Sunday October 24th Cirencester Northern Circuit

On Sunday 24 October, twenty nine members and one visitor enjoyed a five and a half mile walk exploring Cirencester’s northern outskirts, along with the village of Baunton. The weather was sunny at the start and the light rain which arrived very late in the morning did little to spoil the occasion.

The group set off from the Waterloo Car Park and, initially, strolled through the Abbey Grounds, passing the newly created Abbot’s Garden. This was constructed during the summer of 2021, as part of the Abbey 900 Legacy Project launched in 2017 and it was dedicated by Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, the current Bishop of Gloucester just a few weeks ago. Keen historians will be interested to know that Cirencester Abbey was founded in 1117 and suppressed in 1539 under the influence of King Henry VIII.

The walkers then made their way to Stratton, via Blackjack Street, the Riverside Path, Gloucester Road, Donside and School Hill.

A long climb up Baunton Lane, took the group along the edge of Cirencester Golf Club and it was followed by a short but steep descent into Baunton, which is thought to date back to Prehistoric Times. It has a church built in approximately 1150 AD.

A refreshment stop was taken in a large field just outside the village, following which the group made their way back to Cirencester along the Monarch’s Way and Bowling Green Lane.

After passing Cirencester Rugby Club, the ramblers transited Harebushes Wood, a working woodland which is part of the Chester-Master Estate. The permissive pathway used provided ample opportunity to enjoy the autumn leaves with a few trees still displaying rich colour.

Finally, the group made their way back to The Waterloo via Burford Road and London Road