Haresfield Topograph
A three-dimensional map landmark on the Cotswold escarpment with panoramic views toward Wales.
Perched on the Cotswold escarpment near Stroud, Haresfield Topograph is a distinctive three-dimensional map landmark offering sweeping views across the Severn estuary toward the Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons. This Grade II listed structure serves as both a viewpoint and educational tool, helping visitors identify prominent features in the surrounding landscape. Set within mixed woodland and open grassland, the site combines natural beauty with historical significance, having been a location of Iron Age and Roman settlements.
A brief summary to Haresfield Topograph
- Cotswold Way, Stroud, GL6 6PP, GB
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 1 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning light and fewer crowds; the topograph's position on three spurs creates particularly dramatic silhouettes at these times.
- Bring sturdy, waterproof walking boots—the terrain is undulating with steep sections, and the escarpment can be muddy after rain.
- Pack a picnic and allow time to sit and study the topograph's three-dimensional map; understanding the labeled features enriches the panoramic view significantly.
- Check weather conditions before visiting; wind is common on the exposed hilltops, and visibility can be limited in low cloud or mist.
- Dogs are welcome but must remain on leads; the site is designated as a one-pawprint rated place with long walks suitable for dogs and owners.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car with Parking
From Stroud town center, head north on the A46 toward Cheltenham. After approximately 2 kilometers, turn onto Cotswold Way (signposted for Haresfield). Continue for roughly 1 kilometer until you reach the parking area. Parking is available via a pay-by-app system using JustPark (Location ID: 998936): £1 for up to 1 hour, £3 for up to 3 hours, £4 for all day. National Trust members park free upon validating membership in the app. Arrive early during peak season (spring and summer weekends) as spaces are limited. Travel time from Stroud: approximately 10–15 minutes.
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Public Bus
From Stroud town center, take the number 63 bus toward Stonehouse. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes. Request the stop for Cotswold Way or Haresfield. From the bus stop, follow Cotswold Way on foot for approximately 15–20 minutes to reach the topograph. One-way bus fare is approximately £2–£3. Check local timetables for current schedules, as service frequency varies seasonally.
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Walking from Stroud
Begin at Stroud town center and follow Cotswold Way signage northward. The walk to Haresfield Topograph is approximately 3 kilometers and takes 45–60 minutes depending on fitness and pace. The route follows a mix of town paths and rural trails. Wear comfortable walking boots, bring water, and allow extra time if you're unfamiliar with the route. The terrain becomes more undulating as you approach the escarpment.
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Cotswold Way Long-Distance Trail
If walking the Cotswold Way itself, Haresfield Topograph and Beacon serve as a waypoint on Leg 9 of the trail. The approach follows peaceful woodland tracks before emerging onto windswept hillsides. This is a stile-free section of the trail. Journey time depends on your starting point along the trail; allow 2–4 hours if walking from nearby sections.
Haresfield Topograph location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Haresfield Topograph
A Landmark Carved into the Cotswold Escarpment
Haresfield Topograph stands as a remarkable viewpoint on the Cotswold escarpment, occupying a prominent position on three spurs that jut dramatically into the landscape. The topograph itself is a three-dimensional map structure, ingeniously designed to help visitors identify and locate significant landmarks visible from this elevated vantage point. Rather than simply offering a passive view, the topograph transforms the experience into an interactive educational encounter, allowing you to connect the physical landscape before you with the named features etched into the structure. The views from Haresfield are nothing short of extraordinary. On clear days, your gaze sweeps across the Severn estuary toward the Forest of Dean and the distant Brecon Beacons, creating a panorama that captures the essence of the Welsh Marches and English countryside. The undulating terrain beneath your feet—a mix of exposed hilltops and steep slopes—reinforces the dramatic topography that makes this location so visually compelling.Woodland Walks and Historic Ground
The site encompasses far more than the topograph itself. Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood together form a substantial estate offering varied experiences across mixed woodland and open grassland. Intimate beech and yew woodlands provide shelter and shade, while flower-strewn limestone grasslands open onto windswept hillsides. The terrain is undulating and uneven, with steep sections that demand respect and sturdy footwear, but this very character creates the dramatic landscape that defines the location. Beneath your feet lies deep historical resonance. The site was occupied during the Iron Age and Roman periods, with evidence of ancient settlements embedded in the escarpment. An ancient burial mound—a Bronze Age monument—sits within the woodland, a silent witness to millennia of human presence. Walking these paths means treading ground where people have gathered for thousands of years, drawn by the same commanding views and defensible position that you experience today.Gateway to the Cotswold Way
Haresfield Topograph sits directly on the Cotswold Way, one of England's most celebrated long-distance walking trails. This positioning makes it an ideal waypoint for walkers tackling sections of the trail or undertaking the full 102-mile journey from Chipping Campden to Bath. The trail approaches through peaceful woodland tracks before emerging onto the windswept hillsides, creating a natural rhythm of shelter and exposure that heightens the drama of arrival at the topograph. The walking opportunities around the site are extensive. Short woodland strolls through beech and yew provide intimate nature experiences, while longer routes across the grasslands and along the escarpment edge offer sustained views and physical challenge. The variety of terrain and vegetation means the landscape shifts with the seasons—spring bluebells carpet the woodland floor, summer brings wildflowers to the grasslands, autumn transforms the canopy, and winter reveals the skeletal beauty of the trees and the raw power of the exposed hilltops.Practical Considerations and Seasonal Character
The site's exposure on the escarpment means weather plays a significant role in the experience. Windy conditions are common, particularly on the open grasslands and hilltops, while poor mobile phone signal is a consistent feature due to the rural location and terrain. The undulating ground with steep sections requires appropriate footwear and fitness levels, though shorter walks are available for those seeking less demanding routes. Visitation patterns vary throughout the year and across the day. Spring and early summer attract the most visitors, particularly when bluebells bloom and wildflowers flourish. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly rewarding lighting conditions and typically see fewer crowds. Winter visits provide their own appeal—clearer air often means more extensive views, and the absence of summer vegetation opens sightlines across the landscape. The site remains accessible year-round, though winter weather can occasionally make steep sections challenging.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Haresfield Topograph
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A three-dimensional map landmark on the Cotswold escarpment with panoramic views toward Wales.
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Panoramas
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
