The Downs Brake

Wood, Forest in Gloucestershire Cotswold

England

The Downs Brake

The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett Credit: Steve Daniels

The Downs Brake is a small woodland located in Gloucestershire, England. Situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean, it covers an area of approximately 4 acres. The woodland is known for its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and vibrant canopy.

The Downs Brake is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths lead through a mixture of open glades, where sunlight filters through the trees, and more shaded areas, where moss and ferns thrive.

The woodland is also home to a variety of wildlife, providing a haven for many species. It is not uncommon to spot deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species during a visit to the Downs Brake. Additionally, the woodland is known for its rich flora, with wildflowers and fungi adding bursts of color and interest throughout the seasons.

The Downs Brake is open to the public year-round and is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through this enchanting woodland, immersing themselves in its natural beauty and the sense of tranquility it offers. Whether for a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or simply to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Downs Brake is a hidden gem in Gloucestershire's woodlands.

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The Downs Brake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.853909/-1.8656389 or Grid Reference SP0917. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hampnett
The A40 heading west near Hazleton
The A40 heading west near Hazleton
A40 at Garniche Farm
A40 at Garniche Farm
A40 west of Hampnett
A40 west of Hampnett
A40 near Hampnett
A40 near Hampnett
Hazleton Church
Hazleton Church
Stone Stile, Hazelton Private stile gated off in the field, this is looking looking North from the road, the view from the field is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7315856">SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton</a>.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
Private stile gated off in the field, this is looking looking North from the road, the view from the field is SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton.
Stone Stile, Hazelton Private stile gated off in the field, this is looking from the field, the view looking North from the road is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7315855">SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton</a>.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
Private stile gated off in the field, this is looking from the field, the view looking North from the road is SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton.
Stone Stile, Hazelton Private stile just South of Winterfold Cottage, looking West. The view East is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7315880">SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton</a>. The top wooden bar lifts off.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
Private stile just South of Winterfold Cottage, looking West. The view East is SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton. The top wooden bar lifts off.
Stone Stile, Hazelton Private stile just South of Winterfold Cottage, looking East. The view West is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7315879">SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton</a>. The top wooden bar lifts off.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
Private stile just South of Winterfold Cottage, looking East. The view West is SP0817 : Stone Stile, Hazelton. The top wooden bar lifts off.
Stone Stile, Hazelton A simple step stile to a complex of dwellings, in a low wall between "the Chestnuts" and "Beeches Barn". Not a Public Right of Way.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
A simple step stile to a complex of dwellings, in a low wall between "the Chestnuts" and "Beeches Barn". Not a Public Right of Way.
Stone Stile, Hazelton Private footpath that goes to the rear of Nᴼ.1 Hazelton (et al). This view is looking out, the view to the houses is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7316403">SP0717 : Stone Stile, Hazelton</a>.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
Private footpath that goes to the rear of Nᴼ.1 Hazelton (et al). This view is looking out, the view to the houses is SP0717 : Stone Stile, Hazelton.
Stone Stile, Hazelton Private footpath that goes to the rear of Nᴼ.1 Hazelton (et al). This view is to the houses, the view out is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7316402">SP0717 : Stone Stile, Hazelton</a>.
Stone Stile, Hazelton
Private footpath that goes to the rear of Nᴼ.1 Hazelton (et al). This view is to the houses, the view out is SP0717 : Stone Stile, Hazelton.
A circular walk around Northleach [32] A view from the track with the village of Hampnett in the distance.
The route heads south from Northleach before heading west to Winterwell Barn and across the Fosse Way. The way is then north towards the picturesque village of Hampnett where the route turns east to run alongside the A40 road before a turn to the south to return to Northleach. Just over 4½ miles.
A circular walk around Northleach [32]
A view from the track with the village of Hampnett in the distance. The route heads south from Northleach before heading west to Winterwell Barn and across the Fosse Way. The way is then north towards the picturesque village of Hampnett where the route turns east to run alongside the A40 road before a turn to the south to return to Northleach. Just over 4½ miles.
A circular walk around Northleach [33] From the track, a bridleway ascends towards Hampnett House.
The route heads south from Northleach before heading west to Winterwell Barn and across the Fosse Way. The way is then north towards the picturesque village of Hampnett where the route turns east to run alongside the A40 road before a turn to the south to return to Northleach. Just over 4½ miles.
A circular walk around Northleach [33]
From the track, a bridleway ascends towards Hampnett House. The route heads south from Northleach before heading west to Winterwell Barn and across the Fosse Way. The way is then north towards the picturesque village of Hampnett where the route turns east to run alongside the A40 road before a turn to the south to return to Northleach. Just over 4½ miles.
Show me another place!

The Downs Brake is located at Grid Ref: SP0917 (Lat: 51.853909, Lng: -1.8656389)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Cotswold

Police Authority: Gloucestershire

What 3 Words

///bleaker.describes.handlebar. Near Northleach, Gloucestershire

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