Family walk up Leckhampton Hill and the Devil’s Chimney

3.8k / 2.5 miles

Highlights: This lovely walk with fantastic views of Cheltenham, Stroud and the surrounding countryside. Spot the limestone rock formation of the Devils Chimney.

Parking: There are two small parking areas on Daisybank Road GL53 9QQ. The first is a car park, and a little way further along the road a layby with space for 10 or so cars opposite a gate to a wode path up the hill. The car parks are quite small and people also park (sensibly) in other laybys further along the road.

Type of Walk: Circular

Eat/ drink: Bring your own drinks and snacks, or stop in Cheltenham for something delcious at the beginning or end of your walk.

Facilities: No public toilets along the route.

Accessibility: There are steep and rocky sections and uneven rocky terrain making it unsuitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Dogs: Yes

Step by Step:

Go through the gate on Daisybank road and follow the path straight in front of you, up hill. At the top of the hill the path splits in to three, stay on the left hand fork and follow the flat path through the trees rather than heading downhill. Follow the path until it starts to open out – above you, you will see the devils chimney; a limestone rock formation feature.

Carry along the path, continuing to bear left and ignoring the other paths.

The path is relatively simple to follow, popular and well worn, most trails lead up to the hill so its simple enough to navigate to where you want to be!

As you continue to climb, it will be rocky and get quite steep but our children managed well – smaller kids and un confident walkers may struggle and I imagine if wet it may become a bit slippy. We walked on a bright December day and although sunny, the rocks were cold and wet but with careful foot placement we managed fine. This steep section is relatively short, and worth it for the immense views!

Keep climbing, there will be another short steep section towards the end and you will come to a wooden sign post and see fantastic views. At this sign post take a left turn on to the Cotswold Way ( well signposted) Follow the path until you reach the next Cotswolds Way sign post and an information board.

Here you will see a broad common, the trig point, and amazing views of Cheltenham and the Cotswolds hills – we saw all the way to the Malvern Hills as it was a beautifully clear day.

Keep following the Cotswold Way signs as the path runs down steps cut in to the rock and through some woodland.

Towards the end of the common the path splits in two, with the Cotswold way on the right hand fork and a public footpath on the left. Leave the Cotswold Way and take the left hand fork. Head downhill along the path, following it all the way down and soon you will come once again to the daisybank road ( there are lots of access points to the hill along the road, and many side trails and paths downhill. If sometimes we detour off slighly once back on the daisybank road ( which is a small country lane) we can find our way to our car from wherever we are easily!

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