Ride 10 in the Cotswolds on Horseback series. Print

Waypoint 1
Little Badminton Waymarker 1
Little Badminton Ride 10 in the Cotswolds on Horseback series. Approx. 21km (14 miles), taking in some of the beautiful countryside that lies in the south west of the Cotswolds, known as The South Wolds. Directions are given anti-clockwise starting near Hawkesbury Upton with the Somerset Monument visible on the Cotswold Escarpment. This monument commemorates Lord Edward Somerset, a member of the Beaufort family from nearby Badminton. Lord Somerset served with such gallantry under Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo that he received official thanks from Parliament.Parking is available at Hawkesbury Pond, nr Hawkesbury Upton (Grid Reference ST775873). There is a large area of grass with ample room for several horse boxes.From the parking near Hawkesbury Upton, take a westerly direction with farm building on your right. After 100m take the bridleway (BW) to the left onto Bath Lane which is part of the Cotswold Way. Continue along this well defined track which can become rutted. After 1.7km you will meet a road, turn right and continue to the next junction.


Waypoint 2
Little Badminton Waymarker 2
Turn right towards Horton and then immediately left as the road bends right to go down the 1:7 hill. Turn left onto BW and follow to the left of the trees through the middle of the field to the A46. Cross this busy road with care and ride along the grass verges to take the second turning on the left where the pylons cross the road. Follow this lane for 600m until you come to the entrance to Balls Cottage.


Waypoint 3
Little Badminton Waymarker 3
Continue onto BW on the left and go through several gateways. Pass the line of trees known as the Severn Mile Plantation and continue until you come to a clearing. Take the track to the right of the white post, known as Roaches Lane and follow the track going left until you reach the road in Badminton.


Waypoint 4
Little Badminton Waymarker 4
Turn left and follow road through Little Badminton to Shepherd s Lodge, then turn right through iron gateway onto narrow road through Badminton Park. Follow road (wide grass verges) to T junction. Turn right, ride past Hinnegar Lodge and at the end of the woodland look out for a signed BW on left (at corner of first field).


Waypoint 5
Little Badminton Waymarker 5
Take the BW which bears left (wall on your right), go through gateway. Follow wooded track through field gate and continue down the hill to another gate. Cross the field following it round the edge to a large metal gate in the corner leading onto a track. Turn right and follow to the road.


Waypoint 6
Little Badminton Waymarker 6
Turn right and cross the A433 with care and continue along the lane into Oldbury on the Hill. Turn left onto Byway (BY) by a point to point fence. Follow this through fields and up to Hobby Horse Wood and before reaching the A46, turn left to Starveall Farm through the wood to a minor road. Turn right to cross the A46 and take the left hand fork for Hawkesbury Upton. Follow this road for 2.5km to a T junction. Tturn left and return to the start.


Waypoint 7
Little Badminton Waymarker 7