Wychwood Way Dry Stone Walling, Oxfordshire, England

This terrifically isolated and peaceful work site is located in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and offers beautiful views in almost every direction. The wall we will be working on runs alongside the 37 mile long Wychwood Way circular trail. The stretch of wall which we will be restoring is near the pretty village of Chadlington and the town of Chipping Norton.

We will concentrate on a number of sections of dry-stone wall that run alongside the Wychwood Way. The Cotswolds are renowned for their dry-stone walls and the tradition of building these stems back to the Romans who began to quarry the limestone to use in building, helping to form the Cotswolds historic landscape. It is important to conserve dry-stone walls not only because of their aesthetic value but also as they are vital habitats for wildlife and help to give us historical insights of times gone by.

On the Saturday you will be joined by a dry-stone walling trainer, who will guide you in learning this traditional skill. Several parts of this wall have crumbled away leaving gaps that vary in size allowing you to set yourself an obtainable challenge of restoring a gap that suits your ability. The local style of walling in the Cotswolds Hills is unique to this area and the stones used are generally smaller than in other areas, making this an easier style to learn.

You will be staying in a fully converted farmhouse just outside the Gloucestershire village of Longborough. It will be very apt that you stay here as it is a Cotswold stone building, so you will be steeped in the tradition of the use of Cotswold stone! The spacious farmhouse has traditional features but with the luxuries of a well equipped kitchen and French doors from the lounge that lead out into the garden. The accommodation also offers a swimming pool, tennis court and games room to keep you occupied.

The accommodation is located in the centre of the North Cotswolds with views from the farm of the rolling Cotswolds from every direction; with plenty of pretty walks to help on unwind. There are also farmland animals and the surrounding wildlife to enjoy. The nearest country pub is within a one mile walk.