kemble Air Show with the WW II flight of Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Wellington getting into formation for the official show fly past.

We parked in Birdlip, just at the start of Witcombe Woods and followed the track across a field towards Hazel Hanger Woods which leads to Climperwell Farm on the right as we came through to open ground where there were plenty of poppies and other flowers to be seen. We then went into Climperwell Woods where there is a long track following a stream with the Foston's Ash pub away to our right - we made a slight map reading error here, climbed a hill only to come back down again - most welcome! The woods merged into Barn Woods, New Seal Woods and Warren Hill with fields to our left and with Caudle Green to our left, we dropped into the woods again, passing pheasant cages & nets, onto Miserden Estate and very familiar land. We crossed the ford and made our way to the lake where we had a break for a few minutes.

Valley Farm

We followed the stream from the lake to Bull Bank Lakes where we made a sharp left off the main track and kept the stream to our right until we hit the road and passed house on the left before going through a gate onto the estate again by Parson's Hill. We crossed the stream at a familiar footbridge and followed the valley floor & the herd of black sheep, continuing along the valley floor past Valley Farm which was having major works done, the last time we passed this way. Eventually we joined the farm drive and reached the road around Edgeworth. Rather than follow the road or the zig-zag track we followed last time, I suggested a direct route which was signposted, but soon deteriorated and we found ourselves in dense woodland and no path. However, we persevered and soon found ourselves at Edgeworth where we crossed the churchyard and came out at the road beside the manor house. We had another liquids/chocolate break at the church gate.

We then followed a track, passing Cotswold stone houses until we reached a gate and the field beyond. Sheep then stopped and polo ponies became the most common animal with Edgeworth Polo Club providing us with an insight into how that particular sport is laid out. Massive pitches, but all pristine and a number of very attractive horses. When the polo field gave out, we passed over one last field and entered Dorvel Wood on the Bathurst Estate where we followed a good track to the Daneway Lane and the pub which is situated on the old Severn-Thames canal. Look at the history of the pub in the link below.

Daneway Inn History

Dominic & I had bacon & egg 'banjos' while we waited for Brett to come and pick us up - very nice, but just a touch overpriced - the banjos, that is, not Brett. Thanks to Brett!

One negative thing about this walk was that, in spite of my comfort with the walk & feeling fine afterwards, I was in a deal of pain in the evening to the degree that A&E was consulted this morning. Nothing broken, but 'traumatized ligaments' in the foot was the conclusion. Foot up & rest was recommended. Does not bode well for Dales on Monday!

The maps for this walk take 7 pages so I've included the first and last - if anyone wants the lot, then just ask!

An OS view of the walk is below, courtesy of QUO digital mapping/OS: