A very pleasant leisurely four and a half mile Wednesday morning walk, starting from the Fairford Car Park, and going west, past the Old Mill and Pond, then going into the Owlpens to take the Pitham Brook Path. (note this a permissive path on the Ernest Cook Trust Estate and is closed on Tuesdays) We walked northwards with the River Coln on our right and then crossed the river at The Cascades footbridges.

After a slightly uphill walk we turned right onto a quiet road.  By the exit there is a Wall Plaque recording the camp at this location for Polish servicemen and their families.
Shortly after, after reaching Fairford, a walk from North to South, on roads and tracks eventually took us to the edge of lake 104 and then the banks of The River Coln.
The return route followed the river, passing several willow trees, and then crossing Dilly’s Bridge

Mill Pond

The Owlpens, before entrance to Pitham Brook Path

Group Photo by Memorial Plaque

Willows by River Coln

The river is approximately 26 miles long, starting at Brockhampton (east of Cheltenham) and passing through Andoversford, Withington, Fossebridge, Bibury, Coln St Aldwyn, Quenington and Fairford. It then joins The Thames, southwest of Lechlade by The Round House Footbridge. The river is only in one county, Gloucestershire.

View of The River Coln from the bridge beween Milton Street and Bridge Street, near centre of Fairford