Whichford circular via the edge of Long Compton

Start: The Norman Knight, Whichford.

(S/E) Facing the road from The Norman Knight, turn left, follow the road round, turning right at the junction. Continue, looking for a footpath on the right. Take the footpath for about 250 metres and reach a footpath junction.

(1) Take a left turn at this footpath junction. At the junction in about 300 metres, carry straight on descending and at the bottom of the valley, do not attempt to cross the brook, but turn right for about 150 metres to reach a T junction.

(2) At the T junction turn left over the bridge, follow the footpath turning right and keep climbing over fields for about 1.7km. Take a turn to the right, crossing the field diagonally and stay to the left of the farm to reach the farm access road. Turn left and after 140 metres reach a turn off the road.

(3) Turn right and go diagonally through the field for about 400 metres to exit onto a road junction. Turn right and go down the road for about 450 metres.

(4) Turn right off the road, then follow the path, eventually descending. As you are passing William's Copse on your right, turn left. At the valley bottom, turn right and shortly left and climb up to the farm track. The total is about 2km.

(5) At the farm track turn left and follow for another 2km.

(6) As you nearly reach Long Compton, take a sharp right turning onto a footpath, cross the brook bridge, and start to climb, eventually coming to Macmillan Way. The total is about 2km.

(7) Cross over Macmillan Way into the wood and shortly turn right. Follow the path, turning slowly to the left and descending. Look for a path to exit the wood on your right to join Macmillan Way. Total about 1.km.

(8) Follow the footpath down, bearing to the left to join Roman Row and follow it to a road junction. Turn right along the road to get back to The Norman Knight pub.(S/E)

Whichford's history is deeply rooted in the Anglo-Saxon era, with its name possibly deriving from "Ford of the Hwicce," an Anglo-Saxon tribe that settled in the area. The village's parish includes the hamlet of Ascott and is part of the Stratford-upon-Avon district. The parish church of St Michael dates back to the mid-12th century and has undergone several expansions and alterations over the centuries. The village's pottery industry is another notable aspect of its history, contributing to its local heritage.

The Norman Knight pub (CV36 5PE) - If you don't want a meal, park on the road towards WM1.

Whichford Pottery