Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
version to see the
Devil's Chimney,
a noted pinnacle of rock projecting
from the lower shelf of the scarp face (grid ref: 946184).
The Cotswold Way continues its scarp-edge path before descending to a
narrow country lane where you turn left and walk uphill. Near the crown
of the hill bear right on a bridleway track which slips along the right-hand
side of a field, passes a few secluded houses, goes through woodland,
then narrows on its way to a minor road. Turn right and, passing Ullen-
wood Manor on your left, come to crossroads. Cross directly ahead into
Greenway Lane, another of the Cotswold drove-roads which runs straight
as a die between neat hedges and drystone walls. If you gaze over your
right shoulder you will see the steep cut of the scarp edge and the Devil's
Chimney standing clear. Along Greenway Lane you pass a former army
camp, now used by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service as a fire-fight-
er training unit, and soon after come to a beech grove with Shurdington
Long Barrow in the field before it. When the lane bears slightly left, leave it
to go up some steps on the left onto a continuing path alongside the wood.
Once again the way edges the scarp slope with yet more lovely views to
the west.
DEVIL'S CHIMNEY
One of the major landmarks of the walk, the Devil's Chimney is a craggy finger of rock
projecting from the scarp face terrace below Leckhampton Hill. Throughout the 18th
century extensive quarrying took place here, and the exposed pinnacle is a result of
this industry. Local quarrymen apparently trimmed the chimney as part of a hoax. In
more recent times repair work was instigated to arrest the effects of erosion, which
threatened the landmark with collapse. Although climbing the pinnacle is now prohib-
ited, for many years it made a popular scramble, and the record stands at 13 people
on the top at one time!
The path leads through a narrow strip of beech woods, which help frame
the views and diffuse the light into slanting pillars, then you come to
Crickley Hill
Country Park, with its hill fort, complete with observation
platform built to ease problems of erosion where excavations have taken
place. Views from here include the Black Mountains, Forest of Dean and
the Malvern Hills. (There are public toilets and a visitor centre in the car
park.)
CRICKLEY HILL
