Englishcombe: Landscape and History

Taking in the notable features of Englishcombe village and its rural setting, with discussion of its remarkable history, including access to the ancient parish church.

Beginning on the edge of Bath, we will be walking an ancient path out to the historic village of Englishcombe, noting how quickly the bustle of the city is left behind. We are soon immersed in the rural setting and the remarkable history of events that took place in and around Englishcombe. The landscape features the remains of a Saxon castle mound and the Dark Ages earthwork of The Wansdyke. The village church dates back to Norman times and bears testimony to the tenure of the de Gournays, whose castle was nearby and whose noble history includes famous misdeeds. As well as a detailed look at the church (both exterior and interior), we will also take in other notable buildings including the tithe barn and old farms, while noting how a seemingly timeless landscape has changed over time.

The walk begins at Haycombe Cemetery on Whiteway Road (served by bus service number 12, with car parking in the cemetery) and while the walk technically finishes on Roundhill, it is not far from here back to parked cars / bus stop at Haycombe Cemetery.

The walk, led by John Branston, is 3 miles and will take about 3 hours. There are muddy and steeper sections and some stiles. Dogs are welcome on this walk, but will need to be on leads as there is likely to be livestock in the fields. There are facilities (toilets and refreshments) near the start/finish.

This walk is part of the Bathscape Walking Festival.

Host or Publisher Bathscape Landscape Partnership