Cleeve Hill Dog Walk: Highest Point in the Cotswolds and Open Limestone Common
Cleeve Hill, Gloucestershire
Cleeve Hill is the highest point in the Cotswolds at 330 metres, and the common below the summit has an open, wild character that is unlike almost anywhere else in Gloucestershire. The limestone grassland stretches out in all directions, gorse and scrub broken by wide paths and the occasional beech tree. Views run west over Cheltenham and the River Severn plain, with the Black Mountains visible in clear weather. The lone beech at 317 metres is a useful landmark on the upper common. Park at the Quarry Car Park (GL52 3PW, £2 for 24 hours) - it is the only legal parking on the common.
Partial off-lead: Cleeve Common is CRoW Act open access land, which means dogs must be on a lead of no more than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July by law. Outside that window, cattle graze the common year-round - so leads are required whenever stock is present, which is most of the time. In practice, genuinely off-lead walking here is limited to mornings in late summer and autumn when stock can be avoided. Adders are active in the gorse from April through September - keep dogs to main paths and away from scrub edges, particularly in spring.
Frequently asked questions
Can I let my dog off the lead on Cleeve Common?
It depends on the season and whether cattle are present. Cleeve Common is CRoW Act open access land, which means dogs must legally be on a lead of no more than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July. Outside that period, cattle graze the common year-round - leads are required whenever stock is present. In practice, genuinely off-lead walking is limited to late summer and autumn mornings when stock can be avoided. Always carry a lead.
Where do I park for Cleeve Hill?
The Quarry Car Park (GL52 3PW) is the only legal parking on Cleeve Common. It costs £2 for 24 hours, payable by card or coin. Do not park on the roadside verges along the common - these are not designated parking areas and can obstruct the narrow lanes. The car park is signposted from the B4632 and is a short walk from the start of the main ridge path.
Are adders a risk on Cleeve Hill?
Yes. Adders are present in the gorse and scrub on Cleeve Common from April through September. They are most active in spring when temperatures begin to rise and during warm spells throughout summer. Keep dogs to the main paths and away from scrub edges and thick gorse, particularly from April to June when adder activity is highest. Ticks are also active from spring through autumn in the longer grass and bracken.
How high is Cleeve Hill and what are the views like?
Cleeve Hill reaches 330 metres, making it the highest point in the Cotswolds. From the summit, views extend west over Cheltenham and the River Severn plain. On a clear day the Black Mountains of Wales are visible to the west, and the Malvern Hills to the north-west. The exposed ridge gives a genuinely open feel that is different from the enclosed valleys and villages of the lower Cotswolds. The walk is best in clear weather - the exposed position means it can be cold and windy even when the valleys below are mild.
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