Palladian Way

Bath & NE Somerset, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire

This long distance trail is named after the classical style of architecture established by Andrea Palladio in 17th century Italy. The trail starts at The Old Gaol in the centre of Buckingham and passes Stowe Landscape Gardens (NT) with its famous Palladian Bridge (one of only four in the world).

The trail continues to the attractive market town of Brackley before heading south to Woodstock where it passes through the grounds of Blenheim Palace. The route then heads west into the Windrush valley, past Minster Lovell, with its ruined hall, and Swinbrook with the Mitford family connection, before arriving at the 'Gateway to The Cotswolds' the very attractive town of Burford.

The onward route to Cirencester follows part of the old Roman road Akeman Street and then passes through the lovely villages of Barnsley and Bibury. The route continues south from Cirencester with two options - the main route proceeds straight to the Wiltshire market town of Malmesbury with its ages old church and ruined abbey whilst the shorter route goes to the most attractive Cotswold town of Tetbury with an additional half day walk to link up with the main route at Malmesbury.

The route then crosses the M4 motorway after Hullavington before descending into the hidden village of Castle Combe. The terrain changes here with wooded valleys and hillside walking and passes through to Colerne and down into Box which straddles the old A4 road.

The last day is one of the finest with several climbs as it passes through the village of Monkton Farleigh and its interesting Monks Conduit before descending through woodland and alongside the river Avon to reach the Kennett and Avon Canal which is crossed at the famous Dundas Aqueduct. The final few miles take walkers through the village of Monkton Combe before reaching the famous Skyline Path high above Bath and then descending towards the city alongside the Prior Park (NT) with another Palladian Bridge visible. The route then winds into Bath alongside the Kennett and Avon canal and though Sydney Gardens to arrive at Pulteney Bridge which is one of only two 'housed bridges' in England and in the centre of this most attractive city.

MAY 2023
Due to construction of HS2 near Turweston, Buckinghamshire, this LDP is diverted over a temporary overbridge at SP 606376 until 1st February 2024.

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Details:

Path Type:	Other Paths
Waymark:	Brown image on cream background with name of walk
Attributes:	Average Gradients Heritage Architectural
Start:	SP696341 - The Old Gaol, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire
Finish:	ST751649 - Pulteney Bridge, Bath, Bath & NE Somerset
Web Sites:	Guy's Rambles - Palladian Way

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Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Guidebook

Palladian Way: A Classical Walk Past the Greatest Estates of Middle England  (Guy Vowles  - 2011 )

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