Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill

In the far north west of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies the isolated Bredon Hill. This is no run-of-the-mill Cotswold hill though, instead, it has a rich human history, remains an exceptionally important habitat under numerous levels of protection and it features in a fair heft of literature and artworks. 

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.