ANOTHER FOUR HILLS TO CLIMB NEAR CHELTENHAM

This blog post listing another four hills to climb near Cheltenham, also features my regular collaboration with adidas.

Being right on the edge of the Cotswolds, you don’t have to go far from Cheltenham to find picturesque hills. While the hills in these parts may not be towering giants, they provide charming walks that are perfect for a leisurely day out. Each hill boasts its own unique character, with trails that meander through lush countryside and thick woodland, offering stunning views without having to travel far.

It’s been a few years, but in this article, I’m continuing my journey around the many hills to climb near Cheltenham. From panoramic vistas to serene woodland paths, each of these hills presents a perfect place to grab One Hour Outside.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, these four hills offer a lovely variety of terrain, scenery, and views. Lace up your walking shoes (more on the ones I’m wearing at the moment at the bottom of this article) – here’s another four hills to climb near Cheltenham.

Another Four Hills to Climb Near Cheltenham

This article includes hills nine to 12 in this accidental series… If you’re new here, also check out the first four, and the second four in my previous articles.

Bredon Hill, Worcestershire

Bredon Hill, standing proudly in the Vale of Evesham, offers a delightful mix of history and natural beauty. At its summit, you’ll find Parsons Folly, a stone tower that adds a touch of whimsy to the landscape even with its utilitarian style. The hill is also home to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, Kemerton Camp, and offers panoramic views that stretch across the Cotswolds. Whether you’re exploring the ancient earthworks or simply enjoying the sweeping vistas, Bredon Hill is an excellent place for a stroll.

Located about 15-miles north of Cheltenham, it’s convenient for a short walk without spending much time in the car. The trails up Bredon Hill are well-marked and vary in difficulty, and the views from the top are lovely. There is a 360-degree panorama that includes the Malvern Hills and, on a clear day, the distant Welsh mountains.

This (nearly) 6-mile circular route from Elmley is a really splendid walk around the whole hill, well worth the effort if you have the time.

Lineover Wood and Ravengate Hill, Gloucestershire

I really like Lineover Wood. Only about 5-miles from Cheltenham, it’s perfect for a quick getaway into nature. The circular route I’ve done a couple of times here takes you through enchanting woodlands and up to the vantage point of Ravengate Hill, where (assuming the weather is decent), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the Cotswolds. The trails are moderately challenging, thanks to the steep sided hill, but the mix of forest paths and open glades makes it a varied and enjoyable hike well worth the effort.

There’s a small free car park which is popular at the weekends. There are a few trails winding through the woodland, and apart from a bit of mud after wet weather, they are well-maintained. I recommend following the Cotswold Way up along the edge of the woodland and along the top, before taking one of the many footpaths back down through the thick of the trees. Something like this route, but in reverse.

There’s a perfectly placed bench at the top with views through a break in the trees, allowing you to take a scenic break with the Cotswolds in front of you. This was our lunch stop on day two of the Cotswold Way – a very much needed sit down!

Cooper’s Hill, Gloucestershire

I don’t know who you are or where you are from, but this is one hill I know you have heard of… Cooper’s Hill is famous for one very unique Gloucestershire event. This is our cheese rolling hill! And it’s well worth a visit.

Part of the Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods National Nature Reserve, this is such a pretty spot. It has everything ancient woodland should have; cathedral-like calm, carpets of bluebells or wild garlic depending on the time of year, and heaps of wildlife and plant life. Just be prepared for the mud!

As you wander through the beechwoods, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and the tranquil sounds of nature. The views from Cooper’s Hill are particularly impressive, offering a bird’s-eye view of the rolling Cotswold hills and beyond – as well as an insight into just how mad those who take part in the quirky cheese rolling competition must be.

The circular route I recommend takes in Cranham, Cooper’s Hill, and Buckholt Wood. Located just 7-miles from Cheltenham, this area is easily accessible by car. The open trails are well-marked and range from gentle strolls to more strenuous climbs. Here are a few more words on this area in my Cotswold Way day three adventure journal.

Broadway Tower, Worcestershire

Broadway Tower, perched atop the Cotswold escarpment, is a striking folly designed by Capability Brown. At 313m above sea level, it offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area, apparently spanning up to 16 counties on a clear day. I think it’s funny that in the marketing literature it says it’s the highest point in the Cotswolds – but you have to be stood at the very top of the tower for that to be true (Cleeve Hill takes that crown in a more natural sense).

The trails leading up to the tower from Broadway village are very steep but well-maintained, and suitable for anyone with a little bit of hill fitness. Once at the top, the views are spectacular even if you don’t pay to go into the tower itself. The surrounding parkland, as well as the there-and-back route over to Fish Hill, means you could easily spend a day wandering here.

A little further away from Cheltenham than the other three hills in this post, Broadway Tower is somewhere you’d go for a scenic day trip, as you’d also want to make time for the village itself. This 4-mile route from The Outdoor Guide is a good option if you want to walk up. But there is a car park at the top if you don’t want to get there under your own steam!

Terrex Anylander Hiking Shoes

I’ve been wearing the adidas Terrex Anylander walking shoes for a couple of months now, and they’ve quickly become my go-to pair for short walks and hill climbs just like these four hills to climb near Cheltenham. Sadly for me, the lugs on my Freehiker soles have worn down, so I chose these to replace them. And they’re good.

A little narrower than the Freehikers, the Anylanders seem to strike a balance between comfort and style, making them ideal for casual hikes. The cushioning is excellent, providing support for my feet even on uneven terrain. The grip is reliable, ensuring stability on various surfaces, which is essential for the diverse trails in the Cotswolds. Plus, the sleeker-than-some design and the muted colours mean these are much easier to blend in with everyday life than the Freehikers.

These walking shoes are not waterproof, though, which limits their use in wet weather. While they perform admirably in dry conditions and on all kinds of terrain, keeping my feet comfortable and blister-free, they aren’t the best choice for wet days. Despite this, their breathability and lightweight construction make them a joy to wear on most of my outdoor adventures – they do at least dry quickly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of hiking shoes for short walks and moderate trails, the adidas Terrex Anylander is a fantastic option.

I’ve shared twelve local hills to climb near Cheltenham with you now, but I know there are even more to explore… What are your favourite hills and countryside walks in the Cheltenham and Gloucester area?

If you are looking to discover more of the hills in your local area, a subscription to OS Maps online or a copy of your local OS Explorer Map, will be a great benefit to you. Start here.

I am a member of the adidas blogger community. The walking shoes mentioned in this post are from the (fantastic) Terrex range – purchased with the gift vouchers which form the payment for this post.