30th June 2007- Cleeve Hill

A return visit to a place of my youth. Cleeve Cloud, as the escarpment is known, is the highest point in the Cotswolds. Situated above the village of Bishops Cleeve, although you could say it was a small town now. Windy and the threat of rain as we set off. This link has more information about Cleeve Common.

The start of the ascent from the road. Bishops Cleeve visible below.

A closer look at Bishops Cleeve. The large building at the left centre is my old school.

Panning right with the church of St Michael and All Angels visible.

The view across to Bushcombe Hill. A popular destination when I was at school.

The viewpoint at the summit.

And the trig point at a height of 1035 feet.

A steam train passing by below on the restored Gloucestershire Warwickshire line between Cheltenham racecourse and Winchcombe. Click on the link for more details.

Rich flora on the grassland.

A closer look at Cheltenham Racecourse

Exposed rock face. There is evidence of quarrying here.

We came across several groups of Pyramidal Orchids.