The Diamond Way
This circular route, of some 66 miles length, was designed to include many of the highlights of the North Cotswolds. This long distance path was devised by the North Cotswold Group of the Ramblers Association to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Association.
The path crosses undulating farmland and woods, dipping into steep valleys and passing through numerous villages . Much of the route, which is never more than 12 miles from Stow on the Wold, explores quiet areas of the Cotswold Hills It also passes through many villages along the route, which is travelled anti-clockwise starting from Moreton in Marsh are as follows, including Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Blockley, Ford, Guiting power, Notgrove, Turkdean, Northleach, Farmington, Bourton on the Water, Oddington, and Adlestrop.
The walk is being planned and led by Malcolm Shepard. Whilst honouring the integrity of the trail Malcolm has made small variations where he felt it sensible to do so & respecting it is a "long distance trail" has only included one of the optional circular walks offered in the guide to the Diamond Way.
In all cases it will be necessary to meet at the intended lunch spot, park & transit to the walk "start" point so, as we progress it will be helpful to know approximate walker numbers & potential cars, prior to each section, so we can make a rough calculation of how this issue is transacted. Car sharing will have it's benefits, particularly on the first section & when we finish in Bourton ( Stage 10).
The stages will take place as follows:
Stage
1 |
28 October 2009 |
Moreton - Aston Magna - Paxford - Ebrington |
Stage
2 |
11 November 2009 |
Ebrington - Hidcote Boyce - Chipping Campden - Broad Campden |
Stage
3 |
18 November 2009 |
Blockley - circular walk |
Stage
4 |
27 January 2010 |
Blockley - Ganborough |
Stage
5 |
3 February 2010 |
Ganborough - Ford |
Stage
6 |
17 February 2010 |
Ford - Naunton |
Stage
7 |
24 February 2010 |
|
Stage
8 |
3 March 2010 |
|
Stage 9 |
17 March 2010 |
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Stage 10 |
12 May 2010 |
Bourton to Bledington |
Stage 11 |
26 May 2010 |
Bledington - Adlestrop |
Stage 12 |
2 June 2010 |
Adlestrop to Moreton in Marsh |
The Ordnance Survey Explorer OL45 2.5 inches to 1 mile map, takes in the entire route of the Diamond Way on its two sides. Should you wish to acquire the map you can support this website by clicking on the image below, or purchase the map otherwise.
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