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 View from seat at Rodborough Common
View from seat at Rodborough Common | © National Trust / Barry Batchelor
Gloucestershire & the Cotswolds

Rodborough Common views walk

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.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

National Trust car park, grid ref: SO850035

Step 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.

Step 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.

A close up photo of a wildflower meadow at Stackpole, Pembrokeshire featuring tall, purple wild orchids.
Purple orchids | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Step 3

With your back to the wall, walk straight ahead to another bench with stone pillars.

Step 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.

Close-up of the bright yellow flowers of a cowslip plant, taken at Rievaulx Terrace, North Yorkshire
Cowslips | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

Step 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.

Step 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
Map route for Rodborough Common views walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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near Stroud, Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire

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