Cleeve Common South - Walks on Wheels

Panoramic grassy walks on top of the Cotswolds. These short walks are for all wheels.

Distance

1.25 miles / 2.01 km

Duration

0.5 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty

Unsurfaced paths, basic fitness

Mobility aid rating

Pushchair friendly

Shape

Circular

Route description

These walks on the highest point point of the Cotswolds is on short grass and surprisingly easy. The 600 metre route is almost level, while the longer routes cross uneven ground with several slopes. You are advised not to take any route on Cleeve Common in poor visibility.

Start

Address


View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SO994248

What3Words

computers.nutty.wrist

Refreshments

Pubs at Andoversford, Winchcombe and Cheltenham.

Travel Info

Cleeve Common car park by masts. Approach from Whittington. SO 994248 (GL54 4EU)

Navigation

Cleeve Common covers 450 hectares (1,000 acres) of open access land, with views from the Cotswold escarpment across the Severn Valley to the Malverns, the Forest of Dean and Wales.

The limestone grassland is grazed by sheep and occasionally cattle. Large areas of the common can be further explored by users of large-wheeled scooters and mountain buggies. Take care near the golf course.

Route 1 – short route (600m)

From the entrance gate turn right and follow the wall for 300 metres to a low pillar (trig point) at the highest point of the Cotswolds 1 (330m altitude) and return the way you came.

Longer route (1.4km/0.9 miles)

This extension to the walk is a circular route (which wheelchairs and small wheels may find difficult). Go past 1 gently downhill towards two gates ahead. Turn around in front of the left hand gate and follow the track back uphill going between the second and last gorse bushes. Go straight ahead to the wood-fenced dew pond and then turn left back to the car park.

Route 2 – long route (2km)

Turn left out of the entrance gate and head slightly away from the wire fence for 150 metres towards some gorse bushes 2 where the Malverns can be seen. Beyond the gorse take either of the grass tracks which lead straight ahead to a lone tree on a prominent knoll about 850 metres away 3. Enjoy the views from the escarpment and return the way you came.

Longer route (2.4km)

The extension to this route is a circular walk (not suitable for wheelchairs and small wheels).

Turn left steeply downhill to a small group of trees (Three Sisters) 4 with views over Cheltenham. Here turn left back towards the masts, choosing from two uphill paths. The easier route veers away from the boundary wall towards the gorse bushes you passed on the way out.