Birdlip and Witcombe Reservoir Walk
This circular walk from Birdlip explores the countryside and woodland to the west of the village. On the way you'll enjoy woodland trails in Witcombe Wood, visit the pretty Witcombe Reservoirs and pass the historic Great Witcombe Roman Villa. There's also a climb to the Barrow Wake viewpoint where you can enjoy nice views over the area.
The walk starts on the western side of the village where you can pick up the Cotswold Way National Trail. Follow the waymarked trail south west and it will take you through Witcombe Wood towards Coopers Hill, Cranham Woods and Buckholt Woods. Near here you turn north east to follow trails past Great Witcombe Roman Villa. The English Heritage run site was built about AD 250, and lived in until the 5th century. The remains include a bathhouse complex and mosaic pavements.
After exploring the villa you continue north to the reservoirs where a footpath heads east between the lakes before coming to Great Witcombe and Little Witcombe.
You continue east, passing Birdlip Hill before coming to the viewpoint at Barrow Wake. There's splendid views over the Cotswolds Hill from here. There's also a car park here so you could make this a start point for the walk.
After taking in the views the route then descends to the south to return to the village.
Postcode
GL4 8JN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBirdlip Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Birdlip Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Birdlip OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Birdlip Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Golden Heart is a fine choice for some post walk refreshments. This 16th Century traditional Cotswold country inn has a lovely patio area overlooking the beautiful valley. It's a great place to relax with a meal on a sunny day. Inside there's a coffee lounge with sofas & log burner with a tv available to watch special events. It's a cosy place set in a quaint stone building with plenty of history. You can find the pub at a postcode of GL4 8LA for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The woodland trails and country paths are ideal for a dog walk. It's probably best to keep them on leads around the Roman villa though. The Golden Heart Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly with treats available on the bar.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the north of Birdlip you'll find the popular Crickley Hill Country Park. The elevated park overlooks the Severn Vale, with fabulous views of the Cotswolds Hills, the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains beyond.
Also to the north you'll find the noteworthy Leckhampton Hill. Here you can visit the Devil’s Chimney, an iconic Cotswold landmark.
For more walks in the area see the Cotswolds Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Trig Point 1380 Birdlip
Stone barn near Witcombe Wood. Taken from a bridleway leading from the Cotswold Way down to Great Witcombe. In the distance is Birdlip Hill and The Peak.
The Cotswold Way through Witcombe Wood
One of the Witcombe Reservoirs with Witcombe Park and Witcombe Woods in the background.
Great Witcombe reservoir View from the way to the Roman villa.
Great Witcombe Roman Villa
View from Barrow Wake
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The Cotswold Way at Barrow Wake