recommended routeBirdlip to Painswick
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/ Path through Birdlip WoodsPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure -
/ Witcombe reservoir from Birdlip WoodsPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
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/ Signpost up to Cooper's HillPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
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/ Site of the famous Cooper's Hill Cheese RollPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
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/ Painswick Beacon summit markerPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
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/ View from Painswick BeaconPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
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/ Rock strata at Catsbrain QuarryPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
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/ Arriving in Painswick via Gloucester StreetPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
Author’s recommendation
Rest stops
PainswickSafety information
There are several sections of the walk today where you might encounter traffic but most minor roads are quiet. However, care should be taken when leaving Birdlip at the start of the walk as there is only a narrow path. Although only a short distance the road is narrow and busy. Also when crossing the main road at Cranham Corner. The main street down into Painswick is also narrow and traffic can be busy at peak times. There are a few descents and one steep climb up Cooper’s Hill which might be tricky during or after wet weather.
When crossing Painswick Golf Course be alert for golfers playing their shots and always remember to give way if needed.
The Cotswold Way is well marked so navigation should be straightforward. Look out for the acorn signs which are the National Trail Markers.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Cooper’s Hill
This is a superb viewpoint and a very steep section of the Cotswold escarpment. However, its claim to fame is the annual Cheese Rolling Festival held here at the end of May. The origin of this spectacle is unclear. Contestants plunge headlong down the steep slope in pursuit of a mock roll of cheese, the winner awarded with a real 7lb Double Gloucester cheese.
For more information: https://www.soglos.com/sport-outdoor/27837/Gloucestershire-Cheese-Rolling
Painswick Beacon
Painswick hill was originally settled by Iron Age tribes and later used as a temporary Saxon camp during their conflict with Mercia. It was also occupied by Royalist forces in 1643 following the lifting of the siege of Gloucester. It has commanding views over Gloucester and the Severn Vale.
For more information: http://www.visitthecotswolds.org.uk/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/picnic-sites-and-views/painswick-beacon/
Painswick
Painswick is a delightful town roughly at the halfway stage of the Cotswold Way. In common with other Cotswold towns, it owes its elegance and wealth to the cloth trade. At its height mills, 25 were powered by local streams in the area. During the Civil, War Royalists attacked the town and damaged the church. Cannonball marks are still visible today in the walls. The churchyard is famous for its avenues of clipped yew trees and unusual table tombs.
For more information: http://www.painswick.co.uk/
Food and Drink
There is only one hotel in Birdlip so if you require a packed lunch it would be advisable to check with your accommodation. However, this is only a relatively short walk. Refreshments are available at Painswick Golf Club but that is nearing the end of the walk. Several cafes and pubs can be found in Painswick itself.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided full written turn by turns to aid you on your walk from Birdlip to Painswick. Whilst, the Cotswolds are waymarked it can be featureless and off the beaten path at some sections so we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
0.00 Km – Standing by the Cotswold Way signpost and with your back to the main Birdlip road, GO STRAIGHT ON down the wooden steps into the wood. At the bottom of the steps, TURN LEFT and GO STRAIGHT ON along the path. Do not go through the metal gate into the field.
0.20 km –Where the path forks, BEAR LEFT uphill and GO STRAIGHT ON, following the wooden marker posts to a wider track. Continue along this track.
1.00 km – At a track crossroads, GO STRAIGHT ON parallel to the steep Birdlip escarpment on the left for approx 1 km through the woods. These are covered by carpets of wild garlic, bluebells and wood anemones in the spring.
2.20 km – At another track junction BEAR RIGHT, following the wooden marker posts, and GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 1.5 km. Occasional views can be glimpsed through the trees on the right.
3.80 km – At a Cotswold Way signposted track junction, BEAR LEFT uphill, and GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 0.75 km.
4.60 km – Emerging from the woods by some buildings, GO STRAIGHT ON along the tarmac road.
4.90 km – At a road junction by a red post box BEAR LEFT uphill on the signposted path to Cranham Corner. GO STRAIGHT ON through the wooden gate and into Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve. In 200 m BEAR LEFT steeply uphill to the top of Cooper’s Hill the scene of the famous May Bank Holiday Cheese Roll.
5.30 km – At the top of the hill BEAR RIGHT following the wooden marker posts downhill. In
200 m BEAR LEFT at the sharp bend and GO STRAIGHT ON through the woods.
6.00 km – At a wooden gate TURN LEFT and GO STRAIGHT ON through the woods.
6.80 km – At the information Board for Buckholt Wood BEAR RIGHT downhill to the road.
7.50 km – At the tarmac road TURN RIGHT along Buckholt Road to the main road and cross with care. GO STRAIGHT ON into the woods than in 100 m BEAR LEFT uphill, across a small tarmac road and into Buckholt Wood. GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 0.5 km.
8.20 km – Arriving at a tarmac road GO STRAIGHT ON, following the Cotswold Way signposts to Painswick, under a red & white height restriction barrier and across the golf course for approx 1 km. It is worth making the short detour up to Painswick Beacon for the panoramic view.
9.60 km – At a small tarmac road TURN LEFT downhill, and then almost immediately on the bend, BEAR RIGHT on the signed Cotswold Way path. Follow this path to the left of the quarry. GO STRAIGHT ON across the golf course following the marker posts to reach a road. When crossing the golf course be aware of golfers playing their shots and always give way.
10.8 km – Arriving at the Golf Club Road TURN RIGHT then BEAR RIGHT through the small car park and GO STRAIGHT ON down to the main road.
11.0 km – At the main road TURN LEFT and GO STRAIGHT ON downhill towards Painswick.
11.3 km – At the road junction, just past the red post box, BEAR RIGHT down the no-entry road (Gloucester Street).
11.7 km – At the crossroads TURN RIGHT onto New Street and GO STRAIGHT ON towards the church with the spire.
11.8 km – Arriving at Victoria Square in front of the church by the Cotswold Way signpost you have reached the end of your walk.
*** This is the end of our Birdlip to Painswick route. If you are walking to King's Stanley today, then please move onto the Painswick to King's Stanley route***
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Good comfortable boots or walking shoes are recommended. The ground can be quite soft and the paths are well used by walkers and riders. Whilst the terrain is not particularly difficult it can be muddy with some waterlogged stretches after heavy rain. Walking poles are an option if preferred. The British weather is changeable so waterproofs should also be carried just in case.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
There are some opportunities to buy food/water today as you approach Painswick but be sure to bring enough with you.
Statistics
- 3 Waypoints
- 3 Waypoints
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