Great Doward
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Great Doward
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Malvern Hills Circular Walk
View route
Lower Failand–Priors wood
View route
Ashton Court Circular with Quarry
View route
Failand–Abbots Fish pond–Long Ashton
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Doward's View Loop
A popular circular walk starting from the historic village of Whitchurch. The route features stunning views over the River Wye and incorporates sections of the Offa's Dyke Path.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
201m
659 ft
Prominence
83m
Coordinates
51.8447, -2.6565
SO548164
OS Map
162
Explorer: OL14W
At the Summit
The summit is adorned with a stone cairn and offers an impressive trig point that serves as a perfect spot for a selfie against the backdrop of stunning views.
Terrain & Geology
Great Doward is primarily composed of limestone, which is quite prevalent in the Wye Valley area. The rock formations here are rich in fossils, dating back to the Carboniferous period, offering a glimpse into an ancient marine environment.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the River Wye, the rolling hills of the Forest of Dean, and the distant Cotswolds; a sight that makes you feel on top of the world—or at least on top of a very nice hill.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Doward' is thought to derive from an old Welsh term related to the landscape, possibly meaning 'hill' or 'mountain'.
Historical Significance
The area has historical importance as part of the ancient Offa's Dyke, formed as a boundary in 8th century England, and has been a favourite amongst walkers for generations.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is limited parking available at the Whitchurch village hall or in the nearby laybys.
Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is in Whitchurch, serviced by local services from Monmouth and surrounding areas.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities on the hill itself, but the quaint village of Whitchurch offers a local shop and a lovely café for refreshments before or after your hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- The terrain can be slippery after rain, so watch your step. Additionally, be aware of steep drops near some of the unmarked paths.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Great Doward?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Great Doward through the maps
Are there other walkers around Great Doward?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Great Doward search or of course create your own walk for Great Doward
Can I organise a walk to Great Doward?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Great Doward.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Great Doward?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Great Doward here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: SO548164
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Nearby Hills
Worcestershire Beacon
425m
Titterstone Clee Hill
533m
Glastonbury Tor
158m
Long Mynd - Pole Bank
517m
Cribyn
795m
No comments yet. Be the first.