Cotswold Walks - Ilmington Loop - 3.6 miles (steep hill alert)

Ilmington

About 7 miles south of Stratford on Avon in Warwickshire, Ilmington lies close to the borders of three other counties - Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire. As such, it's a very convenient base for exploring the Cotswolds. It's a traditional, honey coloured village resting at the base of the Campden Hills, with a village green, a Norman church, two quality pubs and a community shop and cafe.

St Mary's Church, Ilmington

St. Mary's dates back to the mid-12th century but was almost entirely rebuilt in 1849. The church contains examples of the work of the Mouseman, Robert Thompson. Quality oak furnishings are still produced in his factory on the North Yorks moors and are distinguished by the inclusion of a small carved mouse. Can you find the 11 wooden mice on the church furniture?

The Loop

We usually park near the Ilmington Cafe at the bottom of Foxcote Hill where the walk actually begins. Walk straight up the hill, the steepest part of which starts almost straight away! About two thirds of the way up is a very welcome stopping point in the shape of a rather old black metal bench. A good place not only to take a breather, but also to get a bird's eye view of the village below.

Continue up the hill 'till you get to the gates of Foxcote House. Although this is a privately owned property, there is a public footpath through the grounds, leading to Ebrington.

Our loop, however, takes us left at the gates and the walk continues along the ridge. There are sweeping views from here across the countryside towards Darlingscott and Shipston on Stour.

After just over half a mile of easy walking, you take a left turn and begin the descent. Although this is a road walk, it's remarkably quiet. The first time we did it we were passed by only three cars. Obviously, this isn't always the case but on the walks we have taken here it does seem rather less busy than the norm.

Nearly half a mile of steep descent later (what goes up must come down!) you have a choice to make. Either continue left and follow the road back to Ilmington to complete the 3.6 mile loop or go straight ahead along what looks like a lane which takes you to Compton Scorpion (not signposted), adding a couple of miles to the walk.

In search of Compton Scorpion

The name Compton Scorpion has always fascinated me. The Compton is quite usual in these parts - Compton Verney and Compton Wynyates, for instance. It's from the Old English 'cumb' (short, straight valley) and 'tun' (enclosure or settlement). So far, so good. But Scorpion? I'm still wondering, though it does give the place real character. Sadly, its name is the most interesting part of it! It's been a 'deserted village' since the late 1400s and virtually nothing remains other than a grassy field. Only the name continues nowadays in Compton Scorpion Manor and Estate, a private property dating back at least to the late 16th century.

This part of the walk is pretty level. You first follow the unadopted road as far as the estate entrance then go left along a public footpath. Once you get to the footpath it's all well signposted and after a mile and a half you reach the road again just outside Darlingscott. Left here towards Ilmington and half a mile later, left again, signposted Compton Scorpion. Yet again, another half a mile stroll takes you back to the road where you turn right to Ilmington which finishes the original loop walk.

Things to do

There are two pubs in Ilmington - the Howard Arms, built during the time of Shakespeare and voted Pub of the Year 2020 (https://howardarms.com/) and the Red Lion (https://www.hooky.co.uk/our_pubs/the-red-lion-in-ilmington/). As well as these, there is a lovely community cafe attached to the community shop housed in the old Catholic church. (https://www.ilmingtonshop.co.uk/the-shop/)

Ilmington's also home to the Traditional Ilmington Morris Men and if you're around on a summer Wednesday evening you may be lucky enough to see them perform around the village. You could come back in October and take part in Ilmington Apple Day. An embroidered copy of an old map is on display in St. Mary's Church, showing the unusually large number of orchards around the village where 38 different varieties of apple are grown. Local schoolchildren have devised a mile long walk to explore the orchards. The day also includes a demonstration of cider pressing. Just what's needed after a long walk!

Sue McGreal