Cotswold Way: Cleeve Hill and Dowdeswell Reservoir Loop

The full loop is approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) and generally takes around 4.5 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Parking is available at Cleeve Hill, often near the Cleeve Common Visitor Centre. There are also parking options closer to Dowdeswell Reservoir, though Cleeve Hill is a common starting point for this specific loop.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, please keep dogs on a lead, especially when crossing Cleeve Common due to grazing livestock, and around Dowdeswell Reservoir to protect wildlife. Always clean up after your dog.

Spring (for wild garlic and bluebells in Dowdeswell Wood) and autumn (for vibrant foliage) are particularly beautiful. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter can provide crisp views, but be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions on some sections.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Cleeve Hill and Dowdeswell Reservoir Loop. Access to the Cotswold Way and the surrounding common land and reservoir areas is free.

You can expect breathtaking panoramic views, especially from Cleeve Hill, the highest point in Gloucestershire. From here, you'll see across Cheltenham, the Vale of Evesham, the Malverns, and even the Black Mountains in Wales. The trail also offers scenic views of Dowdeswell Reservoir and its surrounding woodlands.

The terrain is varied, featuring rolling hills, open common land, woodlands, and limestone escarpments. You'll encounter unpaved, natural, and gravel paths, with some steep sections, particularly when ascending Cleeve Hill and descending through Dowdeswell Wood. It's a moderate hike with significant elevation changes.

Key features include Cleeve Hill itself, the tranquil Dowdeswell Reservoir, and Dowdeswell Wood. You might also pass through Bill Smylie's Butterfly Reserve and see remains of an Iron Age hill fort on Cleeve Common.

Yes, this loop incorporates a significant section of the Cotswold Way National Trail. It also intersects with parts of the Winchcombe Way (West), Gustav Holst Way, and Isbourne Way.

While there are no specific permits for hiking, visitors are encouraged to follow the Countryside Code. This includes sticking to marked paths, keeping dogs under control, taking all litter home, and respecting wildlife and livestock. The area is a protected landscape, so responsible enjoyment is key.

This loop is generally considered moderate due to its length (20 km) and significant elevation changes (over 400m ascent). While some shorter, easier sections exist around Dowdeswell Reservoir, the full loop might be challenging for absolute beginners. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Yes, you can find facilities near the Cleeve Common Visitor Centre. There are also pubs and cafes in nearby villages like Winchcombe or Cheltenham, which are a short drive from the trailheads.