It was a bright and sunny morning when our group of six members met up at the Castle Combe  car park, just outside the village.   We followed a pleasant downhill footpath, starting near to the car park, avoiding the road, into the pretty village with its Cotswold stone cottages and Market Cross, with no buildings dating later than 1600.  The village itself was fairly busy with tourists enjoying  the sights.  After a few minutes, having  walked  through the village, we left the road and followed a peaceful footpath, which was once  part of the Malmesbury to Glastonbury pilgrimage route, via the hamlet of Long Dean, to Ford.

We then headed gently uphill to one of the combes where we sat on some large logs and had a relaxed lunch before a brief climb to reach a viewpoint over the top end of the combe.  We then continued on paths and quiet lanes  through woodland and open country to reach a clapper bridge over the By Brook, a stream which we followed to Nettleton Mill House.  Shortly afterwards we walked along a path, through the local golf course to reach Castle Combe village, where we repaired to a local hotel for welcome refreshments.

We would like to thank the members who joined us for the walk and Bill F for the splendid photos. John and Martin

And thanks  too to John and Martin for devising and leading this lovely walk, much appreciated.

Ramble Charming Combes and Cottages in Wiltshire - Gay Outdoor Club