Rivers, Landscapes and People

With the option to join the morning walk, afternoon walk, and/or the 4pm–5.30pm tea, cakes and talk at Rendcomb Village Hall.

This event is kindly hosted by the Cotswold National Landscape, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The Village Hall will be open from 12pm, and the day will conclude at 5.30pm.

Location

Rendcomb Village Hall, Rendcomb, GL7 7HB
what3words: ///strapping.croaking.pine
Parking: Very limited parking at the Village Hall (6 spaces, one disabled). Further parking is available in the village — please park considerately.

Event Overview

Two walks in partnership with Cotswold National Landscape exploring issues in the Churn Valley. Based in Rendcomb, walks followed by tea, cakes and talk at 4pm.

Location

Rendcomb Village Hall GL7 7HB

The Village Hall will be open from 12pm, and the day will conclude at 5.30pm.

what3words: ///strapping.croak.pine

AFTERNOON TALK

Please feel welcome to join us for tea and cake after the afternoon walk.

Time: 4pm–5.30pm
Location: Rendcomb Village Hall

Speakers & Introductions

Introductions from:

• High Sheriff Fiona Reynolds
• Bex Waite, CEO of Cotswold National Landscape
• Alex Robinson, local landowner (short talk)
• This will be followed by a discussion on issues in the Churn Valley and rural Gloucestershire, all ideas and contributions welcome.

Morning walk 11am from Rendcomb Village Hall

Rendcomb, Greenmeadow Farm and the Churn

Route

A circular walk taking in Rendcomb, Greenmeadow Farm and the River Churn.
Features include steep hills, stepping stones over a brook, 2 stiles, woodland paths with tree roots and potential mud. Walking poles may be useful.

Facilities - none on route.

Morning Walk

· Start time: 11am

· Start point: Rendcomb Village Hall

· Distance: 3 miles

· Ascent: 330 ft

· Duration: 1.5–2 hours

· Difficulty: Moderate fitness required

Lunch Break 1:00–2:00pm
If doing both walks, please bring a packed lunch or visit the Village Shop Café (open 8–5.30pm, serving coffee, cakes and paninis; indoor/outdoor seating; toilet available).

Afternoon walk 2pm from Rendcomb Village Hall

Rendcomb to Shawswell Valley

This walk is not steep, unlike the morning walk. Suitable footwear still needed and there are two stiles. The route goes out and back along a tarmac no through road. The middle section is off road but for anyone who prefers even ground, there is the option to stay on the lane rather than the slightly rougher ground. If you think that you may want to do the all tarmac version, speak to the walk leader on the day, so that our tail walker can guide you.

The walk along the lane is easy walking and very scenic with distant views on both sides.

Once we leave the lane the route heads down into the hidden Shawswell valley - a beautifully peaceful spot. The Shawswell brook runs from here into the Churn. There are several springs in the valley which feed the brook and this was also an area that produced Fuller’s Earth. There was a mediaeval village in this now deserted valley; the remaining earthworks can be seen from the air. The route winds past the listed Shawswell Farm and then heads back down the lane to Rendcomb.

Afternoon Walk - details

· Start time: 2pm

· Start point: Rendcomb Village Hall

· Route: Rendcomb to Shawswell Valley (easier walk)

· Distance: 3 miles

· Ascent: 400 ft

· Duration: 1.5–2 hours

· Difficulty: Less steep than the morning walk. Two stiles. This route includes a tarmac no‑through road section. For those who prefer an entirely tarmac route, please speak to the walk leader so the Tail Walker can guide you.

· Shape: Out‑and‑back section followed by a loop.

Facilities - none on route

Tea, cakes and talk 4pm-5.30pm, Rendcomb Village Hall

Location: Rendcomb Village Hall

Speakers & Introductions

Introductions from:

· High Sheriff Fiona Reynolds

· Bex Waite, CEO of Cotswold National Landscape

· Alex Robinson, local landowner (short talk)

This will be followed by a discussion on issues in the Churn Valley and rural Gloucestershire, all ideas and contributions welcome.

Location & Parking

Venue: Rendcomb Village Hall, Rendcomb, GL7 7HB
Start location (what3words): ///strapping.croaking.pine

Guides & Support

Both walks will be led by members of the High Sheriff’s team, with a Tail Walker ensuring everyone is supported and stays safe.

Safety Information

Walk leaders will highlight hazards such as tree roots, mud, livestock, electric fences and short sections of road walking, but participants walk at their own risk.

Please bring:

• Suitable footwear
• Waterproofs
• Warm layers or sunscreen, depending on weather

Dogs: Not permitted, except Assistance Dogs.
Walks will proceed in light rain but may be cancelled in severe conditions—please check the website for updates.

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Host or Publisher The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire