Stanton prior and newton park
Back in 2009, I wrote a book entitled ‘Footpaths For Fitness Bristol & Bath’. This was a little like the ‘couch to 5k’ programme used by runners, with the first walk being a mere mile at Oldbury court in Bristol, and the climax being a 7-mile walk from Monkton combe. This week’s walk was number 13 in the book, and was described as ‘a bit of a challenge’, on account of a rather steep climb out of Stanton Prior.
To the south west of Bath, the outlying hills of the cotswolds and Mendips come together to form a most charming pastoral landscape. The hills are gently undulating, and are crossed by narrow winding lanes bordered by traditional hedgerows that seldom carry much traffic.
Stanton Prior sits in the midst of this landscape, the tower of St Lawrence church being a prominent landmark from all around. a climb out of the village onto the nearby hilltop brings expansive views, not only of the village itself but also more distant points such as kelston Round Hill and Lansdown.
Below lies Newton Park, where the 18th-century mansion was built by the second Joseph Langton. The grounds and associated buildings now form Bath Spa University, surely one of the most attractive locations for a seat of learning in the country. a delightful rural excursion, surprisingly remote given the proximity of both Bath and Bristol.
Getting there
Follow the A4 west from Bath for 2 miles, before turning onto the A39. In 2 miles, by the Wheatsheaf Inn, turn left and follow a narrow lane into Stanton Prior. Park on the roadside by the church.
1. Enter the churchyard and walk around the back of the church to reach a stile in the boundary wall. Continue along an enclosed path to a handgate and a small paddock. Cross to a handgate in the far left-hand corner of this field. Beyond this gate, turn left and follow the line of a hedgerow on the left. In 40 yards, where this hedgerow bears left, keep walking in the same direction uphill across the open field ahead to a handgate in the top field boundary. Beyond this gate, follow a short section of enclosed path into a small area of woodland. Keep walking ahead through this woodland to a handgate and a track. Turn right, and follow this track uphill to reach a lane on the hilltop in 250 yards.
2. Follow the lane to the left for ½ mile to a crossroads, before continuing ahead along the main lane waymarked to Newton St Loe. In another ½ mile, cross a stile on the left and follow a footpath along to an open hilltop field. Follow the right edge of this field downhill until you reach an old concrete farm road by a small copse. Follow this old road ahead down to a stile and the playing fields of Bath Spa
University. Beyond this stile, follow the right edge of the playing field for 50 yards to a marker post. Turn left, and walk the length of the playing field to a stile in the end field boundary.
■ 3. Beyond this stile, cross an open field to a stile in the end field boundary, before crossing to a dip at the far end of the next field. Cross a stile in the bottom of this dip, and follow an enclosed path to a handgate and open field. Follow the right edge of this field to a gate and stile and a lane. Follow the lane ahead for 200 yards to a road junction, turn left and keep on the road to a junction in 200 yards. Keep on the main lane that bears right back along to Stanton Prior Church.