Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to be had over Brockworth and Gloucester, the distant curve of the Cots-
wold escarpment and, far off, the Malvern Hills. It is claimed that the Black
Mountains can also be seen from here.
WITCOMBE ROMAN VILLA
The Roman villa stands on the spring-line near the foot of the northern slopes between
Birdlip Hill and Cooper's Hill. Dating from the first century AD the villa was built on
land first exploited by Iron Age man, and excavations have unearthed sections of a
bath house with fine mosaics depicting seascapes as well as fish. The villa is in the
care of English Heritage.
COOPER'S HILL
Cooper's Hill is noted not just as a superb viewpoint, but also for the annual festival of
cheese-rolling, which takes place on its excessively steep grass slope. The origins and
antiquity of this ritual are unknown, but the festivities are now held on spring bank
holiday Monday each year. Contestants plunge heroically from the maypole down the
slope in pursuit of a mock cheese, the winner taking home a real 7lb (3kg) Double
Gloucester as the prize. In about 500BC Cooper's Hill was part of a large Iron Age en-
campment.
The route continues now through more woodland. With your back to the
view as you stand beside the maypole, you will see two paths ahead. Take
the one that angles half-right and follow it into the woods. On coming to
a junction of tracks take the lower of two going off to the left. Brockworth
and Buckholt Woods are linked by a short and narrow 'corridor' which is
clearly waymarked.
Designation as a national nature reserve acts as a protection for
much of these woodlands, and in springtime they display a rich profusion of shadeloving
plants amidst the birch, sycamore, beech and ash.
Almost as soon as you enter the second wood the path forks. Take
the left branch and continue. At the next fork take the right-hand option
ahead. The way broadens and more alternative paths and tracks are seen,
but at each junction there are waymarks to direct you. On coming to a
sign announcing Buckholt Wood Nature Reserve the path forks once more.
Take the right-hand option which eases downhill to an unclassified road.
Turn right and in a few paces you will reach a junction with the A46 (grid
ref: 883131). This is sometimes referred to as Cranham Corner, some-
times as Prinknash Corner.
Prinknash Abbey lies down the slope, ½ mile (800m) to
the north, where refreshments can be had at the visitor centre.
