A Circular Walk in the Glyme Valley including two fine estates, with extensive views
Distance: 41⁄2 miles. Allow 21⁄2 hours. Wear stout footwear. N.B. Do not deviate from the Public Rights of Way.
Parking/Start: In minor road off B4027 in Glympton, on L just beyond Post Office/Shop 100yds from junction. G.R. SP 426216.
Take footpath (SP Kiddington) to small gate in fence in far corner, then go R on high bank to drop down to estate road. Cross onto top of grassy slope by shrubbery & go R at marker post to climb gently. At top go L beneath tall trees inside fence then pass through gate. Now continue in same direction, climbing gently to re-join fence on L towards top. At track ignore metal gate on L but pass through small wooden gate in fence ahead .Bear R on high path with River Glyme seen below copse on L.
The path bears round to L alongside top of copse then drops gently. Continue on waymarked path at field edge, climbing, then when reach marker post at junction of tracks go R alongside fence for 50yds or so then bear L (with fence). Continue straight ahead on clear path across field, then descend to R to join road at Kiddington.
Cross and follow finger post (SP Kiddington Church) to pass through small gate by Lodge onto drive to Kiddington Hall. The ‘big house’ is a Grade II listed mid C19 rebuild of the original C17 Hall. Go along drive then soon after reaching avenue of yews bear R. The church (from C12 but mostly C14 with later alterations) can be visited via lychgate on L just past the Hall. Return here, continue ahead & just before reaching house go L at waymarker/sign on path,bearing round to L alongside metal fence below fine dovecote—a lovely spot with spring flowers.
Drop down, bear R to cross footbridge then go L for just a few paces to marker post. This is a lovely spot from which to appreciate Kiddington Hall in its setting across the River Glyme. The parkland was landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’Brown in the mid C18. Bear R at marker post to follow path through trees & then go alongside
fence to climb to gate ahead. Continue ahead, passing house on R, then immediately after passing 2nd house on R go R (opposite large tree/ metal gate—no waymarker!) to pass between house & farm buildings with barns ahead. At barns go R for a few paces then L between barns & at end go slightly L & pass through gate ahead (with waymarker!).
Just before reaching wood go through gate on R & follow this high grassy route (bridleway) alongside wood, with good views ahead & to R, including Kiddington Hall & church. Beyond end of wood drop down to marker post, where go through gate on L then immediately R to climb alongside fence then wall.. When reach track pass through small gate to R ahead (with waymarkers on it), then go immediately R & follow alongside fence, later descending gently & bearing L through trees to pass Radford Mill & join lane.
Now go R & stay on lane back to Kiddington. Cross road onto footpath you were on earlier, climb to marker post before top where go L to follow alongside fence/wood /hedge at field edge, then climb to go alongside edge of 2nd field. Here there are more fine views back beyond Kiddington, including the route. When join road go R for around 150yds then take footpath on R (SP Glympton). Bear L across field, cross stile, go diagonally L to cross further stile at marker post. Now maintain your direction to descend to another stile in fence at marker post, to return to where you were earlier. Go L to return to estate road.
Before returning to your car make a short detour to visit Glympton church ( C12) by going R on road, cross the Glyme (another lovely spot) & climb to church on L. Glympton village was originally built around the church, but was moved in the mid C17 to make room for the landscaping of Glympton Park. The present House is C18.
RC
