Highlight • Monument
Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill
Hiking
5.0
(165)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
Intrigued? An Iron Age hillfort lies at the summit and you can still wander around the remaining earthworks. There are standing stones, Roman earthworks, evidence of other defensive structures and plenty more besides etched into the hill’s body and memory. With rare invertebrates, ancient woodland and precious grasslands, Bredon Hill is much-watched by ecologists too.
A fascinating hill with history, views and a sense of peace
This wonderful hill is covered in farmland, a mixture of fields and pockets of woodland. It has plenty of footpaths meandering about its bulk, and has quite a sprawling top, so you can while away the hours rambling about. It’s also surrounded by villages, which are the best places to approach from and each has a trail that will lead you up the slopes.
When you reach the summit you’ll find Banbury Tower, or Parson’s Folly, depending on who you ask. It dates back to the 18th century, constructed as a summer house for a local squire. The hillfort’s ramparts are impressive, and occupy a commanding view over the Vale of Evesham. The views are fantastic to the north and west.
Bredon Hill has a classic Cotswold charm about it, particularly in summer when the butterflies waft about the grasses, birds sing from every tree and peace covers the area. You can hike the hill in any month though, and watch as it changes with the seasons.
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
February 18, 2021
Hiking
The hill was once an Iron Age hillfort, known as Kemerton Camp and it then became an important Roman encampment. In the 18th century, the squire of Kemerton Court erected a small stone tower, Parsons Folly. A number of ancient standing stones also adorn the hill.
February 12, 2020
Hiking
July 17, 2021
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill
4.9
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Embark on the Elmley Castle & Bredon Hill loop, a moderate hiking route that takes you through varied landscapes. This 5.1-mile (8.2 km) journey, with its 761 feet (232 metres) of elevation gain, offers a rewarding experience that typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. You'll traverse open farmland and peaceful forest paths, leading to the ascent of Bredon Hill where panoramic views await. Look out for the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley stretching into the distance, with the picturesque Elmley Castle village providing a charming backdrop.
To make the most of your hike, proper walking footwear is highly recommended due to the varied terrain, which includes some fairly steep climbs. Parking is generally available in Elmley Castle, making it a convenient spot to begin and end your adventure. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the views from the summit.
This route is nestled within the beautiful Cotswolds National Landscape, offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty and history. As you explore, you'll encounter historical points of interest such as Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill and the unique Elephant Stone, also known as the Banbury Stone, adding a layer of intrigue to your outdoor excursion.
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Embark on the Great Comberton & Bredon Hill loop from Elmley Castle, a moderate hike spanning 7.8 miles (12.6 km) with an elevation gain of 923 feet (281 metres). This varied route takes about 3 hours and 36 minutes to complete, leading you through meadows, open countryside, and woodlands like Cames Coombe. As you ascend Bredon Hill, you will find a mix of footpaths, road sections, and potentially muddy or uneven ground. From the 981-foot (299-meter) summit, you can enjoy expansive views across Worcestershire to the Malvern Hills, south into the Cotswolds, and over the Vale of Evesham.
For your visit, the Queen Elizabeth pub in Elmley Castle serves as a convenient starting and ending point for this loop. Be prepared for varying path conditions, as some sections can be muddy, and the ascent up Bredon Hill may be steep in parts. The trail also includes plank bridges over ditches, and you might encounter brambles and nettles in some areas.
This trail is notable for its rich history and diverse landscape. Bredon Hill itself is a significant landmark, once an Iron Age hillfort known as Kemerton Camp and later a Roman encampment. At its summit, you will find Parsons Folly, an 18th-century Gothic tower also referred to as the Banbury Stone. The route showcases the beauty of the northern Cotswolds and Worcestershire countryside, combining rolling hills, open fields, woodlands, and charming villages.
4.9
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69
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250m
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Embark on the Overbury & Bredon Hill loop via Warren Hill, a moderate hike that takes you through diverse Cotswolds landscapes. This 7.0 miles (11.2 km) route features unspoiled farmland, woodlands like Warren Wood, and open slopes, offering varied scenery throughout. You will ascend 827 feet (252 metres) to the summit of Bredon Hill, a journey that typically takes around 3 hours and 11 minutes to complete, rewarding you with extensive views across the Vale of Evesham and the Malvern Hills.
To plan your visit, be aware that while paths are generally good, some sections can become muddy, especially during winter months. The trail often passes through charming villages such as Overbury, Conderton, and Grafton, providing a classic Cotswolds experience. Good fitness is required for this hike, which includes public footpaths and bridleways, and you will encounter approximately 10 stiles along the way.
Bredon Hill is a significant feature of this route, not only for its panoramic vistas but also for its rich history and natural environment. At the summit, you can explore the Iron Age Hill Fort of Kemerton Camp and the distinctive Parsons Folly stone tower. Keep an eye out for the unique "Elephant Stone" rock formation and the diverse flora and fauna, as Bredon Hill is a designated nature reserve with abundant birdlife.
Details
Informations
Elevation 290 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
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Thursday 18 June
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14°C
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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