Cotswold Strolls - Temple Guiting to Guiting Power - Approx. 6 miles
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Sometimes it's good just to stroll through pleasant, green surroundings and leave all the hurly-burly behind for a while and this walk between Temple Guiting and Guiting Power, two villages steeped in time, fits the bill nicely. Both are mentioned in the Domesday book and it's easy to imagine that little has changed since then.
I had never come across the name 'Guiting' before and was interested to discover the origin. Apparently it dates back to the Saxon word 'getinge' meaning 'rushing' and probably refers to the Windrush, which was a considerable river at that time.
Temple Guiting
After parking in a quiet spot, we headed towards the primary school where our walk was to begin, passing St Mary's Church on the way. The church is Grade 1 listed and dates back to the 12th century, restored in 1884. The village gets its name from the Knights Templar who were given lands in the area in the middle of the 12th century.
It's an easy walk along a quiet road, between green fields on either side and the traditional stone built houses we've come to expect in the Cotswolds.
Halfway, you pass through Kineton where there's a pub called "The Halfway House"... clue in the name, I guess!
After Kineton, the road gets a bit steeper but the views get even better.
A bit further and you get to Barton, a pretty collection of larger stone houses built near a small bridge crossing the River Windrush. Turning a sharp bend here, the road rises steadily as you walk on towards Guiting Power.
Guiting Power
Turning right at the signpost for Guiting Power, it's just a short stroll down to the village. There has been a settlement here since at least 780AD and for such a small village it is remarkably well served with amenities. There are two pubs, either end of the village green, a bakery and a part-time post office. The Old Post Office also houses a quirky gift shop and cafe.
About 70% of the properties here are owned by the Guiting Manor Amenity Trust which aims to maintain the spirit and community of the village. If you're lucky enough to be here in July, the village hosts its own music festival, the Guiting Power Music Festival.
We returned by the path past St Michael's and All Angels church - a Norman church with wonderful views.
If you watch BBC's 'Countryfile', you'll be familiar with Adam's Farm - in reality the Cotswold Farm Park. If you're feeling energetic, the farm park is just under 3 miles further on. An hour's walk, or 7 minutes in a car!
Back to Temple Guiting and a well earned lunch at the Temple Guiting Pantry while we ponder the conundrum - is it GUY-ting (as in guide) or GITT-ing (as in guitar)? The jury's out!
Sue McGreal
Last updated: 23 August 2023 - Please note: This blog was first written over a year old and things may have changed since the blog was written.
