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Cotswold Canals

41.01 miles (66 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Follow a series of delightful waterways from Framilode to Lechlade on this waterside walk through Gloucestershire.
The walk starts at Framilode, next to the River Severn and follows the Stroudwater Canal and the River Frome to the market town of Stroud. You continue to Sapperton, following the River Frome and the Thames and Severn Canal. A wooded section through Hayley Wood follows before coming to Kemble where you will pass the source of the River Thames.
From Kemble you head to the village of Siddington and then on to South Cerney where you will pass the fabulous Cotswold Water Park which boasts 150 lakes, Nature Reserves and plenty of options for refreshment.
The final section takes you through the countryside towards Kempsford, passing the River Colne and the Fairford/Lechlade section of the Cotswold Water Park before arriving at the finish point at Lechlade.
There's much to enjoy on this walk with several waterside sections along various canals, rivers and lakes. There are also a series of quaint Cotswold villages with ancient churches, historic watermills and pretty waterside pubs for refreshment.

Cotswold Canals OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Cotswold Canals Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The route passes through the little village of South Cerney where there's a few nice pubs for refreshments on the walk. You could head to the historic Old George Inn which is set in a 17th century coaching inn. They do good food and also have a nice gardena area for the summer months. You can find the pub at Clarks Hay with a postcode of GL7 5UA for your sat navs.
The Royal Oak is another good option with another good menu and a large garden area. You can find it on the High Street at postcode GL7 5UP. The pub is also dog friendly if you have your four legged friend with you.
It's also nice to stroll around the pretty village where there are picturesque views of the River Churn and an old vicarage with a gazebo.

Photos

Ship Inn at Upper Framilode - geograph.org.uk - 121093

Ship Inn at Upper Framilode. The Ship Inn at Upper Framilode sits beside the disused Stroudwater canal. This is the last section of the canal before the river Severn.

Ebley Mill, Stroud - geograph.org.uk - 1631671

Ebley Mill, Stroud. The headquarters of Stroud District Council, shot from the canal towpath.

Sapperton canal tunnel, interpreted (geograph 6211803)

South or Coates portal of the Sapperton Canal Tunnel, Gloucestershire, with interpretation sign on the left

River Thames at Kemble - geograph.org.uk - 2379860

River Thames at Kemble