Cleeve Common
the largest common in the Cotswolds AONB
Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 4EU
Visit WebsiteAt over 1,000 acres, Cleeve Common is Gloucestershire’s largest common and home to the highest point in the Cotswolds. So, it’s no surprise that the common is not only heaven for dogs, but boasts spectacular views over Cheltenham, the Vale of Evesham, the Malvern Hills, and as far as the Black Mountains in Wales and the Shropshire Hills to the north.
- Children Welcome
- Good Food
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
We think Cleeve Common offers arguably the best sunset views in the Cotswolds. Even better, with visitors having the right to roam across the whole common, Cleeve Hill never feels too crowded and due to the limestone grassland that it’s built on, never gets too muddy. A win-win in our eyes!
We recommend the family-friendly two mile route to the main trig point. This walk takes you over the common from the car park widely referred to as ‘the Pylons’, down to the Cotswold Way and along the escarpment to the main trig point on Cleeve Hill.
Interestingly this trig point isn’t technically the highest point on the hill, but certainly offers the best views. You can return back across the common via the iconic ‘lone tree’ then head for the pylons – they’re a great waymarker to find your way back to the car. If you’re feeling peckish, drop down from the main trig point on the walk to The Rising Sun for a bite to eat – but beware, it’s a steep walk back up again.
For a longer walk, try the seven mile loop taking in Belas Knap and Postlip before returning back over Cleeve Common. Belas Knap is one of the four long barrows in Gloucestershire and is a great place to explore and find out more about this historical landmark.
One thing to note is that these walks are best enjoyed in good weather, not only to make the most of the views, but also because route-finding can become difficult in poor visibility as there aren’t many clear paths across the common.
For The Dogs
Watch out for sheep on the common between March and November, and accompanying humans may like to bring an additional layer as it can get quite chilly at the top when the wind gets up. Have a read of the Cleeve Common Canine Code for more information.
Opening Hours
There are no opening hours as such, but daylight hours are recommended.
Parking
You’ll find free parking at the Cleeve Common car park (GL54 4EU). It can get busy at peak times.
The Area
Cleeve Hill is only a couple of miles from the incredibly dog friendly town of Cheltenham, so why not pop in to one of the many independent eateries for a coffee or bite to eat after your walk. We love Woodkraft for the best dog friendly brunch or lunch in town, or The Coffee Dispensary, just down the road, for coffee and cake. Just a stone’s throw from Cleeve Hill, you’ll find the pretty town of Winchcombe. The town has ‘walkers are welcome’ status, so muddy boots and dogs are welcome almost everywhere. There’s a range of walking routes on the Winchcombe Welcomes Walkers website.
