Ride 11 in the Cotswolds on Horseback series. Print

Hawkesbury Upton Westonbirt Waypoint 1
Hawkesbury and Westonbirt Ride 11 in the Cotswolds on Horseback series. Approx. 27.5km (17miles) predominantly tracks and lanes, described anti clockwise. This route goes through Westonbirt Arboretum, beautiful in Spring and Autumn, but can be crowded on fine weekends. Parking available at Hawkesbury Pond, near Hawkesbury (Grid Reference ST775873). There is a large area of grass with ample room for several horse boxes. From the parking, turn left and immediately right into Starveall Lane and follow for 2.2km to A46. Cross with care then turn left onto bridleway (BW) at Starveall Farm, turning right at end onto the Byway (BY), straight across Point to Point course to the road at Oldbury on the Hill.

Hawkesbury Upton Westonbirt Waypoint 3
Turn right onto road for 750m, passed stone quarry, then left onto BW (Wood Lane). Follow this track passing boarding kennels, cross the A433 with care and go through metal farm gate and continue into Westonbirt Arboretum. Proceed straight along Broad Drive, cross over the estate road and carry straight on to a junction of tracks. Turn left onto wide track (Waste Bottom Track) and follow through several gates to the road.

Hawkesbury Upton Westonbirt Waypoint 4
Turn left and follow road up hill, turning right onto BW at a left hand bend. Turn right at the road for 200m and then bear slightly left onto BW at new stone gateway. Follow this fenced track to A46 at entrance to Saddlewood Farm. Turn left onto the wide verge and then cross the A46 with care onto the road for Tresham. Continue for 1.8km into village.

Hawkesbury Upton Westonbirt Waypoint 5
Just before road bears left, turn left onto BW (Monarchs Way). Follow this to the road and turn right into Hillesley and on to main T junction. Turn left (Fleece Inn on left) and continue on the High Street, passing the church and bear right onto Hawkesbury Road. Following this road for 1.7km to a T junction. Go straight over onto a gated road to T junction in Hawkesbury, with the church opposite. Turn left and follow up hill back to start.