Biddestone and Slaughterford
There are no major architectural masterpieces or panoramic views on this route â it is simply a very pleasant walk through small villages and very attractive meadows. Do not be put off by the road section, for the lanes are very quiet. The large village green and duck pond form the visual centrepiece of Biddestone, a spot that tempts you to linger. Slaughterford was probably named similarly to the other more famous Slaughters, as 'the ford by the sloe trees'.
Directions:
a Park the car in Biddestone. At the road junction by the pond, take the left road signposted to Hartham. Just past the church bear right along Challows Lane and follow the road to the road junction (Weavern Lane) at the bottom of the steep hill.
b Turn right and follow the road above the river to the road junction by the bridge. Turn right to the sharp right hand bend just ahead.
c Take the footpath ahead passing the old waterwheel after about 200yds (180m) and cross the footbridge. Follow the path through the meadow to the gated weir.
d Cross the weir, go half-left across the meadow and cross a stile in the corner of the field. Follow the path ahead, crossing a stile and over another field to a weir in the corner.
e Cross the footbridge and head for the corner of the field. Cross the stile onto the road and turn right to the White Hart Inn. Turn right between the buildings and across the river. After 200yds (180m) take the left fork and carry on uphill to a road junction.
f Turn left, then after 300yds (275m), bear right at the next junction. Stay on the road until the next road junction. Turn right and follow the road back to Biddestone.
Places of Interest:
1 The earliest parts of Biddestone church were completed by the middle of the 12th century. Its most notable feature, however, is the Early English bell turret, the lower section built in the 13th century and the remainder in the 15th.
Hike
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