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Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
Rolling hills and open spaces above the Stroud Valleys and Severn estuary
near Stroud, Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire
Opening times for 1 December 2023
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Car parks are open dawn until dusk. The Commons are grazed by cattle and horses. Please take care when walking and driving across the Common. Do not park on the grass.
Dogs
Dogs must be under close control at all times and on a short lead around livestock and between March and August to protect ground-nesting birds. Please respect wildlife and other users of the commons.
Undulating and uneven ground - steep in places.
Designated parking
No designated spaces, but the Reservoir car park at Minchinhampton Common is on level ground. The adjoining land is accessible for wheelchairs and offers far-reaching views
Steps/uneven terrain
Pathways - both commons consist of fairly flat grassland, with some naturally uneven gravel paths crossing them. They can become boggy in wet weather. Rodborough Common has steeper gradients and rougher terrain.
By road
The Commons are sandwiched between A46 (Stroud-Nailsworth-Bath) and A419 (Stroud-Cirencester-Swindon). Quiet lanes lead uphill from these roads. 6 miles from junction 13 on the M5
Parking: Various small car parks.
On foot
Walk uphill to Rodborough Common from Stroud train station via quiet lanes and footpaths with some steep climbs. Easy access to Minchinhampton Common from Minchinhampton and Nailsworth, again uphill via pathways and minor roads. Several tracks link the two commons together
By train
Stroud train station 1 mile from Rodborough. For further information about travelling to this site by public transport please visit the Cotswold AONB 'Explore the Cotswolds' website
By bus
For information about travelling to this site by public transport please visit the Cotswold AONB 'Explore the Cotswolds' website
By bicycle
National Cycle Network route 45 travels through the valley alongside the A46 and Nailsworth stream to the west of the Commons. It's a challenging 1-mile uphill ride on minor roads to reach the top
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common with your dog
Walk for miles over the Commons with your four-legged friend, enjoying countryside views all year round. Find out more about how to make the most of visiting with your dog.
Highlights
Countryside
Rolling hills and tradionally grazed open spaces, above the Stroud valleys and Severn estuary.
Rodborough Common
Limestone grassland with an abundant array of wild flowers, including rare pasqueflowers and orchids.
Things to see and do
Article
Explore the countryside at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
Home to rare and diverse wildlife and wildflowers, Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons are perfect for a discovering nature in all shapes and sizes.
Top trails
Trail
Rodborough woodlands walk
Discover some of Rodborough Common's hidden treasures on this walk exploring the woodlands on the lower slopes, visiting Cotswold villages along the way.
Trail
Rodborough Common views walk
If you're pushed for time, you can still enjoy some of the best views the Cotswolds has to offer on this short walk.
Trail
Rodborough Common butterfly walk
Follow this trail through natural grassy tracks and hillsides to Swellshill with far-reaching views across the Severn Estuary and more than 30 species of butterfly to spot on the route.
Trail
Rodborough Fort walk
An easy 1-mile walk around Rodborough Fort, taking in the unique flora and fauna of the limestone grassland.
Spotlight events
Article
Marking Day on 13 May
Join us for a free event to find out why Marking Day on 13 May is such an important day of the spring season and how the tradition has been revived in recent years.
Places to stay
The Little Fleece
A Grade II listed former bookshop in pretty Painswick with limestone fireplaces and rooftop views.
Newark Lower Lodge
Parkland views of the Newark Park estate and a traditional interior with two log burners.
About Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
Minchinhampton Common is a large swathe of open grassland on the hill top and slopes of the Cotswold escarpment. It is a really important archaeological landscape, with prehistoric field systems, burial mounds and the remains of a defensive earthwork, known as The Bulwarks. In the summer the common is grazed by local commoners' cattle.
Rodborough Common lies just to the north of Minchinhampton Common and offers a dramatic panorama overlooking Stroud and the Severn Vale. It is renowned for its colourful array of wild flowers and butterflies, starting with the pasque flower in spring and a superb display of early purple orchids in May.
Our work
Article
Our nature conservation work at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
Discover more about the conservation work at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, in the Cotswolds. Learn how a rare blue butterfly made its return to the area.
Project
Project
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee
Learn how the National Trust works in collaboration with the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee to protect and conserve these areas for everyone, for ever.
Project
Project
Stroud landscape project
Across Gloucestershire, we’re working as part of the Stroud landscape project, aiming to reverse the decline of rare wildlife species including the Greater Horseshoe bat.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons.