Chescombe Bottom

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Cotswold

England

Chescombe Bottom

Farmland Coberley View to the west across farmland between Coberley and Cowley. — Farmland Coberley Credit: Philip Halling

Chescombe Bottom is a picturesque woodland area located in Gloucestershire, England. It is nestled within the larger Forest of Dean, a renowned ancient woodland that covers over 110 square kilometers. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

The bottom itself is a small valley formed by the Chescombe Brook, which runs through the heart of the woodland. The brook adds to the charm of the area, providing a soothing soundtrack as it meanders through the trees and creates small cascades and pools. The sound of birdsong fills the air, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the place.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, such as oak, beech, and ash. These majestic trees provide a dense canopy that filters the sunlight, creating a cool and shady environment even on hot summer days. The forest floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding vibrant colors to the green surroundings.

Chescombe Bottom offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their leisure. These trails cater to different abilities and interests, from short strolls to longer hikes. Along the way, visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, badgers, and a diverse range of bird species.

Overall, Chescombe Bottom in Gloucestershire is a true gem within the Forest of Dean. Its tranquil woodland setting, diverse flora and fauna, and well-marked trails make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

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Chescombe Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.82647/-2.0245621 or Grid Reference SO9814. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland Coberley

View to the west across farmland between Coberley and Cowley.

Philip Halling

Clump of trees

Clump of trees beside a footpath between Cowley and Coberley.

Philip Halling

Field at Cowley in the Churn valley

This field between Cowley and Coberley was the site of a Channel 4 'Time Team' dig. The programme was entitled "Mysteries of the Mosaic" in which they unearthed mosaics and a Roman villa. The site is a scheduled monument, see: Link

Philip Halling

Gate pillars on the road to Cowley

This pair of gate pillars flank this road at its junction with the A435. The road leads to Cowley and originally this was a private drive to a manor. There used to be a lodge to the left but it was demolished in the 1960s.

Philip Halling

Grave of Sir James Horlick, 1st Baronet

Grave of Sir James Horlick, 1st Baronet in Cowley churchyard. He lived in Cowley Manor which is next to the church and now a luxury hotel. James and his brother William were born in Ruardean in the Forest of Dean and went off to the United States where they developed the Horlicks brand.

Philip Halling

Cowley church

Cowling church is dedicated to St Mary. The church dates from the 13th century and is Grade II* listed, see: Link

Philip Halling

Cowley church and Cowley Manor Hotel

St Mary's church which is situated next to Cowley Manor Hotel which can be seen in the background.

Philip Halling

War memorial in Cowley church

A World War I war memorial which is in Cowley church. It is interesting at the time of the memorial the war was usually known as the Great War, this memorial calls it the 'Great European War' which is contradictory as the first name on the memorial Maj. Gerald Nolekin Horlick is buried in Alexandria in Egypt. He was the son of Sir James Horlick who lived in Cowley Manor.

Philip Halling

Cowley Manor Hotel

Cowley Manor is now a 5 star hotel See: Link

. This impressive country house was almost entirely rebuilt in 1855-7 for James Hutchinson, a London Stockbroker. The design was by George Somers Clarke who built the new house on the site of an earlier 1695 house of Henry Brett. St Mary's church, Cowley, is in the grounds of Cowley Manor and can be seen on the right. The building is Grade II listed, see: Link

Philip Halling

Cowley Manor Hotel

Cowley Manor is now a 5 star hotel See: Link

This impressive country house was almost entirely rebuilt in 1855-7 for James Hutchinson, a London Stockbroker. The design was by George Somers Clarke who built the new house on the site of an earlier 1695 house of Henry Brett. St Mary's church, Cowley, is in the grounds of Cowley Manor and can be seen on the right. The building is Grade II listed, see: Link

The tower of St Mary's church can be seen on the right.

Philip Halling

Cross inside Cowley church

Until 2010 this wooden cross which was covered with lead and was on the roof of Cowley church. When the church was being re-roofed it was taken down and found to be in poor condition and replaced.

Philip Halling

Font in Cowley church

Philip Halling

Stone Stile, Elkstone

East of Highcross (crossroads) off an u/c road on Gloucestershire footpath BEL18. This is looking to the road, the view from the road is SO9713 : Stone Stile, Elkstone.

Mr Red

Stone Stile, Elkstone

East of Highcross (crossroads) off an u/c road on Gloucestershire footpath BEL18. This is looking from the road, the view from the field is SO9713 : Stone Stile, Elkstone.

Mr Red

Stone Stile, Elkstone

A "Fallen Idle", remains of a slab stile next to a gateway. East of Highcross off an u/c road on Gloucestershire footpath BEL19.

Mr Red

Stone Stile, Elkstone

On Gloucestershire footpaths BEL16 & BEL18 immediately East of a cottage called Ward Hay. This is the view looking South, the view North is SO9712 : Stone Stile, Elkstone.

Mr Red

Stone Stile, Elkstone

On Gloucestershire footpaths BEL16 & BEL18 immediately East of a cottage called Ward Hay. This is the view looking North, the view South is SO9712 : Stone Stile, Elkstone.

Mr Red