Are you a keen walker? If so, there are few places quite like the Cotswolds for a hike around nature’s beautiful country. Ben, who works with our family at Tucking Mill and runs a local wine shop in Bath, shares one of his favourite walks.
It is a real pleasure to escape the world for a few hours on a good walk. We’re spoilt down here in Bath, at the southern tip of the Cotswolds and with the Midford Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a stone’s throw from the cottages at Tucking Mill.
One of my favourite recent walks is a circular route from the hamlet to Hinter Charterhouse and a brief stop off for some excellent pub grub at the Packhorse in South Stoke before heading home.
The walk begins by taking the cycle track to Midford, which you’ll find as you head south along Tucking Mill Lane. Here you pass the Hope & Anchor (a great place for lunch and a local beer) and head over the bridge into the valley. You then walk over the Cam Brook and turn west to cross the Wellow Brook. Already you’ll be able to take in the beauty around you. This immediate immersion in nature makes you feel alive!
Once you’re over the Wellow Brook it’s a gentle uphill country walk to Pipehouse Lane to the east of the village of Freshford. If you fancy stopping off here, there’s the Inn at Freshford or the Galleries Cafe for a quick amenity. It’ then south to the picturesque village of Hinton Charterhouse, the highest village in the area, with two local Inns. You might also catch some local village cricket!
After that, it’s back north and down the country hill to Twinhoe, another little picturesque pair of villages, and towards the eastern stretch of the Cam Brook. The last part of this walk takes you up through Grove Wood, a local orchard and a farm before you reach Southstoke and stop off for a cracking meal at The Packhorse, a community owned pub with some lovely food, drink and outdoor space (although it’s nice and cosy indoors if you’re visiting in the winter).
Finally, once you’re full and satisfied, it’s a short walk back over Midford Road from Southstoke and along Tucking Mill Lane to the cottages.
It is, for me, one of my favourite walks in Bath!
If you fancy taking this walk yourself, the one we followed is on Viewranger here. If it’s been a bit wet, make sure you take proper walking boots!
