Road trip: 7 scenic car-trips in Gloucestershire
April 11, 2025
Gloucestershire, a county in southwest England, is a true paradise for lovers of picturesque landscapes and charming corners. The region is famous for its breathtaking views, historic towns and lush countryside. To fully appreciate its charms, we offer seven unforgettable car routes to discover Gloucestershire's most beautiful corners. Each of these routes offers unique experiences and unforgettable views, perfect for both families with children and couples looking for a romantic adventure. Prepare for a journey of wonder, where a new and fascinating panorama awaits around every bend. From the majestic hills of the Cotswolds to the mysterious forests of the Forest of Dean, these car routes will provide you with an unforgettable experience and plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. So let's embark on a journey along Gloucestershire's scenic roads, discovering its most beautiful faces and creating memories that will stay with you for a long time.
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Trails overlooking the Severn Valley
Start our adventure with routes offering spectacular views of the Severn Valley. The first point on our map is Coaley Peak, a stunning panoramic site that looks out over the Bristol Channel and the Welsh hills. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a short walk. Parking is free and the area is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for families with pets. Plan your visit for sunset, when the views are most picturesque.
Another spot worth visiting is Chosen Hill. This spot offers fantastic views of the Cotswold hills and is a great place for a longer walk. The parking lot is located next to the church, and the trails vary in difficulty, allowing you to tailor the activity to suit the abilities of the whole family. It's worth remembering to wear appropriate footwear, especially after rain, when the paths can be slippery.
Our third suggestion is Drakestone Viewpoint. This spot has stunning views of the Tyndale Monument and the Severn Valley. It is ideal for a short stop during a bike or car tour. The views are especially impressive at sunset, when the sun is reflected in the waters of the Severn.
Comparing the three sites, Coaley Peak stands out for having the most expansive views and is the most family-friendly with young children. Chosen Hill offers the best opportunities for hiking enthusiasts, while Drakestone Viewpoint is ideal for those looking for a quick but impressive stop on the trail.
When planning a trip, consider that Coaley Peak has the largest parking lot, making it most convenient for families with large cars. Chosen Hill can be more challenging for those with limited mobility due to its steep paths. Drakestone Viewpoint, while offering great views, has limited infrastructure, so it's best treated as a short stop on the road.
Forest adventures and panoramic views
Continuing our journey along Gloucestershire's scenic routes, we'll delve into lush forests and discover viewpoints offering panoramic views of the countryside. Our first stop will be Blaize Bailey Viewpoint, a spot offering spectacular views of a horseshoe-shaped bend in the River Severn. This is an ideal spot for those who want to combine a walk in the woods with enjoying the scenery. Parking is available and the paths are well-maintained, making the site accessible to families with children of all ages.
The next point on our route is Severn Valley Scenic Point. This spot has stunning views of the Severn Valley and the two Severn Bridges. It is an ideal spot for sunset, with several benches where you can sit and enjoy the panorama. Parking is small but free, making this an attractive spot for those looking for a quiet picnic spot with a view.
Our third suggestion is New Fancy View Point, located in the heart of the Forest of Dean. This spot offers a panoramic view of the forest from a viewing platform that was built on a former mine mound. It's a great place for birdwatching and admiring the forest's changing seasons. Parking is free, and a short walk to the top is available to most visitors.
Comparing the three sites, Blaize Bailey Viewpoint offers the most diverse experience, combining forest and river views. Severn Valley Scenic Point is ideal for those looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the views without a long walk. New Fancy View Point features a unique perspective of the forest and is best for nature and history lovers.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that Blaize Bailey Viewpoint may require a bit more physical exertion due to the forest paths. Severn Valley Scenic Point has limited parking, so it's best to arrive early or late in the afternoon. New Fancy View Point offers the best facilities for those with limited mobility, with a well-maintained path leading to the viewing platform.
Each of these sites has its own unique character and offers a different experience. Blaize Bailey is ideal for families who enjoy an active vacation, Severn Valley Scenic Point is the perfect choice for a romantic sunset, and New Fancy View Point will satisfy nature and landscape photography enthusiasts.
Gloucestershire peaks and panoramas
At the end of our scenic journey through Gloucestershire, we will visit one of the most impressive hills in the region - Cam Peak. This spot offers unforgettable views of the surrounding valleys and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Cam Peak is not only a vantage point, but also a great place for hiking and active outdoor recreation.
Cam Peak, also known as Peaked Down, rises 218 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Severn Valley, the Cotswolds hills and, on a clear day, even the distant mountains of Wales. This site is part of the Cotswold Way trail, making it an ideal starting or ending point for longer hikes.
Access to Cam Peak is relatively easy, with a small, free parking area at the foot of the hill. The climb to the top can be quite steep and challenging, especially after rain when the paths become slippery. However, the effort of climbing is lavishly rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area. This is an ideal place for a picnic or just a moment of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Comparing Cam Peak with the other viewpoints we visited during our trip, it stands out primarily for its height and the breadth of its panorama. Unlike Coaley Peak or Chosen Hill, Cam Peak offers a more challenging climb, which may appeal to those seeking a greater physical challenge. At the same time, compared to New Fancy View Point, Cam Peak offers more natural, unobstructed views of the surrounding area, without artificial viewing platforms.
When planning a visit to Cam Peak, there are a few important points to keep in mind. First, the parking lot is small, so during high season or on weekends it is better to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Second, due to its exposure to the wind, the summit can be chilly even on warm days, so it's a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing. Finally, although the route to the summit is relatively short, it can be demanding for people with weaker bodies or young children, so it is advisable to plan enough time for climbing and resting.
Cam Peak is the perfect culmination of our journey through Gloucestershire's scenic routes. It offers not only breathtaking views, but also the opportunity to be active in nature. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a hiking enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful place to picnic with the family, Cam Peak is sure to meet your needs.
To sum up our journey through Gloucestershire's seven scenic car routes, each of the places we visited offers unique experiences and unforgettable views. From the gentle hills of Coaley Peak to the wooded paths of Blaize Bailey to the majestic summit of Cam Peak, there is something for everyone. Gloucestershire is a region that impresses with its diverse landscapes and abundance of wildlife, and exploring it by car allows you to freely explore its most beautiful corners. Whether you are planning a short weekend trip or a longer stay, these scenic routes are sure to inspire unforgettable adventures and create memories that will stay with you for a long time.
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