Tankard Spring, Chalford, Gloucestershire

## Overview Tankard Spring is a public drinking spring located in the picturesque village of Chalford, nestled in the Golden Valley of the Stroud district in Gloucestershire, England. Situated along the High Street near Brookleigh, this spring is one of many natural water sources that have historically served the hillside communities of the Cotswolds. Chalford itself is a steep, terraced village perched on the northern slopes of the Frome Valley, and its network of springs and streams played a vital role in the area's development — particularly during the height of the Stroud woollen cloth industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, when reliable water sources were essential for both domestic use and textile production. Springs like Tankard Spring have long been valued by local residents, and the name "Tankard" likely reflects its historical use as a place where vessels were filled for drinking water. The Cotswolds region is underlain by Jurassic oolitic limestone, and springs in this area typically emerge where permeable limestone meets underlying impermeable clay layers. This geology naturally filters rainwater through layers of rock, and Cotswold springs have historically been regarded as sources of clean, mineral-rich water. Tankard Spring has historically been used as a public drinking water source by the local community, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and visitors should exercise their own judgment regarding consumption. ## Directions 1. From Stroud town centre, head east on the A419 toward Chalford, following the road along the Golden Valley for approximately 2 miles. 2. Turn into Chalford village and follow the High Street uphill — Chalford is known for its steep, narrow lanes. 3. The spring is located along the High Street near the property known as Brookleigh (postcode GL6 8DJ). 4. Parking in Chalford can be limited due to the narrow streets; consider parking at a wider section of road and walking. **GPS Coordinates:** 51.721645, -2.148032 ## What to Expect Tankard Spring sits in the heart of one of the Cotswolds' most characterful villages. Chalford's steep lanes, stone cottages, and lush valley setting make the journey to the spring a scenic experience in itself. The village is sometimes called the "Alpine village" of the Cotswolds due to its dramatic hillside terrain. The spring is accessible from the High Street and is a modest, traditional Cotswold spring — expect a simple stone or pipe outlet rather than a grand fountain. The surrounding area features classic Gloucestershire stone architecture and mature vegetation. Visitors exploring the area can also enjoy the nearby Thames and Severn Canal towpath, which runs through the valley below Chalford and offers pleasant walking routes. The Chalford Roundhouse, a distinctive 18th-century building originally used by canal workers, is another local landmark worth seeing. As with many village springs in the Cotswolds, flow may vary seasonally, with the strongest output typically occurring during wetter months from autumn through spring. Summer visitors may find reduced flow during prolonged dry spells.