Cleeve Hill & Common
Cleeve Hill offers the highest point in the Cotswolds, boasting breathtaking panoramic views and a vast, open common perfect for walking and nature ex...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Cleeve Hill & Common
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cleeve Hill offers the highest point in the Cotswolds, boasting breathtaking panoramic views and a vast, open common perfect for walking and nature exploration.
"This place offers breathtaking panoramic views, a tranquil atmosphere, and picturesque walking trails."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking boots are essential for enjoying the Cleeve Hill circular walk.
Pack snacks & water :water_buffalo:
There are no facilities on the common, so bring your own provisions for longer hikes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Summit of Cleeve Hill
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas across Gloucestershire and beyond. On a clear day, the views are simply stunning.
The Memorial Tree
Overlooking the racecourse
A solitary, windswept beech tree offering a poignant spot for reflection and iconic photos.
Wildlife Spotting
Cleeve Common
Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife like skylarks, buzzards, and kestrels. You might even spot a short-eared owl!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking boots are essential for enjoying the Cleeve Hill circular walk.
Pack snacks & water :water_buffalo:
There are no facilities on the common, so bring your own provisions for longer hikes.
Dog walking rules :dog:
Always keep dogs on a lead due to sheep and wildlife. Respect the 'lead policy' for conservation.
Check weather forecast :cloud:
Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking boots are essential for enjoying the Cleeve Hill circular walk.
Pack snacks & water :water_buffalo:
There are no facilities on the common, so bring your own provisions for longer hikes.
Dog walking rules :dog:
Always keep dogs on a lead due to sheep and wildlife. Respect the 'lead policy' for conservation.
Check weather forecast :cloud:
Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
Capture the views :camera_with_flash:
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cleeve Hill's breathtaking panoramic views and its status as a nature lover's paradise. The walking trails are described as picturesque and tranquil, offering a perfect escape. While the car park is noted as small, the beauty of the common and the diverse wildlife make it a highly recommended destination for connecting with nature.
"This is a fabulous area, so beautiful and a huge space for walking. The memorial tree overlooking the racecourse is lovely. We went several times over a few days and enjoyed the area and the stunning views. We saw loads of sky larks, buzzards, kites and kestrels and on our last visit saw a short-eared owl. Fantastic place."
Philippa Levy
"This place offers breathtaking panoramic views, a tranquil atmosphere, and picturesque walking trails. It's a nature lover's paradise with diverse wildlife and stunning sunsets. A perfect escape from city life to relax and connect with nature. Highly recommended for its natural beauty."
Khushi Mehta
"Not much to say about the car park, it can probably park up to 20-30 cars at maximum capacity. The road on the way up is wide enough for a single car only but plenty of lay bys and places for cars to pass each other. I was driving a Peugeot 3008 and that fit up there fine (saw a few bigger cars there too) for those that are nervous.
I can imagine if it is very busy it might be difficult to find parking or get up and down from the car park but we had no problem with traffic or getting a spot (it was a bit overcast and raining on and off when we visited in early October).
It offers a great starting point for the Cleeve Hill circular walking route and we found it only took us a couple of hours to walk an approximately 6 mile route. Lovely walk, pretty easy (no stiles, not that hilly) and a good way to break up one of the days we were visiting on. Great views when visibility allowed!"
Shiv Abbott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cleeve Hill is accessible by car via the B4632 road. The nearest town is Cheltenham. There's a main car park at the summit, but it's small. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there's a car park at the summit, but it can get very busy and is quite small. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday to secure a spot. There are also lay-bys along the road up.
Yes, Cleeve Hill is a popular starting or ending point for the Cotswold Way long-distance footpath. You can also access it via various local walking routes.
The road is narrow in places but generally manageable for most cars. There are lay-bys for passing. Drivers who are nervous might find it a bit challenging during peak times.
Driving is the most convenient option. Take the B4632 towards Winchcombe, and follow signs for Cleeve Hill. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cleeve Hill and Cleeve Common are free to enter and explore. It's a public space managed for its natural beauty.
Cleeve Hill is open 24/7, as it's an open common. However, access via the main road might be restricted at certain times, and it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required. Cleeve Hill is a natural landscape and does not operate on a ticket system.
The main restriction is the 'lead policy' for dogs to protect the abundant sheep and wildlife that graze on the common.
While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to poor visibility, potential hazards, and the lack of facilities. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Enjoy walking, hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The Cleeve Hill circular walk is popular, offering varied terrain and stunning views.
Yes, families can enjoy the open spaces for picnics and gentle walks. The lack of stiles makes it accessible for younger children, but supervision is key due to the sheep and uneven ground.
It's a roughly 6-mile route that's considered moderately easy, with no stiles and undulating terrain. It offers great views when visibility is good.
Drone usage may be restricted due to the presence of wildlife and the area's status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Always check local regulations before flying.
No, there are no public toilet facilities directly on Cleeve Hill or Cleeve Common. You'll need to use facilities in nearby towns like Cheltenham or Winchcombe.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, the Memorial Tree is iconic, and the lone beech tree on Cleeve Common is a popular subject.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) provides the most dramatic light. Clear days offer expansive views, while misty conditions can create an atmospheric, moody scene.
Yes, on rare occasions with high solar activity, the Northern Lights have been visible from Cleeve Hill, offering a spectacular photographic opportunity.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is helpful for low-light photography or capturing long exposures.
While specific tours might be rare, local photography groups or individual photographers may offer workshops. It's worth checking local listings or social media for opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
📸 Photographers
The Memorial Tree and the lone beech tree provide iconic foreground subjects. Keep an eye on the sky for dramatic cloud formations or, if you're incredibly lucky, the Northern Lights. A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vast landscapes.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Highest Point: Cleeve Hill's Significance
The common itself is a vital part of the local landscape, supporting a unique ecosystem and providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. Its open, undulating terrain is a testament to its natural formation, shaped by centuries of wind and weather. The presence of grazing sheep is a characteristic feature, contributing to the management of the grassland and adding to the idyllic rural scene.
Walking and Hiking Trails
For those seeking a longer challenge, Cleeve Hill serves as a key point on the Cotswold Way, a national trail stretching for 100 miles. Hikers can join or depart from Cleeve Hill, incorporating it into multi-day treks or using it as a scenic section for day hikes.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond the birds, the common is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The grazing sheep are an integral part of the ecosystem, helping to maintain the unique chalk grassland. Visitors are urged to be mindful of the wildlife, especially when walking dogs, and to stick to marked paths to minimize disturbance. The lone beech tree on Cleeve Common has become a landmark, a symbol of resilience against the elements and a popular spot for contemplation and photography.
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