Shemal one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Shemal here.

I had high expectations for this route, particularly having read Stephens review, however regrettably my expectations were not met. I undertook the route travelling from Malmesbury to Sherston. I anticipated reasonably well groomed fields, stone walls, and perhaps a few stiles. What I encountered was field after field of grass over 2' long ( which even though I am very tall I had to wade through ) barbed wire fences, hedges, and 23 stiles, which varied from poorly maintained, overgrown, to some which were nowhere near where they are shown on the OS and definitive map. I recorded the route as 7.90 mi, whereas the download was 7.44 mi. En route there was also 5 ped. gates, 3 field gates, diversions due to crops ( oil seed rape ), and both cows and horses. Within the route are sections of roads, and also tarmac / grit / grass tracks which are great. It is entirely possible that in about the multiple fields of long grass will be harvested which will then make the walking much easier. On the upside the long grass is good for wildlife. Just in the middle third is the Vine Tree Inn at Norton. I took on board Stephens comments regarding quiet lanes, and returned to Malmesbury that way, so will upload it as a ( much easier ) alternative.

Not much to say about this other than I think it may be my first 5-star review. It's a really great route that is almost all in relatively flat countryside with very few stiles or hazards. I've not provided an alternative route, but it is possible to shorten this slightly by using the very minor roads. They are not at all busy, especially on lazy, misty Sunday mornings; except for cyclists. On the other hand, if you want to make it a nice long day out, you could always park at Westonbirt Arboretum (open from 9am) and go from there to Sherston first.

Also, slight alternatives, and a circular route to / from Malmesbury, can be found by going to the (excellent) 'White Walls Way' website at https://whitewallsway.weebly.com. The photos that I have uploaded show the route from Malmesbury to Sherston, not vice versa.

If you do choose to start in Malmesbury, and are going by car, the Long Stay car park (old station car park) is at the bottom of the hill, below the Abbey, and next to a large Co-op. There is no need to climb up to the notional start point by the Town Hall (where there is limited short stay parking). And be aware that there is now a small charge for Sunday parking over 2 hours in the Long Stay.

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