Minchinhampton and Longfords

See: www.minchwildwalks.org.uk

A one hour walk which includes one section of moderately challenging terrain for which you will need waterproof footwear (even in dry weather). The route takes you through Minchinhampton but is otherwise suitable for well controlled dogs.

Leave the centre of Box along the road towards Minchinhampton, passing between Box Farm on your left and Box End Farm on your right. At the tee-junction turn right, and pass straight through two Y-junctions into Minchinhampton at “West End”.

You may like to browse in “The Trumpet” Antiques as you pass along West End which leads to the cross-roads in the centre of Minchinhampton. You may also wish to divert through the town to look at the many old houses – some a wee bit grand, others fairly small, but together forming a very pretty place. “The Kitchen” award winning tea rooms and “The Crown” public house are on the left along the High Street. Opposite the pub, the Market Hall tells its own story on a board on the north-eastern gable and the parish church sits at the top of the street as it has done for eight hundred years.

Returning to the route, continue from West End straight across the cross-roads and then right into Chapel Lane. After 400 or 500 yards, turn right at three houses including “Sunnycroft”, onto a farm lane.

Climb a stile and keep left as you cross the field down the steep hill, over another stile and descend into the Longford valley. Cross the stream, then through a stile in the newly restored wall by the wood and then cross another stream using the stepping stones. Follow the valley, keeping the stream on your left. At the far end, cross two stiles into a lane by Longfords Mill. The walk turns sharp right up the tarmac lane. (You may wish divert into the mill area, to see the old mill and various mill buildings dating from 1705 which have recently been totally restored and elaborately converted into dwellings). The tarmac lane goes up the hill, past Longfords Farm to a tee junction, with Balls Green House ahead. Here you have a choice.

If you choose to turn left at Balls Green House and follow the road, you can then fork right onto Iron Mills Common (by the NT sign), along the right side of the Nailsworth valley. The road climbs the hill and leaving the woods, the elegant Holcombe Mill chimney is down below. Pass “The Hermitage” and go sharp right up Scar Hill (marked “unsuitable for vehicles over 6′ 6″ wide”). At the top, Box Village is to your right.

If instead you choose to turn right at Balls Green House, follow the road for 150 yards and then turn left up a public footpath marked “Box”, which takes you back to Box End Farm.