Rodborough woodlands walk
Discover some of Rodborough Common's hidden treasures by exploring the woodlands that populate the lower slopes. In summer, this is a cathedral of green and in autumn you'll be treated to the beautiful display of reds and coppers that can only be produced by beech trees. The walk will also take you through some archetypal Cotswold villages and past rare native junipers.
Start point
National Trust lay-by; grid ref: SO847026Trail information
*Woodland tracks, easily navigated roads and open grassy hillside. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**This trail is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Grazing livestock so please keep your dog on a short lead and under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
National Trust lay-by; grid ref: SO847026
Stage 1
Park up in the National Trust lay-by on the Rodborough quiet lane and walk back out towards the road. Cross here, being wary of traffic, and head towards the gateway with white gates. Turn left before entering the gateway and follow the wall keeping it on your right-hand side.
Stage 2
Enter the woods at a wooden gate and follow the old pack horse route through the woods enjoying the tranquillity of the woodlands.
Stage 3
After a right hand curve in the path past some buildings, look for a path on the left and take this route. Before you leave the track, up on your left there is a glade within the woodland that is fantastic for wild flowers and butterflies in the spring and summer months. Take a break here for a while if you like and enjoy the wildlife. It's especially pleasant on warm, sunny days.
Stage 4
Continuing along this new path you will come across a junction at which a path goes down the hill to your right. Take this path a short distance before turning left when it intersects a lower path.
Stage 5
At this point you will emerge on the road in St Chloe. Turn left and follow the road uphill.
Stage 6
When you come to a T-junction, turn left and continue on the road in St Chloe. Turn left and follow the road uphill.
Stage 7
When the road forks, bear left and continue on.
Stage 8
When you pop out onto Bear Hill, just below the Bear of Rodborough Hotel, cross the road and pick up the grassy track that bears off to the left. Follow the track as it sweeps along the edge of the plateau.
Stage 9
The track will eventually open out. Bear left across the open grassy area and join a small path leading down the slope towards the woodland (in which you will find the lay-by where you started the walk).
End point
National Trust lay-by; grid ref: SO847026
Trail map
Rodborough woodlands walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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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.
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