Walk 5 - Distance 2.8km (1.3/4 miles).
Park near the top of Malvern Drive and walk across the grass to the top of the stream. Follow the path on the nearer (south) side of the stream. The land on both sides was built up when the houses were erected: the original level before the mid 1970`s is shown by the mature trees on either side of the stream. There is a wider range of native trees along this stream than along most of the others with some fine oak, ash and willow, some of which have been pollarded. There are also both hazel and alder, the last two producing plenty of catkins in early spring.
The pond half way along this section had silted up completely but with the help of Castle School pupils and other volunteers it has been re-created and contains a good variety of aquatic life. In summer the large clump of purple loosestrife near the dam adds a good splash of colour. A variety of birds enjoy the shallows. They include pied and yellow wagtails and in early summer housemartins collect the mud for their nests.
Continue along the path past Crossways School and cross the road by the underpass to Knapp Road West. This was until recently a country road with cottages on either side. The real character of the road can be appreciated after crossing Morton Way and continuing along Knapp Road East (Crossways Lane). The stream reappears briefly on the right of the road before turning left under it and flowing past Crossways Farm to join the Millstream. The farm often has calves in the byres alongside the road and Jacobs Sheep in the adjoining field. From the road there are good views of the A38 ridge with the water-tower at Milbury Heath prominent on the skyline. Below the ridge is Cleeve Wood. Continue along the road to Crossways Dairy and turn right into Clay Lane. Some of the houses, although "improved" and "embellished" are of considerable age as the occasional date plaques indicate. Continue along Clay Lane to the junction with White Walls Lane where you take the right fork. Another stream appears on the left flowing through the garden of Two Wells. This stream originates in Cleeve Wood and crosses the road further up near Hacket Farm. This area is generally damp as the ferns on the bank of the left-hand ditch and the patch of Reed Canary Grass indicate. On the right, Woodland Cottage bears the date 1826. There are two fine oaks on the left with a holly hedge beneath them, just before the junction with Hackett Lane. St. Paul`s Church on the corner is a daughter church of St.Mary`s.
Turn right by the church and walk down Hackett Lane. At the top of the lane there are good views across the fields to the ridge in front of Rockhampton and a wide sweep of the Forest of Dean. On a good day, Lydney can been seen to the left of the Rockhampton ridge. Woodbine Farm, on the right of the lane appears to date from the early 19th Century to judge from its architecture. Further down the lane the orchard on the right has snowdrops round the base of the trees in February. Cross Morton Way into Crossways Road and take the path to the left along the stream back to Malvern Drive.
Country Code.
Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.
Guard against all risk of fire.
Keep your dogs under control.
Fasten all gates.
Keep to public paths across farmland.
Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.
Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
Take your litter home.
Help to keep all water clean.
Protect wildlife plants and trees.
Take special care on country roads.
Make no unnecessary noise.