Covering some beautiful sections of the Cotswold Way, this walk is full of contrasts, says Andrew Swift – from views of the Forest of Dean and the Malvern Hills in the distance, to a common in an abandoned quarry and a hilltop town.
Although only five miles long, this walk, much of which lies along one of the most scenic sections of the Cotswold Way, is full of contrasts – from wide open spaces to deep woodland, and from abandoned quarries to relics of the distant past. Best of all are the magnificent views to all points of the compass, as you follow the edge of the escarpment where the Cotswold plateau drops precipitously to the Vale of Severn.
The quickest way to the starting point at Haresfield Beacon is to head north on the M5. After leaving at junction 12, turn right along the B4008, and almost immediately turn left along a lane signposted to Haresfield. Turn right at a T junction and, a third of a mile further on, take the second right into Haresfield Village. Turn left after 300m up a narrow lane signposted to Haresfield Beacon, which soon narrows and starts climbing steeply. After passing Ringhill Farm, carry on for another 300m before pulling into a parking area on the right (SO825090).
Go through a kissing gate (KG) and follow a CW sign along a path bearing right. A handgate leads onto Ring Hill, the site of an Iron Age hillfort where substantial Roman remains have also been found. The path leads to Haresfield Beacon, which commands a panoramic view across Severn Vale, with the Severn Bridge visible on a clear day 20 miles south-westward. Such a sight demands a few moments rest to take it in – and if you are lucky you may spot a red kite riding the thermals high above.
From here, turn sharp right to follow a path along the north side of the promontory. After going through a KG, the path starts heading downhill. When you reach the lane you drove up earlier, turn left for 40m before following a CW sign to the right.
Gaps in the trees afford glimpses across the Vale to the Forest of Dean and, in the dim distance, the Malvern Hills, 20 miles away. Looking ahead, the tower of Gloucester Cathedral, six miles to the north, should be clearly visible. After half a mile, you come to an inscribed stone, marking the spot where Cromwell is said to have stood to watch the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester on 5 September 1643.
Continuing on, you come to an elaborate well house, built in 1870. The survival of its winding gear and some curious carvings – especially inside the front walls and at the back – make it worth a closer look. Just past it, turn right up a lane (SO832094). After 300m, as the lane continues curving up to the right, carry straight on to follow a CW sign into Halliday’s Wood, which leads into Stockend Wood. After 850m, when you come to a gate, carry on along a path which soon broadens to a lane. After another 400m, follow a CW sign up a path to the right into Maitlands Wood. Carry on climbing and, when you reach a road, cross over and walk down to a gate (SO845092). Once through it, steps lead up onto Rudge Hill Common, from where there are views eastward across ground pitted with quarrying to the hilltop town of Painswick.
The Cotswold Way carries straight on, but this is where we leave it, to turn right up a steep path. The fence to the right of the path is to stop unwary ramblers falling into an old quarry. After 250m, when the quarry ends, bear right to follow a path back down to the road and cross over to re-enter Stockend Wood.
Bear left along a broad track, but, after 300m, when you come to a waymark pointing right, bear left uphill (SO841087). At the road, cross over and look for a stile a few metres along to the right. This leads into a large field where you have a choice of footpaths: take the one to the right, leading diagonally across the field, and head to the right of the building by the phone mast.
In the far corner a stile leads onto a busy road. Cross over, turn left along the verge and then right along a lane signposted to Randwick (SO838081). After 80m, turn right over a stile and follow a footpath for 500m until you come to a gap in a wooden fence on the left. Go through it and continue in the same direction along a broad woodland path.
You are now back on the Cotswold Way. At the top, after entering a car park, turn left and go through a KG to follow marker posts across open grassland to a toposcope commanding another magnificent view southward.
From here, turn sharp right along the north side of the promontory for 350m. Just before the road, turn left to follow a CW waymark downhill. After going through a gate at the bottom, when the path forks bear right uphill. A short climb and a final sprint up a flight of steps leads back to the starting point.
Length of walk: 5 miles
Approx time: 3 hours
No facilities en route.
Level of challenge: Uneven, steep and possibly muddy sections, with stiles and steps; several minor road crossings. Livestock may be encountered en route.
Map: OS Explorer 179
Andrew Swift has written books such as On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks around a World Heritage City (akemanpress.com).
