This is a bracing walk around Minchinhampton Common, a high, National Trust-owned expanse of grassland which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
It’s known for its springtime butterflies – including green hairstreak and the rare Duke of Burgundy – and summer orchids, but offers rewards year-round, not least wonderful views across the valleys below.
Much of the walk is exposed, making it a strong option for blowing the cobwebs away, while the presence of two pubs gives good opportunity to refuel.
Minchinhampton Common walk
3.1 miles / 5 km | 1.5 hours | easy | 56 metres ascent
1. Start
From The Amberley Inn, cross the road towards the green then make a short climb to the left of the stone monument on the hillside. Reaching the common, begin heading in a clockwise direction, passing houses on your left. Approaching a walled compound, veer left to stick to the roadside, heading between a weather-vaned bus stop and a war memorial. Cross the road shortly afterwards, passing through a gap in the wooden stumps, then continue. You’ll soon cross two access roads – one leading to Moor Court, the other to Amberley Ridge – before reaching the main road across the common. Cross with care, opposite the white chain-link fence, then head right.
2. Burleigh
Keep to the course of the dry stone wall on your left, then follow the path downhill as the wall angles away. When the route levels out, near an attractive hedged house, continue straight ahead, passing trees on both sides. You’ll see the village of Burleigh up ahead. Aim to the right of the edge of the village, where two roads meet. Cross here and continue alongside the no-through road that leads ahead, with long views to your left. Stay on grassy track, with part of the golf course on your right, until re-reaching the main road at the corner of the common.
3. Westfield
Cross here then bear right, taking your choice from a web of paths all heading west. Continue past the grand gates of a house called Westfield – where its walls turn left, continue straight ahead, aiming to the right of a distant line of trees. Cross Windmill Road, passing Windmill Lodge on your left. Again, when its walls bear away, continue straight on in the direction of a sealed lane leading to the beautifully located Old Lodge Hotel & Restaurant. Take this lane.
4. Culver Hill
From the pub, bear right to cross the golf course, heading back towards the treeline and reaching another quiet road – Culver Hill – after a couple of minutes. Crossing the road, follow the lip of the common to return to the start point, descending back downhill past the monument.
Minchinhampton Common map
Minchinhampton Common walking route and map
Useful information
Terrain
Reasonably flat throughout, other than a short climb/ descent at the start and end. The paths themselves are sometimes little more than vague tracks, although it’s hard to go too wrong.
Starting point
The Amberley Inn, Culver Hill, Amberley, Stroud GL5 5AF. There’s free parking directly opposite the pub, with further options on Pinfarthings, the adjacent road.
Eat/drink
Both The Amberley Inn and The Old Lodge offer good food and drink in historic surrounds.
