We are the West Berkshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
The walk is designed to embrace several of the most notable local features of this Cotswold region, including the site reputed to be the head of the River Thames, the spring which is the source of the Thames and the acclaimed Roman Amphitheatre.
The walk begins at Kemble railway station car park, follow sections of the Wysis Way; the Macmillan Way, the Monarchs Way and the Thames and Severn Way. The final section also includes a small section of the Fosse Way! The finish is at the Market Place, at the centre of Cirencester.
A 9 mile linear walk starting in Kemble railway station car park, south west of Cirencester. Immediately on leaving the car park the route joins the Wysis Way, crossing grassy meadows, field paths and tracks, to meet with the Thames and Severn Way. Here the route turns north, crossing the bed of the river Thames. The route follows parallel to the line of the Thames as we make our way to Thames Head, where the water gathers to become the Thames, Further along we pass the spring which is reputed to be the source of the Thames.
At the next junction of the paths we will have the fortified Trewsbury House with it's Iron Age fort to our right and the dis-used Thames and Severn canal to our left. Passing the fortifications of Trewsbury House and a former Roman settlement we turn west on the Monarchs Way following the old canal. Having passed the aged canal infrastructure, and the recent restoration work, the route enters Hailey Wood before using a permissive path to turn east to the village of Coates. Along this route we pass the grounds and buildings of the Royal Agricultural University before entering Cirencester passing through the site of the Roman Amphitheatre. From here we make our way to Market Place via the historic routes of Querns Lane and Cricklade street. Here we finish, facing the imposing Cathedral like edifice of the parish church of St. John.
There are a number of stiles and two ‘ladders’ over dry stone walls, The underfoot conditions should be good, remaining mostly flat throughout the route. There is a mix of grass covered footpaths, farm tracks, urban pavements and a short stretch walking alongside the A429 road into Cirencester. This is on a pavement and an underpass is used to cross this main A429 road.
The walk should finish around 2pm and the coach will depart promptly at 4:30 - allowing 2-2.5 hours for exploring Cirencester.
Please bring your own refreshments and wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
The booking for this walk closes at 6pm on Thursday 24th July.
Meet at Trinity School car park, off Love Lane, Newbury at 08:20 for a prompt 08:30 departure.
Kemble railway station car park
The walk will finish in the Market Place. The coach pick up will be near the Old Station car park, Tetbury Road - a five minute walk from the Corinium Museum. Please be there by 16:20, as the coach will leave promptly at 16:30.
