Cleeve Hill, Cotswolds

Off to the Cotswolds we go! Although my navigation to get to the start point was much to be desired.. First of all I went straight past the turn off, then I drove all the way up to the Golf Club only to turn back out again. Luckily Rowena, Jon (first timer) and Mikey (first timer) found their way okay and I waited at the start of the road to flag down Antony who was on his own and Jon, Marta, Paul and Helen who were in another car.

After trying to drive straight up the bridleway, I realised my error and turned left into the disused quarry which had been converted into a car park. Now with the whole group together we began the walk from the coordinates (SO98915  27512). We walked through the golf course which was a little odd in itself. Dodging any misplaced golf balls we walked over a cross dyke, just a bit west of the summit of Cleeve Hill (317m). A set of radio/TV masts dominated the skyline as we walked across Cleeve Common. It was quite a gray day really. Not looking like it was going to rain but equally the sun was on holiday as well. As we walked across the Common we saw quite a few people kite flying and what can only I guess be described as grass skiing by kite. Very interesting contraption this gent was driving!! As we got to the masts at SO 99415 24817 we followed the fence wall, across another minor top (330m) towards the car park at West Down.

We had a break whilst various members of the walking group ran off into the bushes, one at a time. No scandal here. We then marched on down the road towards the village of Brockhampton, where we found a pub for some lunch. Finding an empty beer garden, we had a rest and a beer. The sun made an appearance which was pretty good timing!

After lunch we walked passed Brockhampton Park – very nice house in the country and wandered up the road past Cotehay Farm towards Charlton Abbots. At the crossroads we turned left up towards Westwood House, through a lovely little wooded valley. We heard some strange noises in the woods!! Maybe some deer or birds not sure. We climbed out of the valley and up a long reaching field to a disused barn before joining the Cotswold Way.

We cut back across the Common, the guy in what appeared another contraption still hurtling along pulled by the wind!! We headed north west to the top of Cleeve Hill (317m), where we sat to admire the view. After negotiating the golf course we made it back to the car with lovely views back across towards Cheltenham and the Black mountains far in the distance.

Details

Attendees: 10
Start and End Point: SO98915  27512
Total Distance: 17.2km
Total Ascent: 205m 
Time: 5hr