Stanton to Cleeve Hill

*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided full written turn-by-turns to aid you on your walk from Stanton 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 plaque and the Cotswold Way signpost GO STRAIGHT ON along the main street towards Stanway. Go past the thatched cottage and the small village green then BEAR LEFT onto the signposted Bridleway.

0.20 km – Just before a wooden gate TURN RIGHT onto the footpath signposted to Stanway and GO STRAIGHT ON over a series of ridges and furrows (an ancient field cultivation system), to a wooden gate and bridge. GO STRAIGHT ON along the footpath for approx 0.5 km.

0.75 km – Arriving at a wooden gate, BEAR RIGHT across the field and GO STRAIGHT ON across several fields, for approx 1 km. Follow the prominent marker posts to reach a tarmac road.

1.90 km – At the tarmac road TURN LEFT (noting the thatched cricket pavilion opposite), and GO STRAIGHT ON passing the Medieval Tithe Barn, partly obscured on the left and Stanway Church.

2.30 km – Just past the church TURN LEFT by the old yew tree and follow the signposted path to Wood Stanway and the main road.

2.60 km – At the main road TURN LEFT then in 50 m TURN RIGHT, crossing the road with care, and GO STRAIGHT ON along the footpath signposted to Wood Stanway. (Again, noting the Ridge & Furrow field system on the left).

3.50 km – At the small tarmac road TURN LEFT past the buildings and GO STRAIGHT ON gradually uphill. BEAR RIGHT at the signposted track past the farm.

3.90 km – At a wooden stile BEAR RIGHT onto the path as it emerges onto an open hill slope and ascends gradually towards a wooded ridge. Extensive views of the surrounding countryside can now be seen.

4.40 km – At a wooden gate in a wall TURN RIGHT and GO STRAIGHT ON up the wooden steps, following the wooden marker posts uphill to the ridge. Go past the welcome seat to arrive at the main road at Stumps Cross. 

5.20 km – At the tarmac road TURN RIGHT by the stump of the old cross onto the waymarked track to Winchcombe and GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 1km.

6.10 km – At a track junction by a waymarker and No Tipping sign, TURN RIGHT into the open field. Follow the stone wall on your right around the edge of the field with panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham. (Note the ramparts of the Iron Age Hill Fort on your left as you pass through).

6.80 km- At the corner of the field TURN RIGHT through a wooden gate by a stone monument and descend down the slope. GO STRAIGHT ON diagonally across the open fields.

7.50 km – At the foot of the slope TURN RIGHT through a wooden gate onto the footpath signposted to Hailes Abbey and Winchcombe. GO STRAIGHT ON along the shaded path for approx 1km.

8.40 km – Arriving at a tarmac road TURN RIGHT along the road towards Hailes Abbey. However, should you require refreshments there is a café at the fruit farm to the left.

8.80 km – Just past the entrance to the Abbey and opposite the church, TURN LEFT through a wooden gate. GO STRAIGHT ON along the path signposted to Winchcombe passing some houses to a tarmac road

9.10 km – At the tarmac road TURN RIGHT, and then in 100 m TURN LEFT onto a waymarked track. GO STRAIGHT ON for approx 0.5 km.

9.60 km – At a wooden marker post TURN RIGHT off the track and onto a grassy footpath. GO STRAIGHT ON across the fields for approx 1km following the wooden marker posts towards Winchcombe.

10.70 km – At a wooden gate and footbridge, GO STRAIGHT ON, along a muddy track to the end.

11.50 km – At the end of Puck Pit Pane TURN LEFT along the main road towards Winchcombe. GO STRAIGHT ON along the main street and past the museum.

12.40 km – Arriving at the War Memorial, standing with your back it facing Dent Almshouses, TURN RIGHT along the main street, then in 20m TURN LEFT down Vineyard Street and over the river.

12.60 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.

13.30 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.

14.00 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.

14.60 km – At the tarmac road junction, GO STRAIGHT ON up the footpath through the wood, parallel to the road.

14.70 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.

15.30 km – At the top of the slope BEAR LEFT through the metal gate and GO STRAIGHT ON to Belas Knap Neolithic Long Barrow.

15.70 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).

16.40 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

16.90 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.

17.40 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).

18.50 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.

18.90 km – At the wooden bridge over the stream, GO STRAIGHT ON up the well-defined path, past the farm buildings and towards Postlip Hall.

19.60 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.

20.10 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.

21.50 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.

22.20 km - if you are overnighting in Cleeve Hill you may wish to come off the path now by turning right and following it directly into Cleeve Hill and climbing to the summit the following morning.

22.40 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 Stanton to Cleeve Hill route. ***