Cleeve Hill Summit Walk

Cleeve Hill is the highest point in the Cotswolds at 330 metres, and this 5-mile circular from Cleeve Hill car park crosses open common land with some of the finest views in the region.

The Route

Start at the Cleeve Hill car park on the B4632 and head south across the open common. The wide, grassy paths cross typical Cotswold limestone grassland rich in wildflowers during summer. Reach the summit trig point for panoramic views across the Severn Vale to the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and on clear days, the mountains of South Wales.

Continue south along the escarpment edge past Cleeve Cloud, a dramatic limestone outcrop popular with hang gliders. The views west over Cheltenham and the Vale are stunning. The return follows the Cotswold Way north along the escarpment, passing the Iron Age hillfort at Cleeve Common before crossing back to the car park.

Dog-Friendly Details

Cleeve Common is registered common land and dogs can be off lead, though livestock (including cattle and sheep) graze freely. Keep dogs under close control near animals. The open, exposed common gives dogs wonderful freedom to run. No water sources on the hill, so carry supplies. The golf course crosses the common, so be aware of golfers.

Practical Information

Free parking at the Cleeve Hill car park. The common is exposed and can be very windy. The paths are generally well-drained but the descent sections can be slippery in wet weather. Cheltenham below has numerous dog-friendly pubs and cafes. The Cotswold Way long-distance path crosses the route.