Leg 11: Cirencester to Rodmarton - Tunnel Vision

 

Six of us gathered at Rodmarton for the first of our Monarchs Way walks for 2023. We left a couple of cars there, and drove to Cirencester to start the walk.

The weather was nicer than we expected. The first half mile or so was along the A433, which was a bit noisier than in Charles II’s day, but very soon we diverted into the peaceful grounds of the Royal Agricultural College.

We passed a Commemorative Plaque to the Monarch’s Way and soon found ourselves on a slightly muddy path across a number of fields.

Before long we came to a bridge over the abandoned Thames and Severn Canal. Here we had the option to take a short diversion to see the source of the River Thames, but conscious of the fact that this was going to be the longest walk this year, we decided to forego this diversion, and instead we turned right, to follow the disused towpath West.

This was the nicest part of the walk, along the disused canal, with overhanging trees, lush vegetation, and the glimpse of some deer in the distance.

We came across a comfy seat by an old lock, where there was a skew tunnel, thought to be designed by Brunel, and also the ruined Coates Roundhouse, which was once a lengthsman’s home. This was an ideal stop for lunch, in warm sunshine.

Suitably refreshed, we pressed on, arriving at the very grand Eastern Portal of the Sapperton Tunnel. The tunnel is 2.17 miles long, and was the longest in the UK when it was first built in 1789.

The Tunnel House Inn, near the tunnel entrance, is unfortunately now closed so we pressed on, up the steepest part of the walk, to the village of Tarlton (after retracing our steps for a short distance owing to a navigational error).

Finally a lane took us to Rodmarton, and our waiting cars. A splendid walk, with the odd gentle shower, through lovely countryside with good company.

Blog written by Rod. 

We are raising money for Grassroots Suicide Prevention, which is a cause very dear to our hearts. Contributions can be made here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/28-30MonarchsWaywalk2022

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