Churchdown hill, also known as Chosen hill is a fantastic place for a walk. The Woodland Trust and the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust look after separate parts of Churchdown Hill. Both areas are open free to the public to explore on foot. Information…
Walk on Churchdown Hill
My walk was a lazy one. I had a few hours to kill before my next computer repairs call out in Churchdown village; I got a lift to St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew’s Church is on ancient Christian site near the peak. My walk’s principal aim was to learn to use my new camera. I like to do photo walks and purchase a new bridge camera and tripod to document my walks.
The Church
After taking a few snaps of the church, I headed east on a footpath down the hill into some woodland. This was not the direction I intended, but it looked good for potential photos. After reaching a field, I spotted a path heading back uphill. This eventually reached the road up to the church. I stopped in a horse’s field to take some panoramic photos overlooking the motorway, and a few of the horses. I packed my tripod to head uphill again, ideally didn’t want to travel by road, so at the first opportunity I spotted a footpath heading uphill. This, fortunately, went straight back to the church.
Uphill at Chosen Hill in Churchdown
After catching my breath, I didn’t realise how smoking affects me uphill. I must give up soon. I headed through the churchyard and walked anticlockwise around the church, wow what a nice viewpoint of the M5 valley, eventually reaching a gate to the footpath.
The footpath heading west was easy going for 1/2 mile, then comes the enjoyment of the very muddy path down through the woods. Luckily, I only nearly slipped a few times, but kept my trousers and coat clean.
Views from Churchdown Hill
I then reached a clearing overlooking north Gloucester with views towards Robinswood hill to Churchdown village and May Hill in the distance.
After taking a few photos, I chose the path through the next woods heading towards Churchdown, very steep and slippery. (Note to self, next time make sure it has been dry for a few days).
At the end of the wooded path, I reached a field and was overlooking Churchdown and the Gloucester-Cheltenham Railway line. A well-worn path was visible, heading to the village. I followed where many had walked before and arrived at a small alleyway on Pirton Lane, right next to the 97 bus stop; One knows where to start from next time, (Maybe start here, walk up the hill and down the other side ending in Hucclecote or Longlevens)
I headed up Pirton Lane towards Churchdown village, passing St Andrews church, then to the Bat & Ball pub for some liquid refreshment.
