This Cleeve Hill circular walk offers a proper taste of the Cotswolds high ground, sticking mostly to the exposed ridge. It’s a route for those who enjoy expansive views and don't mind a bit of a climb, with open grassland and sturdy tracks making up the bulk of the path. You’ll cover 11.4 km (7.1 miles) with a total ascent of 368 m, which should take you around 4h 15m at a steady pace. It’s a moderate walk, suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness looking for a good stretch of the legs.
Around the middle of your day, you’ll find yourself at the Route Midpoint, a good spot to pause and take in the surroundings. While it’s not set up for a lunch stop, it provides a decent enough outlook across the landscape. As you approach this point, keep an eye out for the subtle changes in the terrain, moving from more open pasture to slightly rougher ground. It’s a good marker of your progress and a chance to re-orient yourself before the second half of the loop.
The return leg brings you back along the ridge, offering a different perspective on the views you enjoyed earlier in the day. After heavy rain, some sections can get a bit muddy underfoot, so appropriate footwear is a sensible choice. Given the exposed nature of the ridge, a windproof layer is also often a good idea, even on a mild day. This loop is a solid choice for a half-day outing, delivering a rewarding sense of space and elevation.