Barrow Wake Viewpoint

One of the best known viewpoints in the south west of England with far reaching views which encompass the Malvern Hills, the Severn Vale and distant glimpses of Wales.

This viewpoint on the Cotswold scarp 5 miles SE of Gloucester has extensive views across the Vale of Gloucester. The whole site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also registered common land. The unimproved limestone grasslands support more than 100 different species of wild flowers, including rare orchids. Twenty two species of butterfly are found on the site including national rarities like the Chalk Hill Blue and Duke of Burgundy. All the conservation management work is grant aided by DEFRA. Steep slopes make access to some of the site quite difficult but this is beneficial in management terms. There are interpretative panels describing geology, local routes and the panorama.

Facilities:

• 31 acres (12.5ha) of unimproved limestone grasslands, with two small areas of woodland.
• Car Parking (Height Restriction 6' 6")
• Benches.
• On site interpretation.
• Fine panoramic views.
• The Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the site.

A large part of the site was given to the County Council in 1980 for "the use and enjoyment by the public". The car parking was once part of the busy A417 Gloucester to Cirencester road before the Birdlip bypass was constructed.

Barrow Wake derives its name from the discovery in 1879, by workmen quarrying for stone, of a late Iron Age burial (c. 50 AD). Three skeletons were discovered and associated with the central figure, that of a woman aged about thirty years, a rich array of grave goods including the world famous Birdlip Mirror. The finds, which represent some of the finest surviving examples of British Celtic metal work, are displayed in Gloucester City Museum.

Contact
Tel. 01452 863170 or 01452 425577
countryparks@gloucestershire.gov.uk

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