Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ous orchids, glow-worms, and many different types of butterfly attracted by a range
of habitats. In spite of the common's popularity with walkers and golfing enthusiasts,
there are large areas that seem as remote as almost anywhere in Britain. Because of
its height, this large upland plateau is often swept by mists, during which times it's a
bleak and mysterious place.
Wander ahead (slightly leftwards) to follow the scarp edge, first to the
earthworks of an Iron Age hill fort, then beyond this along what is known
as Cleeve Cloud, with Castle Rock showing ahead. Coming level with Castle
Rock, waymarks send you away from the scarp, heading to the right over
the golf course to a trig point vantage point at 1040ft (317m), where
there's also a topograph indicating specific places of interest in the ex-
pansive panorama gained from here. Marker posts lead the continuing
route in a devious descent until you come onto a clear path which leads
towards the golf clubhouse.
The village of
Cleeve Hill
lies below, and those who have planned to
spend the night there should break away and descend to the road (grid
ref: 984268) to find accommodation and refreshments.
Note
that below
Cleeve Hill, Bishop's Cleeve also has accommodation, including (at the time of writing)
camping facilities.
CLEEVE HILL
Cleeve Hill is a very small village that seems to hang from the steep north-west slope
of Cleeve Common, with notable views. Several Iron Age earthworks above the village
tell of long-past settlements. One, known as the Ring, covers about ½ acre (/hectare),
and within it there's what may have been a hut platform. On Cleeve Common, Cleeve
Hill Municipal Golf Course is owned by Tewkesbury Borough Council.
