(3RS,4SR,5SR)-5-Hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidinecarboxylic acid 4,3'-lactone was synthesised in eight steps from ethyl glycinate via selective hydrolysis and reduction of 4,5-di-(methoxycarbonyl)-3-hydroxypyridine. The regioisomer (3RS,4RS,5SR)-5-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid 3,4'-lactone was also synthesised. The regio- and stereo-chemistry of the reactions were confirmed by five X-ray crystallographic structure determinations.