A Walk Around Sudeley Castle to St. Kenelm's Well

I'd been meaning to take a hike up to St Kenelm's Well for a while, and finally had the chance the other evening.  There's a great story behind it- read it here - the story goes that after St Kenelm died, the monks of Clent carried him back to Winchcombe to be buried at the abbey.  Wherever they lay his body down along the journey, a spring arose when they picked him up again.  This is one of those springs.  So, you could imagine that it has some healing or spiritual qualities- and perhaps it does!

For a long time, the door was locked.  But when I visited this week, it was open, so went inside and took a few photos.

The countryside around Winchcombe is some of the best in England, and its full of great walks.  This one started off at Sudeley Castle, followed the Gloucestershire Way up to the Salt Way, and then looped past St Kenelm's Well and back through the castle's parks.  Beautiful scenery throughout, especially of Langley Hill opposite and Cleeve Common in the distance.  Highly recommended!

Winchcombe: Warden's Way Loop & Sudeley Castle

I can't say enough nice things about Winchcombe.  Its a lovely Cotswolds town with an ancient and interesting history, its surrounded by stunning walks, and the town has made a huge effort to make itself a ramblers dream.  They have been running a campaign called Winchcombe Welcomes Walkers for years- check out http://www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/ - and its produced some outstanding trails- The Isbourne Way and The Winchcombe Way.  Combined with the Warden's Way and the legendary Cotswold Way, and you are really spoiled for choice.

Anyways, I've decided to do a series around the area.  I've already done a few reconnaissance missions in the area, and started today with a truly idyllic walk up towards the Belas Knap long barrow, but cutting short and heading over to the Warden's Way to descend down into the valley whilst overlooking the lovely Sudeley Castle.  All shot with my rubbish camera phone... but I tell you the light was absolutely golden and the green was....well....as green as the Cotswold Hills.  

Easter at Sudeley Castle in The Cotswolds

Easter Egg Trail

On Sunday 24th April Sudeley Castle will be holding an Easter Egg Trail for children with an Easter treat at the end. I've always loved events at this castle. The grounds are beautiful, there is tons to explore, and it is never too busy, which is great if you can't bear huge crowds and also if you have three small kids that will run off in three directions at once and all get lost- they are easier to find if there are fewer people.

At last, their Adventure Playground is open again and completely refurbished. Sudeley has the coolest playground ever- a huge wooden 'castle' frame with towers and hidey-holes, giant slide, zip wire and stunning views of the Cotswold Hills from the surrounding picnic benches.

The Easter Egg Trail will run from 10:30am until 2:30pm (on a first come first served basis).  Visit them at http://www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/