what is the e cotswold water park? d m lechlade seven ... · burford a417 a417 coln country park...

2
Parking... is available FREE at the Gateway Centre (walks 1 & 2), Neigh Bridge car park (walks 3 & 4), Waterhay car park (walk 5) Riverside Park (walks 6a & 6b) seasonal charge. Refreshments... are never far away on any of these walks! On each of the walks the location of the nearest café/pub is mentioned. Countryside code... Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs. Leave gates and property as you find them. Protect plants and animals and take your litter home. Keep dogs under close control. Consider other people. Wildlife Watch From left to right: Water Vole, Flag Iris, Goldfinch and Banded Demoiselle. RAF Fairford 131 128 129 136 101 104 102 103 105 106 107 125 126 132 130b 130a 127 114 124 112 113 123 115 116 120 119b 119 122 121 118 117 111a 110 110a 111 111b 102 102a 101b 101a R.Coln R.Thames Thames Path Swindon Glos Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve Castle Eaton Upper Inglesham Kempsford Whelford Fairford Inglesham Faringdon (Restricted Hours) Thames Path 68a/b 74 33 44 56 63 50a 49 50 30 62 26 20 21 19 22 15 61 23a 23b 12 14 86 6 9 71 67 10 300 4 3 5b 5a 7 13 27 35 37 70 83 82 68d 68c 75 69 76 66 96 81 47 46/48 58 91 99 36 42 79 95 52 53 53a 54 Manor Farm Spine Road (East) Wickwater Lane Broadway Lane Station Road Cerny Wick Lane Fridays Ham Lane Isis & Windrush Spring Swill Brook R. Thames R. Churn R. Thames Thames & Severn Canal (under restoration) 92 39 93 94 A417 97 301 11 Swindon Cirencester am Poole Keynes Cricklade Leisure Centre 51 88 89 79a 84 Lakeside Waterhay Spine Road (West) Sustrans Route 45 to Cirencester Swillbrook Lakes Nature Reserve Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve Coke’s Pit Nature Reserve Shorncote Reed Bed Wickwater Hide Reed Hide Dryleaze Farm Quarry 74a Thames Path R. Thames 32 31 Round House Farm Quarry 306 0 1 Mile 1 Km 43 65 77 45 57 41 40 64 55 18 16 17 59 78b 78a Somerford Keynes Cerney Wick Down Ampney Ashton Keynes South Cerney Latton Ewen Kemble Cirencester Minety Wootton Bassett Marston Meysey Poulton Driffield Cricklade North Meadow National Nature Reserve Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve Sustrans Route 45 to Swindon Waterhay Hide A419 B4696 Oaksey Swindon Cirencester M5 Cheltenham & Gloucester Spine Road Junction approximate scale Eysey Manor Quarry 87 200 Station Rd Cerney Wick Lane Clayhill Bridge Gateway Centre Café by CWP information Starting point for Walking & Cycling Neigh Bridge Country Park Meysey Hampton Burford A417 A417 Coln Country Park Lechlade A361 A417 Riverside Park Toilets & food seasonal Swindon Lechlade Whelford Pools Nature Reserve Cirencester 44 47 46/48 58 42 43 65 77 45 57 41 33 30 62 26 35 37 96 96 91 99 3 36 88 Spine Road (West) Coke’s Pit Nature Reserve 32 31 Somerford Keynes Ashton Keynes B4696 87 Clayhill 6 9 71 7 67 7 10 11 11 1 Wickwater Hide Reed e Cern Wick d Cerney Wick Lane Cerney Wick Lane rne k Rd 68a/b 74 20 20 21 19 22 15 61 2 23a 23b 23b 68 68d 68 8c 75 95 Spine Road (East) Wickwater Lane Broadway Lane Fridays Ham Lane R Hide 74a 18 16 17 Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve Bridge 27 Re ide W H Ree de W H Re de 4 3 Walk 1 Walk 3 Walk 4 Walk 6 Walk 5 Walk 2 Walk 1 Walk 3 Walk 4 Walk 6 Walk 5 Walk 2 Back cover Who manages the Cotswold Water Park? Many of the lakes are privately owned by gravel companies, clubs and individuals but a large number of lakes are open for public access and activities. The Cotswold Water Park Trust was set up as a registered charity to improve public access and to make the Cotswold Water Park a better environment for wildlife and people. With a team of staff and volunteers the Trust manages the Gateway Centre, five Nature Reserves, six car parks and many miles of footpaths. We also work with mineral companies, leisure providers, local businesses, councils and communities to create a sustainable future for the Cotswold Water Park. If you would like to find out more about the work of the Cotswold Water Park Trust, please visit the website www.waterpark.org Where can I find out more? GATEWAY VISITOR CENTRE Lake 6 Spine Rd, South Cerney GL7 5TL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | VISITOR INFORMATION | CAFÉ | TOILETS | FREE PARKING | T: 01793 752413 E: [email protected] W: www.waterpark.org 11a 12 Chippenham Bath Bristol Stroud Kemble Tetbury Malmesbury Cricklade M4 M4 M32 M5 M5 Cirencester Swindon Spine Road Junction (B4696) A417 13 14 19 18 17 16 15 15 20 A419 B4696 B4040 A46 A417 A419 A361 A361 A429 Directions... BY ROAD: M5 Exit J11a Follow A417/9 Cirencester. 4 miles south of Cirencester take B4696 Spine Road Junction. M4 Exit J15 Follow A419 Cirencester. 3 miles north of Cricklade take B4696 Spine Road Junction. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: TRAVELINE: T: 0871 2002233 W: www.traveline.info NATIONAL RAIL: T: 08457 484950 W: www.nationalrail.co.uk NATIONAL EXPRESS: T: 08717 818178 W: www.nationalexpress.com The production of this Walks Guide has been kindly supported by Natural England, Four Pillars Hotel and South Cerney Trust. © Cotswold Water Park Trust Cotswold Water Park Trust Walks Guide has been devised by the CWP Trust and identifies some of the popular routes within the area using Public Rights of Way. If you encounter any problems with any of these walks please contact the Trust office on 01793 752413 or email [email protected] Designed & produced by Design Wall. Thank you to photographers: David Hall, Andrew Parkinson, Dave Kilbey, Andy Rouse, Dave Soons, Andy Sharpe, Richard Tyler, Nigel Gardener, Dave Collins and Jill Bewley. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from CWP Trust. What is the Cotswold Water Park ? Set in 40 square miles of Cotswold countryside, with more than 150 lakes created by gravel extraction, the Cotswold Water Park offers a fantastic range of activities for everyone. Tow paths, train tracks and water meadows An easy amble south along the old Thames and Severn canal towpath, then following the route back northwards up the route of the Swindon to Cirencester railway. See map for longer walks. Location of walks 1-6 WALK 1 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km From Bulrushes to Bow Wow (the Gateway to South Cerney) Tracking the route of the canal tow path, past locks and cottages, this walk takes you to South Cerney. Past Cotswold stone houses, tree lined lanes, into the bustling heart of the village. WALK 2 5.5km Rivers, brooks and lakes All the Cotswold Water Park landscapes in one walk, the route begins and ends next to the infant River Thames, with wonderful wooded walks by the Swill Brook. See optional longer route. WALK 3 5.8km / 7km Three villages walk A great opportunity to experience three delightful villages of the Western Water Park, and following part of the Thames Path National Trail, as it wends its way from the source at Kemble. WALK 4 14km Bike it or Walk it! Take your bikes and a picnic, and seek out some peaceful parts of the Cotswold Water Park on this great circular off road cycle route. WALK 5 16km / 18km Lechlade Seven Stiles & St John’s Lock Two beautiful short walks through vibrant Lechlade, with quaint shops, cafes and pubs, then following the Thames Path National Trail. Wildlife... is wonderful all year round in the Water Park! In the summer look out for hobbies, sand martins, orchids, dragonflies and perhaps catch a glimpse of water voles and otters. In winter over 20,000 water birds of 40 different species visit the lakes, including smew, goosander and bittern. For up to date information and local sightings check out the website: www.waterpark.org Best foot forward... this walks guide offers the chance to explore footpaths and lanes around the Western & Eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park . WALK 6a 3km 6b 3km Faringdon Lechlade A417 Riverside Park Toilets & food seasonal A B F E D C G H I Walk 6a Walk 6b n Lechlade Seven Stiles & St John’s Lock walks Two beautiful short walks through vibrant Lechlade, with quaint shops, cafes and pubs, then following the Thames Path National Trail, heading downstream towards St Johns Lock or upstream through the meadows keeping an eye out for the abundance of wildlife such as ducks and swans. Start: Riverside Park At (A), head towards the river until you meet Thames Path at (B). Turn right and walk along path until you reach the road and Ha’Penny Bridge. Go up the steps and turn left, walking along pavement over bridge. Walk 6a – Seven Stiles When you reach the T junction at (C), turn left and follow the pavement through Lechlade. Walk for 300m until after the layby on left (D) there is a footpath signposted ‘Seven Stiles Stroll’. Going through metal gate follow footpath, going through four small fields, over five foot bridges and through four gates. When you reach the road at (E) go straight ahead along road and take footpath on left signposted ‘Roundhouse’ and ‘River Thames and Canal’. Follow the track until you reach the river. Bear left to follow the footpath and go over arched footbridge at (F). Turn left and follow footpath through field, alongside the River Thames. Turn right at interpretation panel to follow footpath back to Riverside Park. WALK 6a & 6b Distance: 3km per walk Time: 1 hour each This map is an artists impression of the area and should be used as a general guide. For detailed navigation please use the appropriate OS maps for the area which are Explorer 169, Landranger 163 and 173. © Map copyright CWPT. 68 /b 74 15 61 60a 60 23a 12 14 86 6 9 71 67 10 300 3 5b 5a 7 75 95 Wickwater Lane Station Road Cerny Wick Lane Isis & Windrush Spring 97 301 11 Lakeside North Meadow National Nature Reserve Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve A419 Cerney Wick Lane Bridge Gateway Centre Café by CWP information Starting point for Walking & Cycling Wickwater Hide Reed Hide Cerney Wick Station Rd L K J E F H M D A B C I G Start: Gateway Centre Walk between the Gateway and Cotswold Outdoor, and head along the tow path of the Thames and Severn Canal (A). Shortest route After 700m, (B) at the finger post marker, turn right across small wooden bridge, and along shore of lake to far left corner of field, (C) and go through metal kissing gate. Turn right and follow footpath with river on right. Cross over river, and pass through metal gate into hotel grounds (D) and turning left, follow hotel through car park all way back to Gateway. Middle route Follow the tow path to Cerney Wick lock and round house, turn right along road, (E) past pub and through stile in hedge opposite. Continue across field, over stile, and cross road to next kissing gate (F). Continue straight through next kissing gate and over stile to reach footpath along edge of lake (Cotswold Sailing Club). Follow footpath across small footbridge into field, along path to stile, (G) then turn right onto old railway track (and Sustrans National Cycle Route 45), signposted South Cerney and Ashton Keynes. Ignore first gate on right. Continue along path, and after about 500m turn right (H) across small bridge signposted to Gateway Centre. Follow this path to road, turn right, taking care around bend to Churn Pool to footbridge on left (I). Follow path along side Map key: Car park Refreshments Bird hide Fishing (day tickets) Horsebox (restricted access) Nature reserve Picnics Playground Toilets Watersports Footpath Bridlepath/Cyclepath (May not be suitable for cycling all year round) Cyclepath – hard surface Track (Limited vehicular access) Permissive route (At discretion of landowner) Caution Quarries Other paths Stile/kissing gate/bridge/steps (These may present a barrier to some users) Thames Path National Trail Please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate, the Cotswold Water Park Trust cannot accept responsibility in respect of errors or omissions that may have occurred. Tow paths, train tracks and water meadows An easy amble south along the old Thames and Severn canal towpath, then following the route back northwards up the route of the Swindon to Cirencester railway. For a longer walk follow the tow path down to North Meadow, a National Nature Reserve where the largest population of the purple snakeshead fritillaries in the UK abound in early Spring, and walk across lush green meadows by the banks of the Thames. WALK 1 Distance: 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km Time: 45 mins / 1.5 hrs / 2.5 hrs of lake, to river, go sharp left to follow footpath with river on right. Follow path over footbridge and go through metal gate (D) straight ahead into hotel grounds, and turning left, follow building all way back to Gateway. Longer route Continue on tow path to Latton Basin. (J) Turn right at the gate and walk down the drive and along a narrow path to the left of the building, then continue along the towpath. At the next point (K) you can enter North Meadow National Nature Reserve, or continue the walk along the Thames Path. (NB This route is often flooded and impassable in wet weather.) Follow the Thames Path along through the meadows until you reach an embankment and up onto the old railway track (L) and head right towards the Spine Road (M). Option to explore Cricklade: Leave the main entrance to the NNR and follow pavement into Cricklade, and along High Street. Turn right down side of Vale Hotel, past St Sampsons Church, school and fire station, at end turn right then left to Leisure Centre in Stones Lane. Take a footpath to the right of the Leisure Centre, which is the start of the old railway line from Swindon to Cirencester. This will take you all the way back to the Spine Road. Cotswold Water Park Six circular routes to explore... PLUS 15km off–road cycle route Walk 6b – St John’s Lock When you reach the T junction at (C), turn right and follow the pavement through Lechlade. At the church, take public footpath to go along left side of the church through graveyard. When you get to the small road, cross over to go through kissing gate. Follow the footpath along edge of a field, through another kissing gate and along stream/ditches. When you reach the road at (G), turn right to walk along pavement past The Trout Inn. Walk along the road over the bridge – please take great care as this road can be busy. Immediately after the bridge, turn right to go through a small gate to follow the Thames Path (H). Go past St John’s Lock and follow the footpath through gate. Follow path through the field and go through another gate. Walk along path alongside the River Thames for 750m until you reach Ha’Penny Bridge at (I). Follow path through the gate to walk under the bridge. Continue along path next to River Thames. Turn left to head back to Riverside Park. Refreshments: Excellent choice of cafés & pubs in Lechlade. Refreshments: Great choice of pubs & cafés in Cricklade.

Upload: others

Post on 08-Jul-2020

3 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Parking...is available FREE at theGateway Centre (walks 1 & 2),Neigh Bridge car park (walks 3 & 4),Waterhay car park (walk 5) Riverside Park(walks 6a & 6b) seasonal charge.

Refreshments...are never far away on any of these walks! On each of the walks the location of the nearestcafé/pub is mentioned.

Countryside code...Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs.Leave gates and property as you find them.Protect plants and animals and take your litter home.Keep dogs under close control.Consider other people.

Wildlife Watch

From left to right: Water Vole, Flag Iris, Goldfinch and Banded Demoiselle.

RAF Fairford

131128

129

136

101

104

102 103105

106107

125

126

132

130b

130a

127

114

124112

113

123

115116

120119b

119

122121

118

117

111a

110 110a

111

111b

102

102a

101b

101a

R.Coln

R.Thames

Thames P

ath

Swindon

Glos Wildlife TrustNature Reserve

CastleEaton

UpperInglesham

Kempsford

Whelford

Fairford

Inglesham

Faringdon

(RestrictedHours)

Th

am

es

Pa

th

68a/b

74

33

44

56

63

50a

4950

30

62

2620

21

19

22

15

6123a23b

12

14

86

6

9

7167

10

300

4

35b

5a

7

13

27

3537

70

83

82

68d

68c

75

69

76

66

96

81

47

46/48 58

91

99

36

42

79

95

52

53

53a

54

ManorFarm

Spine Road(East)

Wickwater Lane

Broadway Lane

Station Road

Cerny Wick Lane

Frid

ays H

am

La

ne

Isis & Windrush

Spring

Swill Brook

R. Thames

R. Churn

R. T

ham

es

Thames & Severn Canal(under restoration)

92

39

93

94

A417

97

301

11

Swindon

Cirencester

am

PooleKeynes

CrickladeLeisure Centre

51

88

8979a

84Lakeside

Waterhay

Spine Road(West)

Sustrans Route 45to Cirencester

Swillbrook LakesNature Reserve

Lower Moor FarmNature Reserve

Coke’s PitNature Reserve

ShorncoteReed Bed

WickwaterHide

ReedHide

Dryleaze FarmQuarry

74a

Th

ame

s Path

R. T

ham

es

32

31 Round HouseFarm Quarry

306

0 1 Mile1 Km

43

6577

45

57

4140

64

55

18

16

17

5978b

78a

SomerfordKeynes Cerney

Wick

DownAmpney

AshtonKeynes

SouthCerney

Latton

Ewen

Kemble

Cirencester

Minety

Wootton Bassett

MarstonMeysey

Poulton

Driffield

Cricklade

North MeadowNational Nature

Reserve

Cleveland LakesNature Reserve

Sustrans Route 45to Swindon

WaterhayHide

A419

B4696

Oaksey

Swindon

Cirencester

M5 Cheltenham& Gloucester

Spine RoadJunction

approximate scaleEysey ManorQuarry

87

200

Station RdCerney Wick Lane

Clayhill

Bridge

GatewayCentre

● Café by ● CWP information ● Starting point for Walking & Cycling

Neigh BridgeCountry Park

MeyseyHampton

Burford

A417

A417

ColnCountry Park

Lechlade

A361

A417

RiversidePark

Toilets & food seasonal

Swindon

Lechlade

Whelford PoolsNature Reserve

Cirencester

44

47

46/48 58

42

43

6577

45

57

41

33

30

62

26

3537 9696

91

99

336

88

Spine Road(West)

Coke’s PitNature Reserve

32

31

SomerfordKeynes

AshtonKeynes

B4696

87

Clayhill

6

9

717677

10

11111

WickwaterHide

Reede

CernWick

dCerney Wick Lane

Cerney Wick Lane

rnek

Rd

68a/b

74

2020

21

19

22

15

61223a23b23b

6868d

688c

75

95

Spine Road(East)

Wickwater Lane

Broadway Lane

Frid

ays H

am

La

ne

RHide

74a

18

16

17

Cleveland LakesNature Reserve

Bridge

27

Reide

WH

Reede

WH

Rede

4

3

Walk 1

Walk 3

Walk 4

Walk 6

Walk 5

Walk 2

Walk 1

Walk 3

Walk 4

Walk 6

Walk 5

Walk 2

Back coverWho manages the Cotswold Water Park?Many of the lakes are privately owned by gravel companies, clubs and individuals but alarge number of lakes are open for public access and activities.The Cotswold Water Park Trust was set up as a registered charity to improve public accessand to make the Cotswold Water Park a better environment for wildlife and people.With a team of staff and volunteers the Trust manages the Gateway Centre, five NatureReserves, six car parks and many miles of footpaths. We also work with mineralcompanies, leisure providers, local businesses, councils and communities to create asustainable future for the Cotswold Water Park.If you would like to find out more about the work of the Cotswold WaterPark Trust, please visit the website www.waterpark.org

Where can I find out more?GATEWAY VISITOR CENTRE Lake 6 Spine Rd, South Cerney GL7 5TLOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | VISITOR INFORMATION | CAFÉ | TOILETS | FREE PARKING |

T: 01793 752413 E: [email protected] W: www.waterpark.org

11a

12

ChippenhamBath

Bristol

Stroud

KembleTetbury

Malmesbury Cricklade

M4M4

M32

M5

M5

Cirencester

Swindon

Spine RoadJunction (B4696)

A417

13

14

19 18 17 16 151520

A419

B4696

B4040A46

A417

A419

A361

A36

1

A42

9

Directions...BY ROAD:

M5 Exit J11a

Follow A417/9 Cirencester. 4 miles south of Cirencester takeB4696 Spine Road Junction.M4 Exit J15

Follow A419 Cirencester. 3 miles north of Cricklade take B4696 Spine Road Junction.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

TRAVELINE:T: 0871 2002233W: www.traveline.infoNATIONAL RAIL:T: 08457 484950W: www.nationalrail.co.ukNATIONAL EXPRESS:T: 08717 818178W: www.nationalexpress.com

The production of thisWalks Guide has beenkindly supported byNatural England,Four Pillars Hotel andSouth Cerney Trust.

© Cotswold Water Park Trust Cotswold Water Park Trust Walks Guide has been devised by the CWP Trust and identifies some ofthe popular routes within the area using Public Rights of Way. If you encounter any problems withany of these walks please contact the Trust office on 01793 752413 or email [email protected] & produced by Design Wall. Thank you to photographers: David Hall, Andrew Parkinson, Dave Kilbey, AndyRouse, Dave Soons, Andy Sharpe, Richard Tyler, Nigel Gardener, Dave Collins and Jill Bewley. No part of thispublication may be reproduced without prior permission from CWP Trust.

What is theCotswold Water Park?Set in 40 square miles of Cotswold countryside, with more than 150 lakes created by gravel extraction, the Cotswold Water Park offers a fantastic range of activities for everyone.

Tow paths, train tracks and water meadowsAn easy amble south along the old Thames and Severn canal towpath, then following the route backnorthwards up the route of the Swindon to Cirencester railway. See map for longer walks.

Location of walks 1-6

WALK 1 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km

From Bulrushes to Bow Wow (the Gateway to South Cerney)Tracking the route of the canal tow path, past locks and cottages, this walk takes you to SouthCerney. Past Cotswold stone houses, tree lined lanes, into the bustling heart of the village.

WALK 2 5.5km

Rivers, brooks and lakesAll the Cotswold Water Park landscapes in one walk, the route begins and ends next to the infantRiver Thames, with wonderful wooded walks by the Swill Brook. See optional longer route.

WALK 3 5.8km / 7km

Three villages walkA great opportunity to experience three delightful villages of the Western Water Park, and following part of the Thames Path National Trail, as it wends its way from the source at Kemble.

WALK 4 14km

Bike it or Walk it!Take your bikes and a picnic, and seek out some peaceful parts of theCotswold Water Park on this great circular off road cycle route.

WALK 5 16km / 18km

Lechlade Seven Stiles & St John’s LockTwo beautiful short walks through vibrant Lechlade, with quaint shops,cafes and pubs, then following the Thames Path National Trail.

Wildlife...is wonderful all year round in the Water Park! In the summer look out for hobbies, sandmartins, orchids, dragonflies and perhaps catcha glimpse of water voles and otters. In winterover 20,000 water birds of 40 different speciesvisit the lakes, including smew, goosander andbittern. For up to date information and localsightings check out the website:www.waterpark.org

Best foot forward...this walks guide offers the chance to explorefootpaths and lanes around the Western &Eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park .

WALK 6a 3km 6b 3km

Faringdon

Lechlade

A417

RiversidePark

Toilets & food seasonal

A

BF

E

D C

G

H

IWalk 6aWalk 6b

n

Lechlade Seven Stiles & St John’s Lock walksTwo beautiful short walks through vibrant Lechlade, with quaint shops, cafes and

pubs, then following the Thames Path National Trail, heading downstream towards St

Johns Lock or upstream through the meadows keeping an eye out for the abundance

of wildlife such as ducks and swans.

Start: Riverside ParkAt (A), head towards the river until you meet Thames Path at (B). Turn right and walk alongpath until you reach the road and Ha’Penny Bridge. Go up the steps and turn left, walkingalong pavement over bridge.

Walk 6a – Seven StilesWhen you reach the T junction at (C), turn left and follow the pavement through Lechlade.Walk for 300m until after the layby on left (D) there is a footpath signposted ‘Seven StilesStroll’. Going through metal gate follow footpath, going through four small fields, over fivefoot bridges and through four gates.

When you reach the road at (E) go straight ahead along road and take footpath on leftsignposted ‘Roundhouse’ and ‘River Thames and Canal’. Follow the track until you reach theriver. Bear left to follow the footpath and go over arched footbridge at (F). Turn left and followfootpath through field, alongside the River Thames. Turn right at interpretation panel to followfootpath back to Riverside Park.

WALK 6a & 6b Distance: 3km per walk

Time: 1 hour each

This map is an artists impression of the area and should be used as a general guide.

For detailed navigation please use the appropriate OS maps for the area which are Explorer 169,

Landranger 163 and 173.

© Map copyright CWPT.

68 /b

74

15

61

60a60

23a

12

14

86

6

9

7167

10

300

35b

5a

7

75

95

Wickwater Lane

Station Road

Cerny Wick Lane

Isis & Windrush

Spring

97

301

11

Lakeside

North MeadowNational Nature

Reserve

Cleveland LakesNature Reserve

A419

Cerney Wick Lane

Bridge

GatewayCentre

● Café by ● CWP information ● Starting point for Walking & Cycling

WickwaterHide

ReedHide

CerneyWick

Station Rd

L

K

J

E

F

H

M

D

A

B

CI

G

Start: Gateway CentreWalk between the Gateway and Cotswold Outdoor, and head along the tow path of theThames and Severn Canal (A).

Shortest routeAfter 700m, (B) at the finger post marker, turn right across small wooden bridge, and along

shore of lake to far left corner of field, (C) and go through metal kissing gate. Turn right andfollow footpath with river on right. Cross over river, and pass through metal gate into hotelgrounds (D) and turning left, follow hotel through car park all way back to Gateway.

Middle routeFollow the tow path to Cerney Wick lock and round house, turn right along road, (E) past pub andthrough stile in hedge opposite. Continue across field, over stile, and cross road to next kissinggate (F). Continue straight through next kissing gate and over stile to reach footpath along edgeof lake (Cotswold Sailing Club). Follow footpath across small footbridge into field, along path tostile, (G) then turn right onto old railway track (and Sustrans National Cycle Route 45), signpostedSouth Cerney and Ashton Keynes. Ignore first gate on right. Continue along path, and after about500m turn right (H) across small bridge signposted to Gateway Centre. Follow this path to road,turn right, taking care around bend to Churn Pool to footbridge on left (I). Follow path along side

Map key:

Car park

Refreshments

Bird hide

Fishing(day tickets)

Horsebox(restricted access)

Nature reserve

Picnics

Playground

Toilets

Watersports

Footpath

Bridlepath/Cyclepath(May not be suitable for cycling all year round)

Cyclepath – hard surface

Track(Limited vehicular access)

Permissive route(At discretion of landowner)

Caution

Quarries

Other paths

Stile/kissing gate/bridge/steps(These may present a barrier to some users)

Thames Path National Trail

Please note thatwhilst every effort has

been made to ensure thatthe information contained

in this guide is accurate,the Cotswold Water Park Trust cannot

accept responsibility in respect of errors oromissions that may have occurred.

Tow paths, train tracks and water meadowsAn easy amble south along the old Thames and Severn canal towpath, then following

the route back northwards up the route of the Swindon to Cirencester railway. For a

longer walk follow the tow path down to North Meadow, a National Nature Reserve

where the largest population of the purple snakeshead fritillaries in the UK abound in

early Spring, and walk across lush green meadows by the banks of the Thames.

WALK 1Distance: 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km

Time: 45 mins / 1.5 hrs / 2.5 hrs

of lake, to river, go sharp left to follow footpath with river on right. Followpath over footbridge and go through metal gate (D) straight ahead into hotelgrounds, and turning left, follow building all way back to Gateway.

Longer routeContinue on tow path to Latton Basin. (J) Turn right at the gate and walk down the driveand along a narrow path to the left of the building, then continue along the towpath. At the nextpoint (K) you can enter North Meadow National Nature Reserve, or continue the walk along theThames Path. (NB This route is often flooded and impassable in wet weather.) Follow theThames Path along through the meadows until you reach an embankment and up onto the oldrailway track (L) and head right towards the Spine Road (M).

Option to explore Cricklade: Leave the main entrance to the NNR and follow pavement intoCricklade, and along High Street. Turn right down side of Vale Hotel, past St Sampsons Church,school and fire station, at end turn right then left to Leisure Centre in Stones Lane. Take afootpath to the right of the Leisure Centre, which is the start of the old railway line fromSwindon to Cirencester. This will take you all the way back to the Spine Road.

Cotswold Water Park

Sixcircularroutes toexplore...

PLUS 15km off–road cycle route

Walk 6b – St John’s LockWhen you reach the T junction at (C), turn right and follow the pavement through Lechlade. At the church, take public footpath to go along left side of the church through graveyard.When you get to the small road, cross over to go through kissing gate. Follow the footpathalong edge of a field, through another kissing gate and along stream/ditches.

When you reach the road at (G), turn right to walk along pavement past The Trout Inn. Walkalong the road over the bridge – please take great care as this road can be busy. Immediatelyafter the bridge, turn right to go through a small gate to follow the Thames Path (H). Go pastSt John’s Lock and follow the footpath through gate. Follow path through the field and gothrough another gate. Walk along path alongside the River Thames for 750m until you reachHa’Penny Bridge at (I). Follow path through the gate to walk under the bridge. Continue alongpath next to River Thames. Turn left to head back to Riverside Park.

Refreshments: Excellent choice of cafés & pubs in Lechlade.

Refreshments: Great choice of pubs & cafés in Cricklade.

Wildlife Watch

From left to right: Tufted Duck, Burnet Moth, Downy Emerald and Lapwing.

Wildlife Watch

From left to right: Hobby, Glow Worm, Yellowhammer and Great Crested Grebe.

Wildlife Watch

From left to right: Red Crested Pochard, Nightingale, Kingfisher and Common Blue Butterfly.

Wildlife Watch

From left to right: Tawny Owl Chicks, Black Headed Gull, Cowslips and Noctule Bat.

2620

21

19

25 22

15

23a23b

12

14

6

9

7167

10

4

35b

5a

7

12

13

Wickwater Lane

Broadway Lane

Station Road

Cerny Wick Lane

Isis & Windrush

Spring

Thames & Severn Canal(under restoration)

11

Lakeside

18

16

17

SouthCerney

Station Rd

Bridge

AC

B

FE

D

GatewayCentre

● Café by ● CWP information ● Starting point for Walking & Cycling

From Bulrushes to Bow Wow Tracking the route of the canal tow path, past locks and cottages, this walk takes you

to South Cerney. Past Cotswold stone houses, tree lined lanes, into the bustling heart

of this vibrant village, then back along the old drover's route of Wildmoorway

(pronounced Wilmer) Lane to the Gateway Centre.

Start: Gateway CentreStart at North East corner of Gateway Centre car park (A) turning left along tow path underSpine Road bridge. Continue along canal tow path, and after 1.50km you will reach BoxwellSpring Lock, then a crossroads of track and footpath. Turn left (B) along the tarmac trackleading to Bow Wow with the river Churn and the mill race on either side. At end of lane, (C)

turn left past pubs and Post Office, and at crossroads turn left along main road passing the17th Century cottages on the right. Continue along this road for 750m to (D) and go straightahead up Wildmoorway Lane, where the road rises over a railway bridge.

Follow the lane, which will soon become a track. Cross over the river Churn (E) and follow thepath through the kissing gate. After 800m you will reach Wildmoorway Lower Lock (F). Turnright towards the bridge and the Gateway Centre, passing safely under the Spine Road back tothe car park.

WALK 2Distance: 5.5km

Time: 1.5hrs

The Thames Path is a wonderful 184-mile(294km) walk and one of only 13 National Trails

in England. It follows the River Thames fromits source near Kemble in the Cotswolds to the

Thames Barrier near Greenwich in London,travelling through some of the finest countryside, including right through

the heart of the Cotswold Water Park.

34

44

56

63

50a

4950

30

3537

38

47

46/48 58

99

36

42

Swill Brook

92

Spine Road(West)

Coke’s PitNature Reserve

R. Thames

32

43

6577

45

57

4140

29

Neigh BridgeCountry Park

B

B

CD

EF

G

J

I

KL

H

A

Swillbrook LakesNature Reserve

Rivers, brooks and lakesExperience the various landscapes of the Water Park in one walk. A delightful woodland

trail by the Swill Brook, then across open meadows to the infant River Thames, and

crystal clear lakes. Great wildlife all year round with dragonflies in summer,

nightingales in Spring and a wonderful variety of visiting waterbirds in Winter.

Start: Neigh Bridge Country ParkAt (A) exit from car park to road and turn right, cross over Spine Road and go down MinetyLane opposite for 800m – please proceed with caution as road is narrow with no footpath.Turn through wooden gate at entrance to Swillbrook Lakes Nature Reserve on left oppositesmall layby at (B).

Follow narrow path along lake edge, go through small gate at point (C) and follow footpathwith Swill Brook on right. Continue through wooden gate on right at edge of lake. Follow pathto (D), going over bridge to interpretation panel, then path across field. Route turns away fromlake, with woods on left. At (E), where trees converge, go into next field and take right handpath around field boundary to footbridge over brook, along Otter Corridor towards PikeCorner (F) and turn left at interpretation panel.

Follow path straight on, then with interpretation panel on left at (G), go over stile to joinThames Path.

Shortest routeTurn left along River Thames with river on right, ignoring gateway on right, to metalfootbridge at (H). Over footbridge turn left along lane to meet Spine Road, and left, cross roadto Neigh Bridge.

Longer routeTurn right along River Thames. After 450m, left at

footpath sign over footbridge at (I) and follow path.At junction of paths (J), turn left, follow path (not

gravel track) keeping Lake 37 on right. Walkalong bank for 500m – after metal hut turn leftthrough gap in the hedge (K). Turn right, followpath through scrub. Keep straight ahead togravel track. Turn left then take grasspath immediately on right (L) and follow

to stile in hedgerow onto Spine Road.Cross road, and turn left back to Neigh

Bridge Car Park.

WALK 3Distance: 5.8km / 7km

Time: 2hrs / 2.5hrs

33

34

44

56

63

50a

4950

30

62

2620

19

2527

2828a

3537

38

70

76

66

96

47

46/48 58

91

99

36

42

79

52

Churn

92

39

93

94

88

8979a

84

Spine Road(West)

Swillbrook LakesNature Reserve

Coke’s PitNature Reserve

Th

ame

s Path

R. Thames

32

31

43

6577

45

57

4140

64

29

18

SomerfordKeynes

AshtonKeynes

SouthCerney

B4696

87

Clayhill

H

F

E

D

C

B

A

K

J

I

G

M

N

L

ShorncoteReed Bed

Neigh BridgeCountry Park

Three villages walkA great opportunity to pass through three picturesque villages of the Western Water

Park, all with their own charm and fascinating past. Why not come back and explore

them further another day? The route follows the Thames Path National Trail as it

wends its way from the source at Kemble to London 184 miles downstream.

WALK 4Distance: 14km

Time: Approx 3 hrs

68a/b

74

2

2620

21

19

25 22

15

61

60a60

23a23b

12

14

86

6

9

7167

10

300

4

35b

5a

7

12

13

27

83

82

68d

68c

75

69

76

66

96

81

95

ManorFarm

Spine Road(East)

Wickwater Lane

Broadway Lane

Station Road

Cerny Wick Lane

Frid

ays H

am

La

ne

Isis & Windrush

Spring

R. Thames

R. Churn

Thames & Severn Canal(under restoration)

39

94

97

301

11

Lakeside

Waterhay

74a

4

18

16

17

5978b

78a

72

CerneyWick

AshtonKeynes

SouthCerney

Cleveland LakesNature Reserve

A419

B4696

Spine RoadJunction

200

Station RdCerney Wick Lane

Clayhill

Bridge

A

D

C

E

F

G

IH

K

J

L

N

M

WickwaterHide

ReedHide

B

GatewayCentre

● Café by ● CWP information ● Starting point for Walking & Cycling

Bike it or Walk it!Seek out some of the peaceful parts of the Cotswold Water Park on this great circular

off road cycle ride. If you have time, take a detour to the Reed Hide in the Cleveland

Lakes Nature Reserve. Suitable for competent cyclists – the route can be rough and

around the Thames Path it can be flooded in times of wet weather.

WALK/CYCLE 5Distance: 16km or 18km

Time: 2-3 hrs (cycling)

Start: Neigh Bridge Country ParkFrom the car park entrance right towards the Spine Road, (A) then left on the path to theThames Path signpost, cross road and follow the lane, with lake on left and River Thames onright. Continue to end of lane, over metal bridge, and stay on Thames Path for 1km, until youreach main road. (B) Cross over to wooden gate with care and keep straight on with river onleft. At end of Church Walk, on corner turn left, then immediately right onto Back Street. (C)

At end of road, (D) straight ahead take narrow public footpath past houses. Through twowooden kissing gates, head straight and follow path round between two lakes. Turning left,aim for gap in trees, over stile into Clayhill car park. (E) Leave car park at entrance, crossSpine Road, turn right for 50m, and take path left at signpost and over stile. Cross bridge onleft, short path to the track. (F) Turn right.

Follow track around lake, to grassy path. When track reaches an open area, keep right. (G) At‘T’ junction, right, over small bridge and under trees. At road, left into village, past shop andWar Memorial is ahead of you. Turn left here. Continue along road until you reach the bend,Upper Up Car park is in front of you. (H)

Take path across playing field, exit is in top right-hand corner. Through two gates, and crossroad with extreme caution! Gate opposite, follow raised path. This path goes to Shorncote birdhides, may be flooded following wet weather. (I) Continue past the quarrying and followingpath right to end. When you reach the Country Park, (J) turn immediately right along grasspath inside fence boundary, follow around until paths merge. (K) Keep right at metal gate andthrough woods, to stile.

Then it’s woods-stile-field-stile-field-stile-field-bridge-field-road! Cross over to stile and (L)

go immediately right through path in woods until stile at next road. Turn left along verge andcross over to stile next to gate. Follow edge of field to next stile, cross over road to next stile,then take path diagonally across the field. (M) At junction of paths, turn right and follow paththrough field gateway, then over narrow footbridge to river and join Thames Path, followingriver downstream. Follow path until (N) reach wooden bridge in to northern corner of NeighBridge Country Park, and path to car park.

Start: Gateway CentreCross Spine Road (A) (slightly right) with care from Gateway Centre following National CycleNetwork 45 signs. Left onto cycle path following signs and crossing roads (care) until oppositeBridge car park at 1.2km.

Cross road (B) (care) through arches onto bridleway, crossing over at top of Station Road. (C)

Follow signs NCN45 for 2.3km, under more brick arches, past houses, along embankmentuntil steep slope down to road. (D) Turn left back into South Cerney past pubs & shops. Bearright, turn right then left at memorial cross (Broadway Lane) (E).

(F) At end of houses after The Leaze take bridleway on right (wooden motorcycle barrier).After narrow wooden bridge/400m (G) take immediate left, keep stream on left. Follow grassthen gravel track around lake past Whitefriars Sailing Club then tarmac to road.

Turn left onto road (extreme caution). Next left (Spine Road), join cycle path after 50m, (H)

follow for 800m. Just past Clayhill car park cross road (care) onto bridleway (motorcyclebarrier). (I) Follow track ahead then right along field edges then through gap in hedge(motorcycle barrier), and on permissive bridleway to road. (extreme caution) (J) Cross road onbend to gate and bridleway.

(K) (Wet weather alternative: after 200m, take kissing gate on left (ClevelandLakes), follow cycle track for 2km to rejoin Thames Path (M) throughkissing gate on right).

(L) Main route: pass kissing gate, left at track junction joining ThamesPath following around lakes and river to humped wooden bridge (M).

(Detour here to Reed hide)

Continue Thames Path, left at first T junction, right at second T (ElmleaMeadow) then left onto Old Railway Line (N). Follow to main Spine Road, turnright onto cycle track and retrace route back to Gateway Centre (care road crossings).

Refreshments: A variety in South Cerney, including pubs & takeaways.

Refreshments: White Hart, Ashton Keynes. Royal Oak, South Cerney. Refreshments: Gateway Centre