It’s the time of year to embrace lengthening days and get out in Gloucestershire’s gorgeous countryside to walk off any seasonal overindulgence! For an invigorating five-mile walk up and down the Cotswold escarpment, the circular route from Hayles Farm, via Didbrook, Wood Stanway and Beckbury Camp’s Iron-Age fort is near perfect.

Guided by OS Explorer Map OL45, we revisited the route recently while staying at the Hayles Fruit Farm campsite. Leaving the site, it was a short walk along quiet lanes to the lovely Grade I listed Hailes Church with its impressive panelled chancel and a nave decor
ated with fascinating fourteenth-century wall paintings.

Up the Cotswold escarpment

Across the road, history fans will enjoy Hailes Abbey, once among the country’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries – until Thomas Cromwell had it destroyed in 1539. Not long after passing these sites, the route leaves the lanes and continues north across peaceful open country at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment towards Didbrook. From there, after walking through Wood Stanway and passing briefly through Glebe Farm’s yard, the well-marked path joins the Cotswold Way to climb out of the Vale of Evesham.

It’s a peaceful, rewarding route throughout, the kind that doesn’t make great demands and allows for easy conversation with companions – or relaxing meditative contemplation if you’re solo hiking. Approaching Stumps Cross, with the ascent behind you, take a few minutes – or longer – to enjoy the views north over the Vale and Bredon Hill from a seat dedicated to local lady Pinky Dickins. Pinky, the seatback plaque explains, lived nearby for 26 years with her horses, dogs and family. She clearly adored the local landscape. Whatever the season, look around and appreciate why the place meant so much to her.

Cromwell’s Seat

Atop the escarpment, the going is easy again and the views are impressive as you continue around Beckbury Fort. Don’t miss the stone monument at the point where, according to local lore, Thomas Cromwell surveyed the destruction of Hailes Abbey below him. Like Pinky’s bench, ‘Cromwell’s Seat’ makes a perfect picnic stop before descending through a clump of trees and beginning the gentle descent back to your starting point.

After crossing gently sloping meadows and passing through a couple of field gates, the route turns sharp right on to the stony lane coming down from Northcote. After about 500m, you’ll be back at Hailes and your circuit will be complete – but maybe not without pausing for refreshment at Hayles Fruit Farm!