Wotton-under-Edge - Stream & Cotswold Way

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Wotton-under-Edge, with Phillipa Loom sending Adventurers to follow a dusty old map around Wotton-under-Edge in search of a rare magical flock and the truth behind a legend of invisible wool.

The quest covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Wotton-under-Edge Museum & Heritage Centre in The Chipping, then explore the town's historic streets and local landmarks, including Old Town, Tabernacle Pitch, Potter's Pond, The Cloud, The Cedars, the Perry and Dawes Almshouses, the Ancient Ram Inn and the Tolsey Clock area, before looping back to the Museum & Heritage Centre and the Chipping Car Park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is paved underfoot at all times, but there are quite steep slopes up and down in places, including a steep climb up Tabernacle Pitch and a steep slope down to Potter's Pond.

Some sections have no pavements, including along The Cedars, and there is also a high pavement known as The Cloud. There are several roads to cross and few designated crossing places, so cross carefully, watch for traffic and keep Mini Explorers close. In wet conditions, be aware of possible flooding near Old Town.

Getting There

By car: Start your expedition at Wotton-under-Edge Museum & Heritage Centre in The Chipping (GL12 7AD). There is a large car park for your expedition vehicle at the Museum & Heritage Centre (GL12 7AD), with three hours free parking between 8am and 6pm.

By public transport: Make your way to Wotton-under-Edge Museum & Heritage Centre in The Chipping to begin the quest. The circular route loops back to the Museum & Heritage Centre and the Chipping Car Park where it started.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available near Clue 02, close to the finish of the Trail, so plan comfort breaks into your treasure-hunting timetable.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the quest. 🐾

The route includes several road crossings, sections with no pavements, steep slopes and the area around Potter's Pond, so keep canine companions close around traffic, slopes and busier stretches. Expect a proper town-and-hills leg-stretch for the whole expedition team.

Food & Drink Stops

Magical flock-hunting can work up an appetite. There are chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks before Clue 05 and after Clue 12.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, there's a grassy area after Clue 07 that's handy for a picnic pause before the hunt continues.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Perry and Dawes Almshouses

Do take a while to enter and explore the courtyard and chapel at the Perry and Dawes Almshouses. The oldest part dated from 1638 and was added to in 1720, and the bell pull seen from within the courtyard is still used, albeit infrequently due to difficulty of access.

Ancient Ram Inn

The Ancient Ram Inn brings a suitably spooky extra twist to the adventure. This historic building is said by many to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country, if not the world, with stories of a succubus, a ghostly monk and a centurion being seen here. It was once church property, later a priest's house, and only became an inn in 1968.

Tolsey Clock and Tolsey House

Keep an eye out for the Tolsey Clock, one of the most distinctive landmarks in Wotton-under-Edge. It is sited on Tolsey House and commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, while the house itself has an 18th century facade hiding a 16th century house.

The Tabernacle

The former church building known as The Tabernacle, now an auction house, was constructed in 1851 in the Gothic revival style and replaced Rowland Hill's original chapel. The 18th century Manse to the former chapel still stands behind it, making this a neat historic extra for Adventurers who enjoy spotting the layers hidden in a town's streets.