Leaving the Upper Castle Combe car park, we carefully cross the B4039 and head north to Summer Lane, we follow the lane to The Gibb, recrossing the B4039 to follow the Fosse Way down to the path past Step Hill Plantation and to Goulter’s Mill Farm on the Burton Brook. Goulter’s Mill dates back to 1773 and was seasonal due to insufficient water in the drier months. The leat supplied the mill, which went out of use in around 1750. The tailrace runs under the garden to re-join the brook.

Over fields and down lanes into Nettleton to emerge again onto the Fosse Way at the site of a Roman Settlement on the Broadmead Brook.

Following the brook downstream to Nettleton Mill House. Part of the Castle Combe estate, the buildings date from the 18th century. A grist mill, (The term “grist” refers to the grain that has been prepared for grinding) its undershot wheel was replaced by a turbine during the 19th century. Milling ceased at the outbreak of the First World War. In the 50’s and 60’s, the turbine power was used for wood cutting.

We emerge onto Castle Combe Golf Course where the two brooks now form the By Brook that eventually joins the River Avon at Bathford.

There is the opportunity to drop down into Castle Combe or return to the start on the upper path.