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Hiking the Isbourne Way


A riverside ramble from the Cotswold hills to the Avon

Imagine lacing up your walking boots on a bright morning, stepping out from your front door in Sedgeberrow, and following a ribbon of water through meadows, woodlands, and old Cotswold villages until it meets the River Avon in Evesham. That’s the Isbourne Way — a 14-mile (23 km) walking route tracing the River Isbourne from its source on the slopes of Cleeve Hill, through Winchcombe, Toddington, Wormington, and our own Sedgeberrow, before reaching its journey’s end beside the Avon.

It’s a walk full of quiet surprises: millstones half-hidden in the grass, wooden bridges over still pools, church spires rising through mist, and the hum of bees drifting through orchard air.

Why it’s special if you live in Sedgeberrow

We’re lucky: the Isbourne Way quite literally runs through our backyard. It’s not just another walking route — it’s our river’s story, a thread connecting the Cotswold hills to the Vale below.

Walking it gives you a new perspective on familiar places. You’ll see how the river bends around the village, how the soil changes underfoot, and how centuries of local life have shaped the path. It’s a way to meet neighbours, breathe fresh air, and rediscover where we live.

Highlights along the way

At the source:

The Isbourne begins high on Cleeve Hill near the Washpool — a shallow hollow where trickles of spring water gather. The landscape feels wide and open here, with views stretching to the Severn Vale.

Winchcombe to Toddington:

Old stone cottages, neat hedgerows, and the soft clatter of heritage trains from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway keep you company.

Wormington to Sedgeberrow:

Here the path slips into open countryside, crossing fields and willow-fringed banks. Keep an eye out for the old mill buildings that once harnessed the river’s power.

When you reach Sedgeberrow, pause by the bridge, admire the elegant spire of St Mary’s and maybe reward yourself with a drink at the Queen’s Head.

Sedgeberrow to Evesham:

The final stretch is gentle and green. You’ll pass orchards, meadows, and the occasional heron before the Isbourne finally merges with the Avon. It’s a quietly triumphant moment — and conveniently close to tea rooms and riverside pubs.

Tips for walkers

  • Start early if you’re doing the full route, the morning light across the meadows is beautiful.

  • Split it up: the Winchcombe–Sedgeberrow and Sedgeberrow–Evesham sections make perfect half-day walks.

  • Check the ground after heavy rain, the Isbourne has a habit of filling its floodplain!

  • Take a picnic or plan your route to include one of the many good pubs and cafés en route.

  • Bring a camera - you’ll want to capture the changing light and landscapes.

A walk worth doing

Whether you walk a single section or the whole length, the Isbourne Way is one of those local adventures that rewards curiosity. It’s not a mountain challenge or a distant destination, it’s a journey through familiar countryside that somehow feels new each time.

So next sunny weekend, grab your boots, follow the river, and see where it takes you. Chances are, it’ll lead you right back home - with a big grin, muddy boots, and maybe a pint waiting at the Queens Head

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gray brick houses under dark cloudy sky