South Cerney and the Thames & Severn Canal

The Cotswold Water Park is larger than the Norfolk Broads.

The new visitor centre and Cotswold Outdoor

Map's and Guides This new Jarrold Ordnance Survey Pathfinder guide embraces the region to the north of the Cotswolds traditionally known as 'Shakespeare Country'.

With your back to the old viaduct bridge, follow the path through the gate which is signposted, South Cerney. This track follows the course of the old railway line which ran from Cirencester to Cricklade.

Passing between two lakes which a sailing club uses the left hand lake and the chalet type properties of the Watermark complex occupy the banks of the right hand lake.

After about ¾ mile the track joins the lane that takes you into the village of South Cerney, which received it's Saxon charter in AD999. Follow the lane through the village keeping to the foot path until you reach the junction and the village cross.

Turn right and follow the footpath past the Old George public house. If refreshments are required there is a choice of the Old George or the Elliot Arms opposite.

Just past the pub and over the bridge turn right and follow the River Churn keeping to the lane and avoiding any of the footpaths that divert away from the lane. After crossing the old railway track and  a short distance from the bridge you will come to the Thames and Severn Canal.

Don't cross over the canal, but turn right and follow a signposted track towards a farm and Cerney Wick. Continue ahead through the gate or over a stile and continue to follow the course of the canal passing three locks on the way.

Eventually you will come to a kissing gate by the side of a bridge, go through and bear left to continue through another kissing gate. This part of the walk may be extremely wet in bad weather or may even be flooded. Continue to the new bridge which conveys the Spine Road over the canal , and follow the track to the right and up to the road. The new information centre and the  Cotswold Outdoor Store is over the road. If visiting the centre, take care in crossing the road.

If not visiting the centre turn right and follow the road past the Windrush and Isis development and the Outdoor Activities Centre. Take care along this stretch as there are no footpaths. Continue along the road to return to the Bridge Car Park.

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