Key Information
Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
Start: Leckhampton Hill, Gloucestershire
End: Birdlip, Gloucestershire
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Weather Forecast for this Section (Next 7 Days)
Section Overview
This section continues along the dramatic Cotswold escarpment, combining open common land, woodland trails and far-reaching valley views. It’s a classic stretch of Cotswold Way walking — exposed in places, gently undulating, and consistently scenic.
Although not especially long, the steady rises and occasional rocky sections underfoot mean it feels like a solid half-day’s walk.
Leckhampton Hill & Charlton Kings Common
Leaving Leckhampton Hill, the trail follows the escarpment edge across open grassland. The views north and west across Cheltenham and the Severn Vale are expansive, particularly in clear weather.
The walking is generally good underfoot on short grass and worn paths, though limestone outcrops can be uneven in places.
Woodland and Escarpment Paths
As the climb continues, the path winds through mixed woodland, providing shelter from wind but adding short, sharper rises along the way. The walking here feels quieter and more enclosed compared to the exposed ridge sections earlier on the trail.
Eventually, the trees thin and the landscape begins to open out once more as you approach Leckhampton Hill.
Crickley Hill Country Park
One of the highlights of this section is Crickley Hill Country Park. The trail passes through woodland and open areas rich in wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Crickley Hill has its own historic earthworks and interpretation boards, along with facilities including a café and toilets — making it a useful rest stop along the way.
The viewpoints here are some of the finest on the escarpment, offering dramatic perspectives across the valley below.
Through Woodland to Birdlip
Beyond Crickley Hill, the path continues south through mixed woodland and along the escarpment rim. The terrain is a mix of shaded forest tracks and occasional clearings.
As you approach Birdlip, the trail gradually leaves the more open hilltop environment and enters quieter countryside. The final stretch crosses fields and woodland before reaching the village.
Birdlip
Birdlip is a small settlement located near the A417. Facilities are limited but it serves as a convenient staging point between Cheltenham and the more remote southern sections of the Cotswold Way.
Because of its position on the escarpment, views remain impressive right to the end of this section.