The kids and I have always loved exploring but now, more than ever, we’ve been feeling the need to get out and explore our local area more. Before Coronavirus arrived we’d have packed up the car and headed off further afield than our own county but, whilst I’ve been following a few other bloggers over the Summer (namely Steph from StephLovesHoney), I’ve realised there’s so much we’ve not discovered and best of all it’s right on our doorstep!
I’m hoping to write about some of the other hidden (and not so hidden) local gems we’ve visited during lockdown so, if you’re local too, keep your eyes peeled for more.
Back to today’s destination….located near Dowdeswell on the South Eastern edge of Cheltenham, Lineover Woods is a 50+ hectare biological woodland situated within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It’s clearly signposted on the A40 out of Cheltenham and I’ve often wondered what lie behind the trees.
A Woodland Trust Woods, Lineover has a decent sized car park and parking is free (cars left at owners risk). Within the car park there is a map with the various routes marked out but we didn’t notice this until we’d finished and so we just plodded off in whatever direction our noses took us.
The pathways are wide and pushchair friendly however it can be quite steep in places (and muddy if it’s wet) so bear this in mind if you have small ones in tow. There aren’t any other facilities on site either so it’s ‘natural’ toilet stops (if you catch my drift) and car boot bum changes for babies!
There’s plenty to explore on the way round including streams, open clearings which are perfect for den building, and overgrown narrow pathways for the small ones to explore if they’re feeling brave enough.
We visited on a rainy but humid afternoon as something to pass the time whilst people were viewing our house (sadly they didn’t make an offer), and I’d say the girls had more fun then they would of had it been sunny. The canopy of the trees stopped us getting too wet yet there were plenty of muddy puddles for us to jump up and down in.
We walked for around a mile and a half and that was plenty for the girls however, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, you can always continue up the hill. It would make for a lovely dog walk if you’ve got a four-legged friend.
