recommended route
Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill
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Route out of WinchcombePhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
A short but demanding walk in places. Leaving Winchcombe, you gradually ascend to long barrow of Belas Knap. From here, a steep descent takes you down to Postlip Hall before a long and steady climb up to Cleeve Common and the eventual summit of Cleeve Hill.
A scenic and historically exciting walk from Winchcombe, passing Sudeley Castle in the distance and the Neolithic long barrow of Belas Knap. From here, you ascend onto Cleeve Common with panoramic views over the Cheltenham countryside. Finally, the route takes you to the summit of Cleeve Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Way.
Author’s recommendation
Panoramic views are to be seen on several sections of today’s walk but most extensively from the summit of Cleeve Hill. So take time to enjoy them!
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Food Fanatics WinchcombeWinchcombe Museum
5 North St
The Lion Inn
Food & Drink Supplies - Winchcombe
The Corner Cupboard
Cleeve Hill Golf Club
Rising Sun Hotel
Waymarker - Path into Cleeve Hill
Safety information
Route
Traffic should not be a problem today as the route out of Winchcombe is relatively quiet. There are a few climbs and one steep descent which might be tricky during or after wet weather. Care is needed particularly if you are tiring.
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 cafe stops. Simply click the icons on the map for more information as you walk.
Food and Drink
Winchcombe is a large Cotswold Town with a full range of facilities. There are a number of shops, small supermarkets, cafes and pubs where you can stock up with food and drink. There is also a Tourist Information Office, a post office and a pharmacy in the town. A cash machine is available in the Coop supermarket during opening hours, or an external machine can be found further down North Street at the larger supermarket on the edge of town.
There are no facilities during this walk so make sure to carry what you need. Cleeve Hill Golf Club is open to non-members for refreshments but this is near the very end of the walk.
Lunch
Packed lunch today is essential as there are no towns or villages to stop in. We recommend going to Food Fanatics in Winchcombe before you set off and grab some picnic food for the day.
Post walk Drinks
Rising Sun Hotel in Cleeve Hill.
Public Transport
The Stagecoach W Bus towards Cheltenham goes from Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill. 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 Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill. 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 distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time of our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).
0.00 km – Standing with your back to the War Memorial Cross and facing Dent Almshouses, TURN RIGHT along the main street, then in 20 m TURN LEFT down Vineyard Street and over the river.
0.20 km – Just over the river bridge, TURN RIGHT through the metal gate and onto the footpath signposted Cotswold Way. GO STRAIGHT ON along a well-defined path towards the power cables in the distance.
0.80 km – At the tarmac road, TURN LEFT and GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 400 m. At the road sign TURN RIGHT through the metal gate and BEAR LEFT up the tarmac drive signposted to Belas Knap. GO STRAIGHT ON past the cricket pitch.
1.60 km – At the wooden signpost BEAR LEFT, through the wooden gate and GO STRAIGHT ON up the grassy slope, following the wooden marker posts. Sudeley Castle can just be glimpsed through the trees to the left.
2.20 km – At the tarmac road junction, GO STRAIGHT ON up the footpath through the wood, parallel to the road.
2.40 km – At a metal gate TURN RIGHT and GO STRAIGHT ON around the edge of the field. There are good views emerging to the right.
2.90 km – At the top of the slope BEAR LEFT through the metal gate and GO STRAIGHT ON to Belas Knap Neolithic Long Barrow.
3.40 km – Arriving at the long barrow TURN RIGHT, over the stone stiles and GO STRAIGHT ON towards the power cables. (However, you should take some time to look around the burial chamber).
4.1 km – At the end of the field TURN LEFT onto the gravel track signposted Cotswold Way and GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 0.5 km
4.60 km - At the signpost TURN RIGHT off the track and through the metal gate. GO STRAIGHT ON over the field and under the power cables.
4.90 km – At the end of the field go through a metal gate and GO STRAIGHT ON descending steeply through a wood. At the wooden gate at the bottom of the hill GO STRAIGHT ON along the main path. (NB; do not turn left).
6.10 km – Just past a small stable TURN LEFT through a wooden gate onto a path signposted Cotswold Way. GO STRAIGHT ON gradually descending down through the trees.
6.60 km – At the wooden bridge over the stream, GO STRAIGHT ON up the well-defined path, past the farm buildings and towards Postlip Hall.
7.30 km – Just before the river TURN LEFT, through the gate and GO STRAIGHT ON past Postlip Hall. Follow the large stone wall to your right, through the stables and past the wayside spring.
7.80 km – At the wooden gate GO STRAIGHT ON out onto Cleeve Common and follow the prominent sandy path and wooden marker posts up the hill. This long steady climb is approx 1.3 km with the golf course to the left and panoramic views to the right.
9.10 km – Just after the small car park, BEAR LEFT by the Golf Club House (open to non-members for refreshments) and GO STRAIGHT ON up the hill. Follow the wooden marker posts to the summit with splendid views all around.
NOTE: As there are not many accommodations in Cleeve Hill, you may end up overnighting in Cheltenham, Winchcombe or Broadway via taxi transfer from Cleeve Hill Golf Club. A return transfer will take you back here the following morning.
9.90 km - if you are not on our Escape to the Cotswolds tour and are overnighting in Cleeve Hill (then walking again tomorrow) you may wish to come off the path now by turning right and following the trail directly into Cleeve Hill and climbing to the summit the following morning.
10.1 km – If you carried on to the summit, you will arrive at the triangulation pillar summit marker take some time to enjoy the views before retracing your steps back down and into Cleeve Hill for your overnight accommodation.
*** This is the end of our Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill route. ***
Note
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
DISCLAIMER: Please note, the distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time of our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).
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. They may be especially useful on some of the day’s descents. 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/or if you have an older phone, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank as a backup.
This walk is isolated with a single opportunity to buy refreshments (Cleeve Hill Golf Course) - this is not guaranteed so be sure to bring enough with you.
Statistics
- 12 Waypoints
- 12 Waypoints
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