May Hill countryside walk
The initial climb on this circular walk is well worth it for the views. You can see Herefordshire and the Severn Estuary, the Forest of Dean, the Cotswolds and across to the Black Mountains. Heath bedstraw, heath speedwell, bilberry and heather thrive in summer on the grassland summit of May Hill. Look out for dragonflies above the ponds and flushes as you return through the Huntley Estate.
Map
Start:
May Hill Common, grid ref: SO690221
1
From the parking area, go past the metal gate and head straight up the fairly steep middle path to the top of May Hill Common.
Fantastic views
There are fantastic views from May Hill over Herefordshire, to Wales and the Black Mountains. You can also see the Forest of Dean, over the Severn Estuary and out towards the Cotswolds.
2
At the top, go through the kissing gate at the end of the wall (which marks the county boundary) and head across the grassland in the direction of the clump of pine trees.
May Hill
May Hill, with its conspicuous clump of pine trees, rises to a height of 1000ft (305m). The Corsican pines at its summit were planted to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, with more recent planting marking Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee. There was an even earlier clump of Scots pine trees in the 18th century, several of which still survive. Morris dancers celebrate May Day each year on top of the hill.
3
From the pine trees follow the main track to the southern end of the hill.
Grasslands
The area of acidic grassland on the summit of May Hill is the largest and finest example in Gloucestershire. In spring it's covered with bluebells. Bracken grows in abundance so we cut it back every July, and plants such as heath bedstraw, heath speedwell, bilberry and heather thrive here. Listen out for breeding birds like tree and meadow pipits as well.
4
Pass through the gate and continue down the track, crossing straight over the crossroads by a water tank in the field to your right.
5
After about 55yd (50m), turn left down the track and follow the public footpath waymarkers.
6
When you reach a small road, turn left along the forestry track and over a stile next to a metal gate. Continue along the track into the woodlands of the Huntley Estate.
7
At the next bend the public footpath leaves the main track. Follow the arrows until it re-joins the forestry track. You'll pass through an impressive plantation of coast redwood trees.
8
Just after the timber stacking area, turn sharp left, still following the public footpath. Continue along this footpath, ignoring the next two footpaths leading off to the right. In areas where there are scattered ponds and flushes, uncommon plants, including lesser skullcap, bog pimpernel and bog mosses flourish. Palmate newts and rare water beetles live here too and you may even spot dragonflies flitting over the water.
9
Go over the stile onto the common, continuing along the footpath. Head straight over the track and follow the path through the bracken. Eventually the path will join the road just below the parking area.
End:
May Hill Common, grid ref: SO690221
