Background

Summit of Robinswood Hill

Soak up panoramic views from the summit of Robinswood Hill, a green outlier of the Cotswolds with wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and Jurassic geology just minutes from Gloucester.

4.8

Perched at 198 metres above sea level, the summit of Robinswood Hill offers sweeping views across Gloucester, the Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. As part of Robinswood Hill Country Park, this green outlier of the Cotswold Escarpment is a haven for walkers, wildlife watchers and families. Wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and a Jurassic geological SSSI surround the trig point and fire beacon at the top, where benches and a topograph help you orient the landscape. The hill is freely accessible year-round, with waymarked trails, a café and play area at the base, and an all-terrain mobility scooter available for hire to explore the hill’s paths.

A brief summary to Summit of Robinswood Hill

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear, especially in wet weather, as paths can become muddy and slippery on the steeper slopes.
  • Visit on a clear day to make the most of the panoramic views across Gloucester, the Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds.
  • Check the car park closing time on the entrance sign, as gates are locked in the evening, though the hill itself remains accessible 24 hours.
  • Book in advance if you’d like to hire the all-terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) for use on the waymarked trails.
widget icon

Getting There

  • By car

    From central Gloucester, drive southeast along Stroud Road or Baneberry Road; the main entrance and car park for Robinswood Hill Country Park are on Reservoir Road. Parking is free but the car park has a closing time, usually until dusk, so check the sign at the entrance. The hill is well signposted from these main roads.

  • By bus

    Local bus routes 9, 62 and 63 run along Stroud Road near St. Barnabas, while route 1 runs along Baneberry Road near The Butts. From these stops, it’s a 10–15 minute walk uphill to the main entrance at Reservoir Road, with pedestrian access from several surrounding streets.

  • On foot

    From Gloucester city centre, it’s about a 30–40 minute walk to the main entrance at Reservoir Road, following signed routes via The Butts, Stroud Road or Juniper Avenue. The climb is moderate, with some steeper sections, and paths can be muddy in wet weather.

Summit of Robinswood Hill location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Summit of Robinswood Hill

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Summit of Robinswood Hill

High Views Over Gloucester and Beyond

Standing at the summit of Robinswood Hill, you’re at 198 metres above sea level, one of the highest accessible viewpoints near Gloucester. On a clear day, the panorama stretches from the city itself across the Severn Vale, with the Forest of Dean rising to the west and the rolling Cotswold Escarpment to the east. The Malverns, May Hill and even the Severn Bridges can often be picked out on the horizon. A helpful compass and topograph near the trig point and fire beacon orient you to key landmarks, making this a favourite spot for photographers, orientation enthusiasts and anyone wanting to grasp the lay of the land.

A Green Outlier of the Cotswolds

Robinswood Hill is a geological outlier of the Cotswold Escarpment, rising as a distinct ridge just southeast of Gloucester. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its Early Jurassic rock exposures, the hill reveals layers that tell the story of an ancient sea. The quarry face here is a key site for geologists and school groups, but the wider hill is a mosaic of habitats: wildflower meadows, traditional orchards, ponds and woodland. This mix supports a rich variety of wildlife, from birds such as red kites and woodpeckers to foxes, badgers and countless insects and plants.

Walking and Wildlife in the Country Park

As part of Robinswood Hill Country Park, the summit is reached via a network of waymarked trails that wind through grassland, woodland and orchards. The Geology Trail (green), Fox Trail (orange) and Woodland/Tree Trail (red) each offer a different perspective on the hill’s natural and historical features. Paths can be steep and muddy, especially in winter, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control, and cycles and motorised vehicles are not permitted, preserving the peaceful, countryside atmosphere.

Facilities and Accessibility at the Hill

The main entrance and car park are at Reservoir Road, with additional pedestrian access from several surrounding roads. The park is free to enter and open year-round, with the car park typically open from early morning until dusk. At the base of the hill, the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust headquarters includes a café and visitor hub, public toilets (including accessible facilities), picnic areas and a children’s play area. An all-terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) is available for hire on weekdays, allowing visitors with limited mobility to enjoy two waymarked routes across the hill.

Events, History and Community

Robinswood Hill has been a country park since 1972 and is managed by Gloucester City Council in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. The Trust runs a programme of guided walks, educational visits and seasonal events focused on natural history, geology and conservation. The hill also has a long human history, with Neolithic flint flakes, old quarries and historic wells hinting at past use. The Friends of Robinswood Hill, an active volunteer group, helps care for the site and promotes community involvement in its upkeep.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Summit of Robinswood Hill

Popular Hotels near Summit of Robinswood Hill

Select Currency