Barrow Wake Walk

1.4 miles (2.2 km)

Barrow Wake, located in Gloucestershire near Birdlip, is a designated viewpoint and part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This elevated spot offers sweeping views over the Severn Vale, with the River Severn winding its way through the landscape, and on clear days, the views extend to the Forest of Dean and the Welsh hills. The area’s position on the escarpment makes it a prime location for appreciating the rolling countryside and the interplay of hills, valleys, and woodlands typical of the Cotswolds.
Barrow Wake is a site of significant natural beauty and ecological importance. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its limestone grassland habitat. The flora here includes a diverse array of wildflowers such as orchids, cowslips, and knapweed, which thrive in the nutrient-poor soil. These flowers support a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. The site is particularly known for its butterfly populations, with species like the chalkhill blue and marbled white frequently spotted during the summer months. The grassland also supports grasses such as quaking grass and sheep’s fescue, which are well adapted to the thin soils. The fauna in the area includes birds of prey like buzzards and kestrels, often seen soaring above the escarpment. Songbirds such as skylarks and meadow pipits are also common, adding a melodic backdrop to a walk. The surrounding woodlands provide habitats for species such as deer, foxes, and badgers, while the open grasslands attract small mammals like voles and shrews. Insects and invertebrates, essential to the ecosystem, are abundant, particularly during the warmer months.
In addition to its natural features, Barrow Wake is steeped in history. The area forms part of the Cotswold Way National Trail and has been a place of significance for centuries. Its strategic position on the escarpment made it an important vantage point, and nearby Birdlip is known for archaeological discoveries, including the Birdlip Grave, a notable Iron Age burial site. Visitors to Barrow Wake can explore its links to the ancient past while enjoying its modern-day tranquillity.
Barrow Wake is also a popular spot for watching the changing seasons. In spring and summer, the grasslands come alive with vibrant wildflowers, while autumn brings a golden hue to the surrounding woodlands. Winter offers stark yet beautiful views of the landscape, often shrouded in mist in the early morning. Its proximity to the Cotswold Way makes it an excellent starting point for further exploration of the area, with opportunities to delve into the Cotswolds’ unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.