Thames and Severn Way
10th to 14th March 2019 43.5 miles
Photos | Locations |
This is a short route, done over more days than necessary..
This path takes a different route from Lechlade to Cricklade, so although we had already done the Thames Path, we started at Lechlade. The reason for the difference is not immediately clear, with the Thames and Severn Way (TSW) looping West then South to join the Thames Path at Bridge Farm and not separating again until after Cricklade.
Again the TSW loops away via Siddington before rejoining the Thames Path at Ewen. The two paths now stick together until the source of the Thames. From the source, the Way utilises the Wysis Way to reach Sapperton and the River Frome. From here it is a river and canalside walk to Upper Framilode.
We started with a short walk (about 6.5 miles) from Lechlade to Kelmscott and back as we had been chauffeured to Lechlade by our eldest and so took them out to lunch. We stayed in The Riverside, excellent pub.
The next day we set off initially on the Thames Path, before turning North and West on the TSW. We lunched in Cricklade before heading off to the Cotswold Water Park and the De Vere. About 15 miles for the day.
Tuesday morning and it is raining. The day started well enough, following the TSW to Kemble via Siddington, but after about 7 miles I realised I'd left my camera at the hotel. We caught a taxi back and retrieved it! Once that drama was dealt with we continued to Well Farm at Frampton Mansell. A lovely house. We had dinner in The Crown. A bit over 13 miles, ignoring the extra distance due to stupidity.
After an excellent breakfast we set off again, passsing through Stroud before heading off across country alongside the River Frome. We stayed in Saul Farm. An excellent room at the top of a small barn, with a jacuzzi downstairs! Sadly there were plumbing issues and the jacuzzi didn't work. We had another short walk to the pub for dinner. Roughly 14 miles for the day.
We could have finished the walk yesterday, however, as we weren't being picked up until this morning (Thursday) we decided to saunter down to the Severn after breakfast. We were picked up by our youngest and taken to Salisbury. We had a good evening meal in The Pembroke Arms. The next day we went climbing at Portland Bill.