Gustav Holst Way
A 34-mile long-distance walk in the Cotswold region of Gloucestershire celebrating one of England’s finest composers. Following paths, bridleways, and trails well known to Gustav Holst. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SO 897 129
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
Time: 12–17 hours
Duration: 2–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL45 The Cotswolds
179 Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud
Summary
The Gustav Holst Way is a walking route in the Cotswolds region of England running from the hamlet of Cranham to the village of Wyck Rissington. The walk follows paths and trails across the broad stretch of Cotswold country between them that were well known to Holst, who spent many pleasant days walking in these same uplands and dales. From Cranham, the walk visits Buckholt Wood (Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods National Nature Reserve), Witcombe Wood, Birdlip Hill, The Peak, Barrow Wake, The Air Balloon, Crickley Hill, Ullenwood Manor, Leckhampton Hill, Devil’s Chimney, Cheltenham (Pilley, Charlton Park, River Chelt, Montpellier, Pittville Park, the Racecourse, and Prestbury), Queen’s Wood, Cleeve Common, Belas Knap Long Barrow, Limehill Wood, Guiting Wood, Guiting Power, Naunton, the River Windrush, and Bourton-on-the-Water. Throughout its course, the Gustav Holst Way links with and shares its path with several other popular walks, including the Cotswold Way, Diamond Way, and Warden’s Way.