Where echoes of industrial past drift into open fields, lakes and wide sky
A simple and satisfying loop through Holt’s fields and parkland, starting and ending at the Glove Factory. Perfect when you want a quick stretch of the legs, some fresh country air and a good coffee at the end.
Practicalities
01. Start
The Glove Factory
Begin at the Glove Factory entrance and follow Brook Lane between the old factory buildings. The lane soon shifts into a track. Look for the public footpath on your left. This runs along the edge of the Glove Factory’s parkland and lakes where reed beds, still water and big skies create a calm, open feel.
The private lakes are used for wild swimming and the site’s saunas add to the relaxed, outdoorsy vibe.
As you walk past the two lakes, keep an eye out for Tyche, the monumental bronze head by Emily Young. Installed in 2025, she watches calmly over the lake and gives this corner of The Glove Factory a striking focal point.
02.
Into the fields
For this short circular walk, take the left fork and pass through a small metal gate into an open field. Follow the path as it traces the outer edge of the field, climbing gently.
At the top corner, cross a wooden stile and pass through a gate into a much larger field. Head straight on and keep to the field edge. You will pass an oak tree before reaching the top corner marked by an old dead oak. Turn right here and walk along the upper edge of the field.
This stretch gives you a good view back towards the Glove Factory buildings and the rooftops of Holt.
03.
Return to the factory
At the end of the field turn right again and follow the footpath downhill with a cast iron fence to your left. At the bottom you will reach two wooden gates. Go through to enter the final field and take the path to the right which leads directly back to the Glove Factory. If you turn left instead, the footpath continues to Great Chalfield Manor, a National Trust house featured in films and series such as Wolf Hall and Poldark. A metal gate returns you to the footpath near your starting point.
04. End
The Field Kitchen
Wild Herb at The Field Kitchen is a fantastic cafe with seating both inside and outside. It serves excellent barista coffee, pastries and deli style lunches. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 to 4 and weekends from 10 to 4. It is a very nice place to hang out after a short morning or afternoon stroll.
History
Shaped by Industry
This site began in 1770 as a small wool dealer before growing into the J and T Beaven Tannery, once employing six hundred people and exporting leather worldwide, including for airmen’s gloves in the Second World War. The tannery closed mid century, but in 2010 the buildings were revived as Glove Factory Studios, now home to a thriving creative community.
Near by
The Courts Garden
While you are in Holt, The Courts Garden, a National Trust property, is worth a visit. It is a peaceful Arts and Crafts style garden with ponds, borders and a small arboretum. Opening times from mid March to October with daily hours of 11 to 5.30.
