Oil be back – A portrait of author Laurie Lee in
The Woolpack Inn in Slad (Credit Nick Turner)
Cider with mosey
Walk in the footsteps of Laurie Lee, one of Britain’s
best-loved authors, on this picturesque section of the
Cotswold Way footpath – just 15 miles from Imjin Barracks.
Lee is best known for his novel ‘Cider with Rosie’, an account of his
childhood in the Slad Valley, set during the period soon after the First
World War. On this walk you can enjoy the same unspoilt views that
inspired his writing, and even toast his memory with a glass of cider at
his favourite village pub. Hanna Dering reports.
Longridge
Village
PAINSWICK
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B4
d
Sla
Longridge
Wood
Bulls
Cross
Down Hill
START / FINISH
STROUD
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la
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k
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ro
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@HQARRC
The
Woolpack
Inn
Swift’s Hill
ad
Ro
The walk starts and finishes at The Woolpack Inn
(Postcode GL6 7QA). Before leaving the village, notice
Rose Cottage, where Laurie Lee lived with his wife
and daughter. Continue up Steanbridge Lane to the
War Memorial. Take the footpath through Frith Wood.
At Bulls Cross, opposite the sign for Painswick,
follow the steep path down to Slad Brook, before
climbing up the steep hill opposite. Follow the
track until it reaches the road to Down Farm.
Continue down the winding lane to the hamlet of
Elcombe.
At Swift’s Hill enjoy the magnificent views
towards Stroud and beyond. Descend the
hill and turn left down Knap Lane, over the
cattle-grid. Pass by the pretty gables of
Knap House as you follow the road back
round to Slad village.
Redding
Wood
Slad
Village
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Our latest walk proved to be a great success
– as we enjoyed perfect sunny weather,
charming paths, amazing views, and, of
course, great company. The route is about
5 miles long and is quite hilly! It seemed as
though we were accompanied throughout by
horses, cows, sheep, and birdsong. In such
surroundings, you can truly relax. There was
a lot of laughter – and many exclamations of
‘wow’ as we came to the next beautiful view.
N
Roads
Path
1 km
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Now it’s time for that drink! After 2-and-
a-half hours we completed our walk,
and happily returned to The Woolpack
Inn for lunch. The Woolpack is a local
treasure, steeped in history and
character. Delicious and good-sized
dishes, very nice local beer and a great
atmosphere will make you want to visit
this place again.
the imjin AUTUMN 2019
19