This 2.5 miles (4km) walk offers wonderful views across and along the Woodchester Valley. It is not recommended for hand propelled wheelchairs. On the way to the turn around point at the Bear of Rodborough Hotel you are on minor village paths and roads, with gentle ups and downs but one steep 250 metre descent. The return is largely level: after a short section of tarmac you walk on grass along the edge of the common. The common is habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies and orchids. This section may be difficult after heavy rain.
The Amberley Inn, the Black Horse Inn and the Bear of Rodborough which can provide ramp access to toilets.
Refreshments
Pubs at Amberley and Rodborough.
Travel Info
From Stroud take the A46 south towards Nailsworth for two miles (3.2km). After the Old Fleece Inn at Rooksmoor take the second left turn (Culver Hill) climbing for one mile (1.6km) to arrive at the Amberley Inn. There is free roadside parking nearby.
Navigation
1. To the right of the Amberley Inn, with your back to the school, take a level tarmac path which passes in front of the bus shelter. The path soon crosses a lane and passes to the rear of a former Wesleyan chapel and on to the Black Horse Pub. Just past the font of the pub bear left and left again at a junction near a former bakery, Bread Cottage, where you come to the start of a gradual descent for approximately 250 metres on tarmac. Head on down and after 180 metres you bear right and after a further 70 metres arrive at a T-junction, 1 with Hawthorn Cottage opposite.
2. Here turn right up the road between houses along a quiet lane with a few ups and downs. The lane rises gently to pass the back of the Bear of Rodborough hotel, where you turn right with care, 2 and right again on to a tarmac path beside a busy main road. Facing the traffic go past the hotel car park and climb gently to the common. After the tarmac path deteriorates, 3 bear right away from the road onto grass. You will soon pass Amberley Ridge House and (after gaps in the low earthwork ahead) the entrance to Moor Court.
3. Continue in the same direction on grass, which may be knobbly and/or wet, towards distant cottages, keeping well to the right of a memorial cross. At the first houses cross a minor lane 4 and soon join another lane which leads to the Black Horse Public House. After passing the pub on your right, bear right and retrace your steps past the chapel to the start.
Info
Difficulty
Easy
Length may vary, but the terrain is mainly flat
Moderate
Includes some hills and some rough ground
Strenuous
May be rough underfoot and ascents and descents may be steep
Info Suitability
Mobility scooter
These routes are more likely to be suitable for standard mobility scooters (not all-terrain models). They may feature flatter or smoother terrain.
Pushchair friendly
These routes are more likely to be suitable for prams or pushchairs. They may feature flatter or smoother terrain.
Stile free
These routes do not have stiles. Please note that they may have kissing gates or footbridges, and/or steep, narrow or muddy sections.
Trampers
These routes are more likely to be suitable for all-terrain mobility scooters. Please ensure you have plenty of battery and are well prepared for any routes.
Wheelchair friendly
These routes are more likely to be suitable for standard wheelchairs (not all-terrain models). They may feature flatter or smoother terrain.
