Cooper's Hill and Brockworth Wood

I did not know anything about the history or indeed the significance of Cooper's Hill other than it being a nature reserve when I arrived for my walk. My first impression was of a scarred hill. The north facing bank down to the Hamlet was rutted, showing signs of erosion and significant wear. Ugly red plastic fencing and iron posts were strewn across the hill with signs saying walkers must keep to the Cotswold Way path and not venture up the open hill. Now I know it was the famous annual cheese rolling event which had taken its toll on the hillside. Luckily the Cotswold Way path up the hill through lovely woodland was much more inviting. The path weaved its way up the hill taking me with it and soon I had made the 60 metre climb to the top.

The views from the top of the hill were outstanding. Despite it being cloudy I could clearly see down to the town of Brockworth and to Churchdown Hill on the north side of the M5 motorway. To the left of the hill the conurbations of Cheltenham and Gloucester were also in view. It was pastoral and urban England all in one image. I looked round the wide vista for a while, no sound of motorway or bustle interrupting the moment as a gentle breeze kept all distant noise away. After taking in the views I walked off the bowled hilltop and into Brockworth Wood. There I enjoyed deviating from the path to rustle my feet through the woodland floor. It was an enjoyable section to the walk.

From Brockworth Wood I reached a woodland glade where grass grew so lushly. It was a wonderful sight of brilliant green. I was now on the edge of High Brotheridge, Brockworth Wood and Cooper's Hill Wood. From the glade I walked further into Cooper's Hill Wood and came to the Buckholt. I continued from the Buckholt on an east course through easy woodland tracks to resume my connection to the Cotswold Way. After overnight rain the well used National Trail track was muddier to walk on than others in the vicinity which caused me to walk off it on occasions and follow on parallel paths made by walkers. The always followed close to the trail path though making navigation through the wood no problem at all.

The Cotswold Way path maintained a close line to the edge of Cooper's Hill Wood. Sometimes the tree line on the edge of the wood cleared to provide views out to the east. Once more I could see Brockworth, Churchdown Hill and sometimes I saw the Witcombe Reservoirs. A kilometer later I emerged from Cooper's Hill Wood to the hamlet, a group of widely dispersed cottages. Here I ended my delightful short walk. Appropriately I had the smile of a big cheese!