Easy walking, and a sumptuous banqueting location on a circuit from Chipping Campden

Spending a few days in the Cotswolds recently, I did this lovely walk.

Starting here, in the cenntre of Chipping Campden, and straight through the arch (part of the Noel Arms Hotel)

This led  to an easy path past the recreation ground. (No shortage of long distance paths hereabouts - Monarch's Way, Cotswold Way and Heart of England Way are just a few!)

Straight on through the fields...

 ...leaving Chipping Campden behind

Eventually, we arrived at Broad Campden, an exquisite village.

I love the roof lines here, showing the buildings are really old

Left through an intriguing stone passage, 

...we emerged opposite a Friends Meeting House

The cottage gardens were all beginning to burst into spring.

More lovely houses

Mystery flowers, which I meant to look up - and haven't!

This building was once a church (Note the arched windows)

Turning left again, through fields, we tried not to disturb the sheep

The path was clear. (

The church is clearly visible through the trees 

Part of Old Campden House, of which more later

Past Chipping Campden church, ... 

...we soon arrived back in Choipping Campden. Very familiar to many people, as it's a big tourist attraction. 

 But look at these black gates...

Behind them is the Landmark Trust* property, West Banqueting House, where we were staying. 

The interior - a grand place for a banquet (or oven fish and chips, in our case - with champagne though!)

Cosy open fire

The West Banqueting House, (which sleeps two), comes with its own addition, the Almonry, which houses two more people 

Burnt in the Civil war, this ruin is all that remains of the main house 

But there are two Banqueting houses, which are still standing. This one is the East Banqueting House, also available to rent. 

West Banqueting House and the Almonry together.

A great walk and a great place to stay.
Today's Walk: 3 miles. Start in Chipping Campden High Street, through the arch at the Noel Arms, and straight on all the way to Broad Campden. Turn left through the village, and then head back through the fields towards Chipping Campden, this time heading towards the church, and past the ruins of Old Campden House At the church (worth a visit) turn left back towards the High Street. The paths are clear, and there are one or two options, but they all lead back to Chipping Campden.
* The Landmark Trust restores old properties and then uses them as holiday lets. Click here for more details