Gloucestershire & the Cotswolds

Rodborough Common views walk

View from seat at Rodborough Common | © National Trust / Barry Batchelor

Well known for its rare, weird and wonderful flora and fauna, Rodborough Common's limestone grassland also hosts our more common native species in abundance. Wander at your own pace through a sea of yellow cowslips (in March and April) or a swathe of early purple orchids (in April and May), and marvel at the breathtaking views over the Stroud valley and Severn estuary.

Near to

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

Start point

National Trust car park, grid ref: SO850035

Trail information

View route

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration 40 mins

Dog friendly**

*The route follows natural grassy tracks and open grassy hillsides. For more information visit the section marked Terrain.
**Dogs on leads welcome. For more information visit the section marked Facilities.

Address
Rodborough Common car park, GL5 5BN
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Stroud 1 mile (1.5km).
By bus
Bus 28, Stroud station to Cirencester, 1 mile (1.5km).
Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 45 follows Nailsworth stream at the bottom of the hill, 1 mile away to the west.
By road
In the Cotswold hills, south of Stroud and north of Minchinhampton Common, just off the A419 Swindon to Stroud Road, climb up hill via small steep roads.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
National Trust car park, grid ref: SO850035
Stage 1
When leaving the car park, follow the stone track leading across the common until you reach two large hollows either side of the track, which are old dew ponds.
Stage 2
Bear left here and follow the grassy track. You will soon have the wall of a private estate on your left. Follow this wall until you reach a bench in memory of Little Boo, a lovely place to rest a while.
Purple orchids | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Stage 3
With your back to the wall, walk straight ahead to another bench with stone pillars.
Stage 4
Bear right here and head towards the pine trees that surround Little London. You should be able to see an abundance of cowslips and purple orchids all along the route.
Cowslips | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler
Stage 5
Pass the property with the pine trees and black gate on your left, and continue on your journey while taking in the expansive views across the River Severn, Forest of Dean and Welsh hills beyond.
Stage 6
Where the tracks meet at a clump of trees and an old quarry, take the stony and grassy track back towards the road and car park. Yet more purple orchids and cowslips can be found here.
End point
National Trust car park, grid ref: SO850035
Trail map
Map route for Rodborough Common views walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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