Devil’s Chimney, Leckhampton Hill — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Devil’s Chimney, Leckhampton Hill — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Leckhampton Hill, Shurdington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9QH

Devil’s Chimney, Leckhampton Hill

Strange monument

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Dramatic

Feel

HillsValleyWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.8

A curious limestone pillar stands above the escarpment: according to a walking-film source, quarrymen created it around 1780, partly as a joke and partly from stone considered unsuitable for their work.

The appeal is the contrast between an unlikely human-made-looking limestone stack and the open escarpment above Cheltenham. The approach is short enough for a focused visit, while nearby hill paths and the Cotswold Way offer scope to explore further.

Dramatic · Atmospheric

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Leckhampton Hill, Shurdington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9QH

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The experience

Visit the limestone pillar above Leckhampton Hill, then continue onto the surrounding hill paths for escarpment views. The ground is steep and rocky in places, and the quarry edges require care.

Things to do

See the limestone pillar

Find the distinctive limestone formation known as the Devil’s Chimney above the quarry. Keep back from exposed edges.

Allow time for the approach and a short stop; exact duration depends on the route.

Continue along the hill paths

The supplied walking guide describes continuing uphill to the Cotswold Way and an information board, with open views from the hill.

Look across the escarpment

On a clear day, take in the views towards Cheltenham and the surrounding countryside described by the walk guide.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; check route and conditions before setting out.

Quick escape: find the Chimney

01
Use the Daisybank Road approach described by the supplied walk guide.
02
Follow the uphill path towards the limestone formation.
03
Pause at the Devil’s Chimney, keeping clear of exposed quarry edges, then return by a suitable path.

Half day · Allow a half day; exact duration depends on the route chosen.

Half day: Chimney and escarpment

01
Approach the Devil’s Chimney from Daisybank Road using the supplied walk guide.
02
Continue onto the hill paths and Cotswold Way, following the guide’s described route and signposts.
03
Explore the open hilltop and enjoy the views where conditions allow; return before light or weather deteriorates.

Verified history

A walking-film source says the Devil’s Chimney was probably created around 1780 by quarrymen, partly as a joke and partly from stone considered inferior for their requirements. It also says repairs and remedial work were carried out in 1985. These details are reported by that source rather than independently corroborated in the supplied research.

Folklore & legend

The name evokes the Devil, but the supplied research does not establish a specific local legend. The walking-film source instead suggests the pillar was a quarrymen’s creation.

When to go

· Choose a clear, dry period for the rocky approach and views. No particular time of day is supported by the supplied sources.

The supplied sources do not identify a best season.

The walk guide warns that rocky sections may become slippery when wet. Check conditions before setting out and take care on uneven ground and near quarry edges.

The route

surface: Uneven, rocky ground with steep sections; may be slippery when wet.
distance: A separate family-walk source gives a 2.5-mile circular walk; confirm that its route suits your start point and conditions.
difficulty: Steep and rocky in places; the supplied walk guide says smaller children and less confident walkers may struggle.
waymarking: The supplied guide describes signposts on the Cotswold Way and a well-worn approach path.
route shape: Circular route described by the supplied family-walk guide.
start point: Daisybank Road, Leckhampton Hill; follow the supplied guide’s directions and check access before setting out.
parking start: The supplied guide describes two small parking areas on Daisybank Road, GL53 9QQ, and additional laybys. Check current arrangements.
shorter alternative: Visit the Devil’s Chimney from the Daisybank Road approach and return without completing the circular walk, checking the route and access locally.

Devil’s Chimney limestone formation
Escarpment and hilltop views
Cotswold Way

Worth pairing with

Cotswold Way on Leckhampton Hill

Extend the visit onto the Cotswold Way and surrounding hill paths; the supplied sources describe a signposted route and open escarpment views.

What to look for

01
The limestone pillar above the quarry
02
the contrast between its rough stone and the open escarpment
03
and, from higher ground, views towards Cheltenham and the surrounding hills when visibility allows.

The story

Industry, Folklore & legend

Best time to go

Clear, dry weather is best for the rocky approach and distant views; no particular season is established by the supplied sources.

Choose a dry, clear day for firmer footing and better views. The sources do not establish a seasonal best time.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Shurdington, Cheltenham GL53 9QH

Phone

+44 7798 725965

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.6 · 590 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A steep, uneven and rocky approach is described from Daisybank Road. The source notes exposed quarry edges; keep well back and take particular care with children. Check current access and conditions before visiting. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

A supplied walk guide describes two small parking areas on Daisybank Road, GL53 9QQ, and additional laybys. Spaces are limited; check current parking arrangements before setting out.

Check before visiting

Toilets

A supplied walk guide reports no public toilets along its route. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Bring your own drinks and snacks, or seek food in Cheltenham; check current options before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

A supplied walk guide says dogs are welcome; check current access rules before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible. The supplied walk guide describes steep, rocky, uneven sections and says the route is unsuitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Take care on exposed quarry edges.

Cost

Check before visiting