01. Start
The walk begins beside Iford Manor, a place that is not only beautiful but beautifully considered. Created in the early nineteen hundreds by architect Harold Peto, its Italian terraces spill gently towards the river, each corner revealing a quiet, deliberate surprise.
02.
Crossing the stone bridge feels like stepping into another century. Britannia stands above the keystone gazing downriver, shield raised as if guarding the valley. The River Frome moves beneath the arches in calm, reflective ribbons
03.
The meadow is wide and open with a clear path through the grass and the river on your left. Continue along the trail until you reach another stile and a metal gate. This marks the entrance to Friary Woods.
04.
Friary Woods feels noticeably cooler and noticeably older. The Carthusian monks of Hinton Priory once owned this land and their fishponds still lie somewhere under the undergrowth if you know where to look.
05.
Friary is a tiny, secluded hamlet with only a handful of old stone buildings tucked into the valley. There’s a wooden cart here beside the lane selling local honey for £5. I like to imagine that centuries ago, the monks here kept bees and brewed their own mead.
06.
Turn right and follow Rosemary Lane downhill. On your right you will catch glimpses of the old mill buildings which are currently being redeveloped, along with the weir that continues to churn below. Cross the stone bridge, follow the lane through a sharp left then right bend, and continue past the entrance to Freshford Mill.
07.
Look for a footpath sign, metal gate and notice board on your right opposite a narrow lane. This brings you into open cattle fields with sweeping valley views. The path is easy to follow. Keep straight on until you reach a wooden gate and a weathered stone stile which lead onto Iford Lane.
08.
Turn right onto the lane and follow it gently downhill. The hedges rise, the sound of the river returns, and soon enough you find yourself back where you began at Iford Manor, the bridge, and the steady rhythm of water beneath it.
09. End
Finish at the Manor Café for coffee, pastries or something cold. They serve local Iford Cider and a very good sparkling apple juice. On sunny days the walled garden is a lovely place to sit and round off the walk.
