SO8612 : Golf green within Painswick hill fort
Moderate hill walking with some steep slopes

Painswick Beacon

283m Elevation
76m Prominence
England Country
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SO8612 : Golf green within Painswick hill fort

Tim Heaton Photo source

Overview

Painswick Beacon is a 283 m Cotswold hill above Painswick in Gloucestershire. Its limestone grassland, Kimsbury hillfort earthworks and trig-point viewpoint overlook the Severn Vale and Malvern Hills.

Painswick Beacon

Painswick Beacon rises to 283 m above Painswick in Gloucestershire. DoBIH records 76 m of prominence and identifies it as a Tump. A trig pillar is a well-known viewpoint within the Kimsbury hillfort earthworks.

Landscape and history

Inferior Oolite limestone supports open grassland beside an active golf course. Former quarries and the multiple banks and ditches of the scheduled Iron Age hillfort are prominent features. Local volunteers have managed scrub and woodland glades, and cattle grazing helps maintain the grassland.

Walking

The two Miles without Stiles circuits start at SO876126 by the Royal William end of the Beacon road. Both pass the hillfort, with a short detour to the trig viewpoint. The full circuit returns through Castle End and Pope’s Wood; the shorter alternative returns by the golf-course road and the Cotswold Way. Follow the detailed route directions and allow for the complete return. Stile-free does not mean level or step-free.

Visiting

Views extend across the Severn Vale and towards the Malvern Hills. Stay on the signed outer paths around golf play, take care on steep earthworks and road crossings, and give cattle space. Public toilets are in Painswick at Stamages Lane Car Park.

Explore routes near Painswick Beacon

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Painswick Beacon and Pope’s Wood circuit

Start at the Royal William-end parking area, SO876126. Follow the woodland edge beside the golf course to the hillfort. Visit the trig viewpoint by a short spur, rejoin the circuit and descend the hollow way. Turn right at the road, then after about 100 m cross to the field-edge path. Turn right along the next road, then cross the main road onto the Castle End bridleway. Continue into Pope’s Wood and take the uphill right fork back to the start. Allow about 1½ hours for the published circuit of roughly 3¼ km, plus the trig-point detour off the plotted line.

Moderate; some steep slopes

Painswick Beacon golf-course circuit

From SO876126 follow the same woodland-edge approach to the hillfort and trig-viewpoint diversion, then descend the hollow way to the road. Turn left here instead of following the Pope’s Wood circuit. After about 200 m, turn left onto the Beacon road. At the golf-course crossing, take the signed Cotswold Way left and follow the eastern side of the hillfort back to SO876126. This is Route B in the official leaflet. Watch for golf play.

Moderate; some steep slopes
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

283m

928 ft

Prominence

76m

Coordinates

51.8065, -2.1929

SO868120

OS Map

162

Explorer: 179

At the Summit

Trig-point viewpoint among the banks and ditches of Kimsbury hillfort.

Terrain & Geology

Limestone grassland uneven hillfort earthworks woodland paths tracks and road sections

The hill is formed from Inferior Oolite limestone. Former quarries expose freestone on the western side, and hard ragstone limestone caps the Beacon.

Views & Scenery

Views reach across the Severn Vale towards Gloucester and the Malvern Hills, with the Stroud valleys below and Welsh hills visible in clear weather.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Painswick Local History Society links the town’s name to Pain fitz John, a medieval lord of the manor: Wyke became Pain’s Wick. The hillfort is also known as Kimsbury hillfort or Castle Godwyn.

Historical Significance

Kimsbury is a scheduled Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts and ditches. Quarrying and the golf course have altered its interior, where Iron Age and Romano-British finds have been recorded. Historic England describes possible use by Royalist troops during the 1643 siege of Gloucester.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The Miles without Stiles routes start at the small parking area at SO876126, at the end of the Beacon road from the Royal William on the A46. The Walkers’ car park on Golf Course Road, SO867104 near the Rococo Gardens end, is a separate approach. Leave access clear.

Public Transport

Stagecoach West route 166 serves Royal William stops on the A46 near the northern route start, as well as Painswick and Stroud. Check the timetable for your travel day and return journey. The stop and parking area are separate; take care on the road approach.

Nearby Facilities

The Royal William near the northern start is listed for refreshments; check opening times. Public toilets are at Stamages Lane Car Park in Painswick. Bring water for the walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Active golf course: follow signed outer paths, watch for play and take care at fairway crossings.
  • Steep, uneven ramparts, hollows and former quarry ground need care; protect the earthworks by using established paths.
  • The full Pope’s Wood circuit includes road walking and crossings. Take care with traffic, including on approaches from the A46.
  • Cattle graze the Beacon. Give them space, keep dogs under close control and follow on-site signs.

Seasonal Hazards

Wet grass and woodland paths can be slippery, especially on the steeper slopes.

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 Painswick Beacon?

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Are there other walkers around Painswick Beacon?

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Can I organise a walk to Painswick Beacon?

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

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Can I suggest a new route up Painswick Beacon?

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Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SO868120

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