Great Doward

Great Doward

Great Doward Group Walks | Join a Walk

201m Elevation
83m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

200-299m Tump

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Great Doward together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

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

Predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops making sturdy footwear advisable. The paths can be muddy after rain.

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.

Popular Routes

Doward's View Loop

Moderate

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.

5 km 2 hours

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

Find Walking Companions

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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