Ten miles west of Cirencester, Stroud is at the centre of the Five Valleys and at the edge of the Cotswolds. Here, the steeply wooded valleys wind their way back into the limestone of the Cotswold escarpment, providing unexpected views and woodland walks. The familiar Cotswold landscape of stone walls, rolling farmland and villages of golden stone gives way to the exhilarating high commons of Minchinhampton, Rodborough and Selsley, with views across the Severn to the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains beyond, while the valleys hide lakes and beechwoods. Not surprising that this is known as the 'undiscovered Cotswolds'.

40 minutes from the M4 (Junction 15), 15 minutes from the M5 (Junctions 11A or 13), 4.5 miles from Stroud mainline station (direct service from London Paddington)

A network of public footpaths provides walkers with easy access to the Toadsmoor valley and surrounding countryside.

Slad and the Woolpack Inn, of Laurie Lee fame, are less than 3 miles' walk with stunning views from Swifts Hill on the way. Other villages nearby are Bisley, Oakridge and France Lynch, all with pubs and good food.

Other local towns and villages include Stroud with its famous Farmers Market on Saturdays, Nailsworth, Minchinhampton and Painswick

Within easy reach of Gatcombe, Badminton, Tetbury, Cirencester, Cheltenham and Bath