Many of the West Country's prettiest villages have quaint names to match, like the pleasingly alliterative Castle Combe or the ye-olde sounding Stow-on-the-Wold. The same probably can't be said for Swineford, whose name might not be the first you'd pick out on a map in search of somewhere picturesque.
Despite the legendary tale of its past involving pigs and leprosy, however, this hamlet now offers a beautiful slice of countryside between Bristol and Bath. It's even accessible by bus from some parts of its neighbouring cities, offering a lovely spot for a picnic, pint in the sun and some scenic walks with views for miles.
According to a walking guide from TravelWest, based on information from the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, the village developed near the point where a small tributary of the Avon crosses the old Roman road from Bath to Bristol.
Read more: The prettiest villages near Bristol perfect for walks
The guide, which also maps a five-mile suggested walk taking in two pubs, states: "In the past the village has been known as Swinshed and Swynesheved. Legend has it that Swineford is where Prince Bladud herded his pigs across the river and the mud provided a cure for his leprosy and that of his pigs.
"A picnic site has been created on the site of an old iron foundry, which was originally water-powered. The watercourse for the foundry can still be seen in its channel in the south-east part of the site."
Information about buses in the guide is now outdated - it lists the 332 and 319 services, but now Swineford is instead served by the number 19 from Bath Bus Station to Bristol Parkway, which goes via Oldland Common, Cadbury Heath, Warmley, Kingwood, Staple Hill, Downend and Frenchay.
The bus stops near the Swan Inn pub, which has a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award from 2022 and was recently commended by a reviewer on the site for its "top notch" Sunday roasts. The pub, which has a dog-friendly bar and a garden with a playground, describes itself offering "home-cooked, satisfying and beautifully presented food" with an "extensive range of well-kept beers and cider". On May 27 it's staging a family-friendly festival with live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and a barbecue.
Within close proximity to the pub there's Swineford Lock along the River Avon, and Swineford Picnic Site where most of the mapped walking routes begin. One longer 11km route on AllTrails also takes in the neighbouring villages of Kelston and North Stoke.
One walker who had completed it commented on the route: "A moderate hike in the beautiful hills. This hike is quite varied from muddy tracks to cycle paths and road walking.
"A few steep climbs but completely worth it for the stunning views. The hike finished walking alongside the quiet river."
Both the TravelWest and AllTrails walks also visit Upton Cheney, where there is another pub called the Upton Inn. It describes itself as a "cosy traditional pub with a fantastic food offer", with classic pub dishes as well as several different sharing platters to dig into after a long stroll.
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