recommended route
Cleeve Hill to Charlton Kings
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Cheltenham race course from Cleeve HillPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
A short walk from Cleeve Hill follows the edge of the Cotswolds down to Prestbury Hill Nature Reserve. A gradual descent leads through the classic Cotswold countryside to the small town of Charlton Kings.
The walk starts from the summit of Cleeve Hill and follows the western edge of the Cotswold escarpment high above Cheltenham. From here the path passes through a nature reserve, woodland and agricultural land on its way to Charlton Kings and the end of this section.
Author’s recommendation
Cleeve Hill is the highest point on the whole of the Cotswold Way, and panoramic views extend over Cheltenham and the surrounding area. The Prestbury Hill Nature Reserve is a site of special scientific interest, particularly for its butterflies and rare plants.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
The London InnThe Royal
Safety information
Route
When walking off the summit of Cleeve Hill and along the edge of the escarpment take care, especially in strong winds or poor visibility. This section is fairly straightforward with no particular hazards.
The Cotswold Way is well marked so navigation should be easy. Look out for the acorn signs which are the National Trail markers.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Please see the interactive map for notable points of interest along the walk, including recommended pubs/restaurants and tearoom stops. Simply click the icons on the map for more information as you walk.
Food and Drink
There are no facilities at the summit of Cleeve Hill or anywhere else on this short section until you arrive at Charlton Kings. Therefore you will need to carry everything you need for today’s walk.
Lunch
Packed lunch is essential for this section as there are no towns or villages to stop in.
Post walk Drinks
The Royal is a good option if you are heading into Charlton Kings.
Public Transport
The W Bus towards Cheltenham goes from Cleeve Hill to Cheltenham, you can then catch a connecting bus to the suburbs of Charlton Kings on the B Service. Bus timetables change year on year and can be seasonal. Be sure to check https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey (the local operator who runs this service) for up-to-date timetables.
Please note that bus services may be affected by public bank holidays in the UK and in some cases may run a limited service or no service at all on weekends.
There are also useful websites to find when the next bus is due at www.traveline.info or simply have a quick google search.
Recommended Local Taxi Services along the Cotswold Way
Northwick Private Hire (Chipping Campden Area): +44 (0) 1386 701 806
TDM Taxis (Broadway Area): +44 (0) 7919 160 630
Starline Taxi (Cheltenham/Charlton Kings Area): +44 (0) 1242 250 250
Galaxy Private Hire (Dursley/Painswick/Wotton-Under-Edge Area): +44 (0) 7796 545 261
V Cars (Alternative for Wotton-Under-Edge Area): +44 (0) 1793 701 701
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided full written turn-by-turns to aid you on your walk from Cleeve Hill to Charlton Kings. Whilst, the Cotswolds are waymarked it can be featureless and off the beaten path at some sections so we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THE BELOW DISTANCES ARE AN APPROXIMATION AT THE TIME OF OUR PATHFINDER WALKING THE ROUTE DIRECTLY - THERE MAY BE SOME SLIGHT DISCREPANCIES/SMALL DIVERSIONS THAT MAY MAKE THE DISTANCES SLIGHTLY OUT COMPARED TO YOUR OWN MAPPING/STRAVA/GARMIN/WATCH SOFTWARE.
0.00 km – Standing By the triangulation pillar summit marker and with your back to the viewpoint, GO STRAIGHT ON over the golf course following the wooden post markers. (NB; there is a direction arrow on the side of the triangulation pillar to show the way). Follow the edge of the steep escarpment on your right with panoramic views over Cheltenham.
0.90 km – Just through some hill fort ramparts and by a wooden seat, GO STRAIGHT ON, again following the edge of the steep slope and the wooden marker posts to a metal gate.
1.40 km – Go through the metal gate off the common and GO STRAIGHT ON following the wooden marker posts. The path traverses the escarpment gradually descending with the transmitter masts visible on the ridge to the left.
2.00 km – Just through a wooden gate and by Prestbury Nature Reserve, TURN LEFT and GO STRAIGHT ON slightly uphill. In 50 m where the path forks, BEAR RIGHT following the marker sign. Go through the wooden gate into Prestbury Nature Reserve and GO STRAIGHT ON.
2.50 km – At a path, junction GO STRAIGHT ON, following the waymarked sign up through a narrow valley. There are good views as you emerge onto the common again.
3.20 km – At the edge of the Nature Reserve cross the wooden style and GO STRAIGHT ON.
3.60 km – Arriving at a path junction TURN LEFT following the Cotswold Way signpost, then in 50 metres BEAR RIGHT, following the wooden marker posts by the power cables.
4.10 km – Emerging through a gate onto a tarmac lane, TURN LEFT through a metal gate and GO STRAIGHT ON along the path signposted to Dowdeswell.
4.40 km – At a tarmac road TURN LEFT and GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 300 m, then TURN RIGHT at the road junction following the sign for the Cotswold Way.
5.50 km – As the road bends to the left, BEAR RIGHT through the metal gate and GO STRAIGHT ON to reach another tarmac road.
6.30 km – At the tarmac road cross over and GO STRAIGHT ON along the opposite signposted path.
6.70 km – At a wooden gate TURN RIGHT under the power cables and leaving the Cotswold Way and past the farm.
7.00 km – Emerging through a metal gate, GO STRAIGHT ON through another gate and BEAR RIGHT around the edge of the field.
7.30 km – Where the path divides BEAR RIGHT over the wooden stile then in 100 m BEAR RIGHT through a wooden gate and GO STRAIGHT ON to a gate.
7.70 km – TURN RIGHT through the gate and GO STRAIGHT ON past the stables, through some metal gates and onto a track. Then in 100 metres BEAR RIGHT onto the footpath through a metal gate and descend towards Charlton Kings.
8.30 km – At a bend in the path, BEAR LEFT onto a smaller less distinct path. GO STRAIGHT ON with the hedge to your left and aiming for a large white-topped post by a metal gate.
8.50 km – Go through the metal gate and GO STRAIGHT ON over the stream and up between the houses to a tarmac road. GO STRAIGHT ON up Chase Avenue to reach the main road in Charlton Kings.
8.70 km – Arriving at the main road, red post box and signpost back to Colgate Farm you have reached the end of your walk.
*** This is the end of our Cleeve Hill to Charlton Kings route ***
Coordinates
Equipment
Good comfortable boots or walking shoes are recommended. The ground can be quite soft and the paths are well used by walkers and riders. Whilst the terrain is not particularly difficult it can be muddy with some waterlogged stretches after heavy rain. Walking poles are an option if preferred. The British weather is changeable so waterproofs should also be carried just in case.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
This walk is isolated with few opportunities to buy food or water so be sure to bring enough with you.
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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