09/02/19 - Chipping Campden to Broadway

Distance - 9.5 Miles
Geocaches - 9
Good Beer Guide Pub Tick #362 - The Eight Bells, Chipping Campden, Old Hooky
Walk Inspiration - Cicerone Walking in the Costwolds, Walk 1



Here's an absolute belter of a ramble and a great introduction into walking in the Cotswolds.

That said, I never really got on with Chipping Campden, where we start activities.   It's got a lot to offer walkers - free parking along the high street, the start of the Cotswold Way and the classic honey coloured stone buildings wearing their history beautifully.   My problem has always been the quality of the pubs.   For me, they've never quite matched the grandeur of the surrounding.  I needed to look slightly harder than the three along the high street and the Good Beer Guide is pointing me to the town's only recommendation - slightly off piste, along Church Street.

We'll come back to the Eight Bells after the walk.

The Cotswold Way starts at the C17th Market Hall and look closely and you can find a little plague marking the start / end.

Cotswold Way Beginnings and Endings

The Market Hall

I'd recommend that the walk is completed in a clockwise direction - tackling Mile Drive to Broadway first.   This minimises the impact of the two hills that need to be tackled.... Fish Hill to Broadway Tower is definitely steeper than Dover's Hill.

Mile Drive is always a joy to walk - a one mile broad avenue of easy walking.   A new multi cache has been placed since my last visit, so this kept me further entertained.

Mile Drive

Mile drive leads to the picnic area at the top of Fish Hill.   Broadway tower is next up and it doesn't matter how many times I've seen it, it still takes the breath away.  Not just the monument, but the views over 16 counties and 60 odd miles.

The best approach to Broadway Tower is from Fish Hill Picnic Area

The endless views

All downhill into Broadway.  If you're feeling like mid walk refreshment, then the Good Beer Guide recommends the Crown and Trumpet.   Its only been six months since my last visit, so I decided to keep on marching.

It must have been the views.

Views from the Valley Floor

Broadway

More new Geocaches to find on the exit from Broadway, taking great paths through Foxhill Manor to the isolated but utterly delightful Saintbury Church.

Saintbury Church 

The big climb of the day is back to the top of Dover's Hill, stopping for endless photos when a breather is required.

Plenty more of this kind of thing on my memory stick

The top of Dover's Hill - nearly time for the pub.

The Cotswold Way will return you to Chipping Campden and I can tell you all about the Eight Bells.

The 8 Bells

Originally, it was built in the C14th for the stone masons working on the town's church.  It was then used to store the Church's bells.

The current building was developed using the original material in the C17th.

A Classic Example of a Cotswold Pub

Inside, it's all low ceilings (a rather nice warning sign on the front door) and just what's needed after a lengthy walk - good beer, extensive sandwich menu and a roaring fire.   A choice of four ales on, with the Old Hooky being in exceptional condition.

With a Chicken Ciabatta on the way and getting the last table, handily positioned in front of the coal fire, I may well have been the happiest man on the planet at the time of this photo.

Chipping Campden is saved.

Fitting End to a Great Walk