Playnes of Longford. A Gentlemans Clothiers Walk near Box, Stroud

This guided walk will focus on Longfords Mill (near Minchinhampton and Nailsworth), the two Gentlemen Clothier brothers who catapulted it into the 19^th Century, and the contrasting houses and landscapes they built and developed. We will see the exterior of Longfords Mill, part of its 21 acre millpond and Longfords House, and then visit Box House’s garden and trace the trail leading from it to the early C19th landscape features which until recent research lay hidden within what is now Box Community Wood (where hopefully the bluebells will be out). 

Thoss Shearer will lead the walk – he is also giving a talk on his research into the properties as part of the GGLT lecture series (in Cheltenham on Monday 3 April).

Please note that although the 2½ mile route is mainly on pavement, road and footpath, there are some steep gradients. A couple of features in Box Wood can be best seen by clambering over vegetation and short sections of wet ground. It will be necessary to maintain a steady pace between stops in order to complete the walk in time for lunch!  Stamina and suitable footwear will be needed.

Optional lunch (price not included!) at end of walk at the Weighbridge Inn (famous for its 2 in 1 pies). Please indicate when booking if you are likely to want lunch.  On confirmation of booking, participants wanting lunch will be sent a pre-order form.

Bookings via email please