A46 Lay-by – West Littleton – Dyrham – Cotswold Way - A46 Lay-by

Tony Brotherton

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A gentle route of lanes, bridleways and field-paths is enlivened by a visit to a magnificent National Trust property.

The walk starts at a lay-by off the A46 trunk road, 0.2 miles south of the M4 Junction 18, just before the A46(T) filters to a single lane. The route follows a green lane and a bridleway to reach the tiny village of West Littleton, boasting a 13th Century bellcote. Striking due west across fields leads to Dyrham Park, a baroque pile built for William IV's Secretary of State William Blathwayt, who also laid out the parkland which is nowadays a deer-park.

Information for Dog Owners: there are liable to be sheep and cattle on the route, therefore dogs should be on a leash.

England - South West England - Gloucestershire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Play Area, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

10/28/2018 - Nikki Adam

The picnic area mentioned for the start of the walk is now closed, but there is a layby on the A46 just after you come off junction 18 of the M4. As previously commented, the noise from the M4 is fairly noticeable as the walk is pretty close. Still, an enjoyable walk.

10/26/2010 - Roy Gregory

This is an attractive and interesting walk, but marred by the constant noise from the M4, especially the second half. For this reason, and also to get maximum impact of the views over the Severn to the Welsh mountains as you walk, we would recommend doing the walk the opposite way round. This would also make it easier to see the route over the ploughed field next to the A46, opposite the Dyrham Park steps.