Strcir one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Strcir here.

This is an easy mostly level route which is easy to navigate. We walked from Stroud. The canal bit is lovely, you cannot go wrong once you are on the path. It can get busy but is mostly accessible for buggies etc. Look out for the otter at Stroud Brewery. There is a pub at Sapperton and the only hill. Once you have entered the Bathurst Estate it's straight all the way along the gallops. Possibly a duller part of the walk, quite exposed and there was one small but welcome diversion into the adjacent woodland and an amazing sculpture of a horse's head as you come into Cirencester.

I am going to be rather more generous with this route than 5PintE though they are correct that the Eastern end of this route from Sapperton to Cirencester passes through Cirencester Park; while not a public right of way there is public access between 8am and 5pm and it is a far more scenic approach to Cirencester than the alternative Strcir2 route, see https://www.bathurstestate.co.uk/visitors/cirencester-park/ .

From Stroud to Sapperton the route follows the Thames & Severn Canal path (https://www.cotswoldcanals.net/exploring-thames-severn-canal.php). I would advise joining this path at Wallbrige (///pylon.stick.artichoke) just South of Stroud Railways Station.

Between Stroud and Brimscombe the canal path is scenic, very walkable and well maintained by the Cotswold Canal Trust. At Brimscombe the route plotted deviates through an industrial estate but you can take a more direct route crossing Brimscombe Hill at The Ship PH (well worth a stop) and going down Port Lane (///owls.laughs.flamed) then right to regain the canal side via an access road.

Chalford to Daneway the trail is slightly rougher but still pretty good and very scenic. The canal here is unrestored (so far) and there are some substantial unguarded vertical drops into disused canal sections close to the trail to be aware of. Small children should not roam free. Refreshments at Lavender Bakehouse (Chalford) and Daneway PH. Muddy puddles and standing water common on this section. From the hillside village of Chalford to Daneway you are in the stunning Golden Valley - autumn colours to rival New England!

From Daneway to Sapperton is a short, steep climb, leaving the canal and climbing through a field - the path is clear but can be pretty slippery when wet. From Sapperton the route follows the rather impressive Broad Ride into and through Cirencester Park (NB: daytime only). About 8km of undulating trail in a dead straight line gives regular views of Cirencester as you approach - impressive but can be depressing as it slowly draws closer if you are tiring!!

Overall a good route to walk, very scenic with a lot to offer: industrial archaeology, nature, hills, woodland, and 18th Century parkland.
Each end of the route has accessibility for buggy/wheelchair/scooter but end-to-end would require some lifting and/or detours.

Enjoy.

The last 5 miles of this route run through private land (Cirencester Park) with no public right of way. Some of the route is along permissive paths but not all of it and the gates are locked at 17:00 every day.
See STRCIR 2 for alternative route using the Thames Severn Way from Stroud to Coates and then along the Monarchs Way to Cirencester.

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