Winchombe, Hailes Abbey and Farmcote (7.5 miles)

Cotswolds National Landscape has worked with local communities to create ten Cotswold Gateways locations, from which people can follow walking and cycling routes to explore the surrounding countryside of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Following footpaths, bridleways, and minor roads, these routes provide opportunities to discover hidden corners, epic views, historic sites, and a rich diversity of wildlife.

Distance: 7.5 miles
Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Back Lane car park, GL54 5PZ
Public transport: accessible by bus from Traveline: Cheltenham and Chipping Campden, or Prestbury, Toddenham and Broadway via Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Refreshments: Find plenty of places to eat and drink in Winchcombe here: Experience Winchcombe - Eat & Drink and also Hayles Fruit Farm

Points of Interest:

St. Faith’s Church, Farmcote - The original building was Saxon, the only remains of the early church are Saxo Norman nave and remains of a doorway. The pulpit is Late 17th C.
Farmcote Herbs & Chilli Peppers Garden -Specialist herb garden growing a wide variety of herbs and chilli peppers.
Hailes Church - small country chapel where you can view wall-paintings of saints, coats of arms and hunting scenes.
Hailes Abbey (Ruins) - a former Cistercian abbey, it was founded in 1246 as a daughter establishment of Beaulieu Abbey. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. You can walk around the ruins, visit the small museum buy hot/cold drinks in the shop.

The pilgrims who financed this imposing abbey came in search of the renowned relic, 'the Holy Blood of Hailes.' Allegedly a phial of Christ's own blood, this was denounced at the Reformation as actually being honey coloured with saffron.

For more information on the walk and map please see Cotswold Gateway - Winchcombe route

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