Newnham-on-Severn, Gloucestershire (A walk, BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

A WALK DESCRIPTION: 11-12 miles, about 1500 ft total ascent. Leader: Peter Searle. Starting on the main road south of Newnham near Bullo, we will follow a bridlepath past Grove Farm, then follow footpaths mainly across fields to join a minor road for a short distance to Ayleford Farm. Here the route climbs steeply to join a forestry track in Blakeneyhill Wood North, which gradually becomes a narrower path. We will pass an attractive streamside picnic site at Organ’s Green, and continue through attractive woodland, eventually reaching Upper Soudley, with a pub stop at the White Horse Inn. Refreshed, we will continue a short distance along the road, then turn north into woodland alongside the Soudley Ponds. Having passed three of the ponds, we will turn south to climb through Foundry Wood, then east to leave the woodland past Blaize Bailey Farm, descending across fields with fine views over the wide, meandering River Severn, to the attractive village of Newnham. From here, we pass the church then follow a footpath alongside the river Severn, finally turning away from the river to return to the coach at Bullo.