Pen Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Pen Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Cheddar Reservoir-Strawberry Line-Hythe
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Westhay–Mearse–Shapwick
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Felton–Barrow tanks–Wilford
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Goblin Coombe
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
The Cotswold Way
A well-maintained trail offering stunning views of the Cotswolds while leading directly to the summit from the village of Painswick.
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
305m
1,002 ft
Prominence
48m
Coordinates
51.2365, -2.6253
ST564487
OS Map
182 183
Explorer: 141
At the Summit
At the summit, you'll find a historic trig point used by surveyors, along with a small stone cairn that provides a perfect spot for a well-deserved snack.
Terrain & Geology
Primarily composed of limestone, Pen Hill displays fascinating karst features including limestone pavements and dry valleys, typical of the Cotswold escarpment.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, enjoy panoramic views across the Severn Vale, with the Malvern Hills and the Welsh mountains visible on a clear day.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Pen Hill' possibly derives from 'pen', an Old English term for hill, indicating its prominence in the surrounding landscape.
Historical Significance
Historically, Pen Hill has been a prominent feature in the local landscape, serving both as a lookout point and a marker for early travelers.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available at the Painswick Rococo Garden. Take care as spaces can fill up quickly on sunny weekends.
Public Transport
Regular bus services run from Stroud to Painswick, which is approximately 1.5 km from the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
The Painswick area boasts several cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your hike. Public toilets can also be found near the village centre.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Lose your footing on muddy patches after rain, and watch out for the occasional rambunctious sheep that doesn’t respect personal space.
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 Pen Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Pen Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Pen Hill?
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 Pen Hill search or of course create your own walk for Pen Hill
Can I organise a walk to Pen Hill?
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 Pen Hill.
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 Pen Hill?
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 Pen Hill 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
Grid reference: ST564487
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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