SO6316 : Clear land at Ruardean Hill

Ruardean Hill

291m Elevation
175m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SO6316 : Clear land at Ruardean Hill

Philip Halling Photo source

Overview

Discovering Ruardean Hill

Ruardean Hill is an engaging Marilyn located within the picturesque Forest of Dean, with an elevation of 330 meters. It offers a moderate challenge for hikers eager to explore the beautiful scenery of this woodland region.

Geography and Geology

Ruardean Hill’s geological makeup is primarily Old Red Sandstone, with glacial formations that add to the landscape's charm. The formation of this hill dates back to the Devonian period, giving it a rich historical tapestry beneath the surface. Ideal for geology buffs, the hill invites you to ponder the ancient processes that shaped our landscape.

Routes to Explore

Two popular routes grace this lovely hill:

  1. Ruardean Hill Circular Walk: A 5 km trek that takes approximately 2 hours, this moderate route circles the hill and showcases its beauty. It weaves through enchanting woodlands and offers breathtaking panoramic views as you make your ascent.
  2. Forest Trail from the East: Lengthy 3.5 km and easy, this trail is perfect for families, providing a gentle ascent through the forests, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

Summit Features

At the top, hikers will be greeted by a splendid trig point and a quaint stone shelter—which is perfect for a rest (or a snack if you've packed one!). A rocky outcrop offers a magnificent viewpoint, where you can drink in views of the Welsh mountains and the tranquil Wye Valley.

Terrain

Expect grassy yet uneven terrain interspersed with rocky patches. Wear sturdy footwear to navigate comfortably!

Views

The summit views are nothing short of spectacular!

  • Highlights: The Malvern Hills and the majestic Black Mountains canvas the horizon. You'll also glimpse the charming Wye Valley landscape.
  • Best Seasons: Spring and autumn provide the best conditions for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, with vibrant colours contrasting the clear blue skies.

Hazards

Always be prepared: the paths can become slippery when wet, and beware of weather changes, which can turn a sunny stroll into an unexpected adventure—all part of the charm of hiking, right?

Nearby Summits

For those eager to keep their hiking boots busy, consider nearby summits such as:

  • The Pludds (206m)
  • May Hill (200m)

Access

Getting to Ruardean Hill is a breeze:

  • Parking: There's a small car park available at the entrance of the Nature Reserve and in the village itself.
  • Public Transport: Convenient bus routes from Cinderford and Lydney make the journey manageable.
  • Nearest Town: The lovely village of Ruardean is just a hop away.

Facilities

You'll find several local cafes and pubs in Ruardean, perfect for a post-hike pint or bite to eat. Restrooms are also available in the village, so no need to bushwhack!

History

The name 'Ruardean' speaks volumes, possibly derived from Welsh origins indicating its geographical features. The hill also served as a strategic lookout point throughout history, making it a place of significance.

So lace up those hiking boots and embark on an adventure to Ruardean Hill! The wonders of nature await, and remember: a bad day hiking still beats a good day at work!

Explore routes near Ruardean Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Forest of Dean Hicksters Way Woodland Circuit from Cannop

7.9 km ~2h 45m Moderate

View route

Forest of Dean Full Colliers Trail from Cannop Ponds

14.7 km ~4h 15m Moderate

View route

Woodchester Park: Tinkley Gate, lakes and Mansion woodland walk

5.1 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Hereford Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Route planning notes

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

Ruardean Hill Circular Walk

A scenic circular route starting from the nearby village of Ruardean. The path weaves through woodlands and clearings, offering panoramic views as you ascend.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Forest Trail from the East

This route approaches from the east, using forest tracks that gently rise towards the summit. Ideal for leisurely walkers and families.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

291m

954 ft

Prominence

175m

Coordinates

51.8496, -2.5314

SO634169

OS Map

162

Explorer: OL14E

At the Summit

The summit of Ruardean Hill features a prominent trig point and a small stone-built shelter offering a perfect spot for a breather and perhaps a picnic. You'll also find a rocky outcrop that provides stunning vistas.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops interspersed with patches of woodland. Some sections may be uneven particularly near the summit.

Ruardean Hill is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it a distinctive reddish hue. This sedimentary rock was formed during the Devonian period, around 419 to 359 million years ago. The rugged terrain is also characterized by glacial features, highlighting the area's complex geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the Wye Valley, the Malvern Hills, and on a clear day, the Black Mountains in Wales.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ruardean' is thought to derive from the Welsh word 'rhiw' meaning slope, and 'din' meaning fortress, hinting at the hill's historical significance.

Historical Significance

Ruardean Hill holds historical importance as a lookout point, historically used during various conflicts for its vantage point over the surrounding area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the entrance to the Ruardean Hill Nature Reserve. Additional parking can be found in the village of Ruardean.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from nearby towns such as Cinderford and Lydney, stopping in Ruardean.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby facilities include local pubs and cafes in Ruardean, as well as public toilets in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Slippery paths during wet conditions, potential for sudden weather changes. As always, watch your footing among the rocky areas.

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 Ruardean Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ruardean Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ruardean 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 Ruardean Hill search or of course create your own walk for Ruardean Hill

Can I organise a walk to Ruardean 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 Ruardean 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 Ruardean 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 Ruardean 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

Location

Ruardean Hill location map

Grid reference: SO634169

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens 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

 The Wrekin

The Wrekin

407m
See 5 more nearby hills