Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Walk
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Walking the Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Trail is a fun, but slightly challenging experience that will expose you to some of the beautiful and amazing highlights that can be found within The Cotswolds AONB. While out on the trail, you will circle around Cleeve Hill and traverse Cleeve Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) before visiting the Stone Age site of Belas Knap Long Barrow and the Jacobean Manor at Postlip. This is a fantastic adventure if you are looking for a bit of a challenge that is packed with interesting highlights.
Getting there
To reach the trailhead for the Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Walk from Winchcombe, head southwest on High Street/B4632 for 3.0mi, where you will find a small area for parking.
About
When to do | April-November |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | Older Children only |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Circuit |
Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Walk
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Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Walk Description
The Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Walk is a beautiful adventure in The Cotswolds that will expose you to a number of interesting historical sites and wonderfully scenic locales; however, there are some slightly challenging portions of the route that will make you work for you the highlights. Make sure that you wear proper walking footwear with good support, as the varied nature of the trail and several steep climbs could otherwise make travel difficult. Additionally, if you are travelling in the winter/spring seasons, you should wear water-resistant footwear, as the trail becomes fairly boggy in certain areas. As Cleeve Common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest with sensitive ecosystems and wildlife, ensure that you leave no trace of your time on the trail.
Considering all of the amazing natural and historical highlights along this route, it is no wonder why it is such a popular adventure for beginner and seasoned walkers that are exploring The Cotswolds. Setting out from the parking area, the route will take you to the southwest along the slopes of Cleeve Hill before traversing the beautifully scenic terrain of Cleeve Common and several picturesque pastures to the east. From here, you will continue on to the Stone Age site of Belas Knap, a long barrow that was used as a burial site thousands of years ago. Following the trail north past peaceful woodlands and open fields, you will arrive at Postlip Mill – the oldest paper mill in the Cotswolds – before continuing on to Postlip Hall, which dates back to around the 15th Century. After experiencing all of these amazing historical sites, continue west along the River Isbourne before climbing uphill on the return to the trailhead where you began your journey.
Consider a Walking Holiday in the Cotswolds
One of the best ways to experience this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is by booking a pre-planned adventure tour in the Cotswolds. Find the famous self-guided Cotswolds Way and other amazing guided and self-guided tours on 10Adventures Tours.
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