Leckhampton Hill Loop, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Leckhampton Hill Loop near Cheltenham is a 4.5 mile circular walk that takes you along one of the most beautiful parts of The Cotswolds Way. Pick a fine day, lace up your boots and off you go, rucksacks on your backs. Unless you’re taking some kind of fitness challenge, there’s no need to hurry; take your time as you amble across Charlton Kings Common and up over Leckhampton Hill. The terrain is mostly grasslands and woodlands, moderate with a few steep climbs but nothing too strenuous. The hill and common are a designated nature reserve that supports a variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles and some rare butterflies. Go in spring and you can see at least 4 types of orchid in bloom.
Interesting points along the way are an Iron Age fort and disused Victorian quarries; above one of them stands The Devils Chimney – a limestone pinnacle that according to folklore, marks where the devil lives, deep beneath the ground.
Allow up to 3 hours including time to stop and stare, longer if you plan on stopping for a picnic.
All information correct at the time of writing