Easy 1.8km walk for all on a private road in a remote Cotswold valley with one gentle slope.

Where is it?

Hinchwick manor is on a narrow minor road that runs between the A424 four miles north west of Stow-on-the-Wold and the B4077

four miles west of Stow. The easier approach is from the B4077 taking a lane signed to Hinchwick for one mile. Starting from the junction of the A424 and the A44 at Trooper's Lodge service station and travelling towards Stow you turn right after half a mile at the second minor crossroads (no signpost) and wind downhill for two miles. The walk starts at a T-junction close to Hinchwick Manor near the bottom of the valley. Please park considerately beside the road.

The walk

An easy there and back path of 1,800 metres on tarmac between woodland and fields. After a short rise, there is a very gentleDirections

At the T-junction, go through a galvanised double

gate and follow the track up a slight incline bearing

to the left towards a stone wall on your right. Under the trees, follow the track to another wide gate, and continue with trees on both sides until the public footpath leaves the road near a footpath signpost.

The metalled road bearing right uphill is private beyond this point, so please return the same way.

Along the way

An old standing stone in the first field on the right marks a boundary from the days of the great abbey and cathedral estates when the parish of Cutsdean

was one of several islands of Worcestershire within Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. You pass mature beech, ash and oak trees on the right, and to the left pasture and arable fields. Look out for foxes, deer and buzzards.

These valleys all carry underground streams feeding the River Dikler, which emerges at Donnington trout farm, two miles downstream.

Refreshments and toilets

Pubs at Ganborough, Longborough, Lower Swell,

Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh. Disabled toilets at Stow and Moreton. Walks on Wheels was devised by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens to mark their 40 years of helping to improve access to the Cotswolds and conserve its special landscape.

Whether you are two years old or seventy two, these Walks on Wheels give you the chance to enjoy the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These short routes have been devised for anyone on a mobility scooter, in a wheelchair, or pushing a child's buggy. They will help you explore quiet country paths, villages and market towns. Most are feasible for all wheel users, others may not suit you. The walks are available at; www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk