COTSWOLD FOOTPATHS
provide rich but free access to an abundance of
FLORA, FAUNA AND OTHER WILDLIFE INTERESTS
while enjoying
HEALTHGIVING CONSTITUTIONAL EXERCISE
even on town edges as relished in
Mike Hosken's words and pictures portrayal of
A CIRENCESTER SEMI-RURAL FOOTPATH
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This local public footpath makes use of what used to be a towpath serving the commercial and industrial Thames and Severn Canal, including the short "Cirencester Branch". The Public Rights of Way department of Gloucestershire County Council is the modern caretaker.
Southern access to the yellow-marked sections is from Park Way, Siddington, while the east entrance is almost opposite Church Avenue on the Siddington to Cirencester road, through the narrow marked swing gate and across two grass fields (with or without grazing horses). From the other direction the approach can be through Cirencester's Love Lane industrial estate or from the Cherry Tree Drive bus stop on the main road and up to the very top of Spire View. The western branch of the circuit includes access to Siddington's Primary School.
In suitable weather conditions the whole of the main circuit is accessible with a pushchair and by mobility scooter, but the eastern road and field gates are for pedestrians only.
All pictures on all pages were taken within the route shown in yellow. |
Despite being on the very edge of town and including industrial elements, this very public section of footpath, a mere 1,900 yards in total, 1.08 miles, includes a surprising wealth of countryside features. The following pages feature a goodly collection of them, though it cannot claim to come anywhere near being comprehensive. Trees are included only with flowers; butterfly and other insect portraits are severely limited by skill and happenstance, and birds are almost absent. Nevertheless, there is a lot to see, by clicking on menu items:
When Mike Hosken moved to Gloucestershire he knew he needed to find a footpath or other facilities suitable for daily constitutional walks to keep fit. Why not combine that with some mental exercise, identifying and recording the flowers and anything else of interest along the way? It would take a full year to cover the whole seasonal range. In the event, that year also included completion of his ninetieth year.
It may still be possible to email him by clicking here.
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