Tewkesbury Pilgrimage Walk

A Pilgrimage Walk from Tewkesbury Abbey is a 12 mile walk through quiet countryside, enhanced by much ancient history. It is an almost triangular walk, split into three sections which can be walked individually or together.

Download the walk here or keep on reading for an overview.

For the availability of public transport, Tewkesbury is an obvious starting place, with the great Abbey a true focal point. There is a local bus service back from Stoke Orchard to Tewkesbury for those, that only wish, or have the time, to walk the first section.

The first section (A-B) is the longest at just over 8km (5 miles) with the route out of Tewkesbury needing close attention. There is quite a bit of lane walking around Walton Cardiff and Fiddington as the motorway is crossed. The last few miles are straight forward as the path drops down into Stoke Orchard where there is the Orchard Stores / Amy’s Café at the Community Centre. The sight of the unique Norman wall paintings within St James Church will undoubtedly lift the spirits.

The second section (B-C) is slightly shorter at 7.2km (4.5 miles). The initial few miles alongside the River Swilgate are rather uneven, as the village of Tredington is passed over to your right. The busy A38 is then crossed and the route is more straightforward as one progresses to Deerhurst with its amazing Saxon Church. Just around the corner is the simple Odda’s Chapel which was built slightly later than the church.

The third section (C-A) is the shortest, 4.0km (2.5 miles) and most straightforward, which is good for tired limbs. The Severn Way is followed back towards Tewkesbury for nearly three km, as the large and interesting Cheltenham College boathouse is reached. Just the other side of this is Lower Lode Lane which soon leads up to the main road with pavement walking and where the abbey is soon visible ahead. Walkers may have already visited the abbey, but should also notice the rather obscure (votive) pilgrim’s inscription on the left hand side of the porch entrance. This is similar to those on the porch at Stoke Orchard church, which have been enhanced.

Walkers arriving in Tewkesbury by car should note that there is a long term carpark on the road soon after leaving Lower Lode Lane and it may also be possible to park without charge in Lower Lode Lane although spaces are limited.

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