Broadway Tower: A Beacon of the Cotswolds (and a Slightly Detoured Adventure!)
Broadway Tower Short Circular on AllTrails
Distance: 6.8km
ETA: 2 hours (or nearly 4 hours if you get lost like us 🫣)
Elevation: 249m
Broadway Tower stands proudly atop Beacon Hill, a prominent landmark in the Cotswolds. This iconic tower offers breathtaking panoramic views, and the surrounding countryside is crisscrossed with beautiful walking trails. We recently set out to explore the area with the intention of following the Broadway Tower Short Circular on AllTrails. However, as often happens with us, we got a little sidetracked by the sheer beauty of the place while gassing with one of our besties, Sharon and her dog Alfie!
We ended up forging our own path a bit, but this blog post will share what we would recommend if we were to return and stick to the intended route.
The Broadway Tower Short Circular is a perfect introduction to the area. It's a relatively short and easy loop, ideal for those who want to experience the stunning views without a long or strenuous hike. The path leads you through picturesque fields and woodlands, offering glimpses of the tower from various angles.
The tower itself is a fascinating structure. Built in the 18th century as a folly, it now serves as a museum and offers incredible vistas across the surrounding countryside. From the top, you can see for miles, taking in the patchwork of fields, charming villages, and rolling hills that make the Cotswolds so special.
Now, about our little detour... Let's just say we have a tendency to wander! We went with a good friend and we just got lost in conversation, this along with the allure of the surrounding landscape was too much to resist, and we ended up exploring some of the other trails that branch out from the tower. We stumbled upon hidden paths, discovered secluded picnic spots, and generally had a wonderful time getting lost (in a good way!).
If we were to return and stick to the Broadway Tower Short Circular, here’s what we'd recommend:
- Follow the Trail: The route is generally well-marked, but it's always a good idea to have the AllTrails map handy, just in case.
- Enjoy the Views: Take your time and soak in the panoramic vistas from the tower and along the trail.
- Explore the Tower (if you have time): The tower itself is worth a visit, with its museum and fascinating history.
- Picnic Potential: Tea rooms and coffee huts on site! Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
- Dogs on Leads: Dogs should be kept on leads at all times due to the presence of sheep in the area.
Final Thoughts:
While our adventure took us on a slightly different route, we can confidently say that the Broadway Tower area is a must-visit in the Cotswolds. Whether you follow the designated circular walk or decide to explore a bit more freely (like we did!), you're sure to be captivated by the beauty of this iconic landmark and its surrounding landscape. We certainly plan on returning to conquer the short circular properly next time!
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