Shihoo one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Good Slowways walk from Shipston to Hook Norton.
Navigation is generally good throughout with well marked and clear footpaths virtually throughout, except through Cherington heading towards Stourton. A number of places PROWs have been moved and the markings aren’t great in this section.

At SP286369 (poorly maintained bridge - but somewhat improved since last walked in May 2023) the pathway is unclear. Best to cross the bridge and go through the field gate and turn hard left to circuit the edge of the field,

At SP289365, it is easier to go to the right of the green container (which has some obscured public footpath stickers) and join the road through Cherington at 289364, and reconnect with the route at 293366. The route near church yard is unclear / not marked so the road is a better option (and generally quiet!).

At Stourton, a short diversion will bring you to the Cotswold Distillery, that has a cafe / restaurant, and the route can be rejoined by taking the short footpath at 300364, and turning right at a slightly confusing set of 2 kissing gates,

Route passes Wichford Pottery where the Straw Kitchen has brunch menus, coffees and cakes (Wednesday - Sunday from 10am),

Hook Norton Brewery has food options and visitors centre. Pear Tree pub at end of Brewery Lane also serves Hook Norton beer and has a pleasant rear garden.

If walking from Shipston, the 488 Stagecoach bus from outside the Pear Tree pub to Chipping Norton (10 past hour), and then the 50 Stagecoach bus from Chipping Norton (14:40, 18:51 Monday-Saturday) gets you back to Shipston.

Another very good Slow Ways Route through lovely countryside.
Leaving Shipston On Stour you follow the Shakespeare Way along the river Stour for a short section before more field paths with great views arriving at Cherington where we leave the Shakespeare Way. The section between Stourton and Wichford needs close attention to your OS map and / or navigation app. Just before arriving in Wichford you go through a lovely woodland path and then on past The Norman Night pub a good place for refreshments. A section of road walking ending in Ascott with field paths taking you in to Hook Norton past the brewery which is worth a visit for food and drinks.
The route was very muddy when i walked as we have had so much rain over the winter months and generally straightforward.

We walked this route starting from Hook Norton, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
As you leave the village the footpath passes around the back of the brewery, where we saw their shire horses grazing; they are still used for local beer deliveries. The Victorian brewery is well worth a visit.
The route was mostly on footpaths and occasional bridleways. Roads were used only for passing through villages (which were invariably very quiet) and when arriving in Shipston-on-Stour. There were numerous stiles and kissing gates, some of the latter being so narrow it was necessary to take off our rucksacks to pass through.
Navigation was generally straightforward, though we found the path between Whichford and Stourton difficult to follow. Close attention is required to your OS map and / or navigation app.
We stopped for lunch at the Cherington Arms in Stourton, which we would recommend for its good food and beer.
All in all it was an excellent day’s walk in the beautiful Cotswolds.

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