May Hill Walk and Map
Photo © Jonathan Billinger (cc-by-sa/2.0)
May Hill is located on the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire border and promises an energetic walk with wonderful views.
With its scenic landscapes, majestic vistas, diverse wildlife, and rich history, May Hill offers a rewarding journey through the beautiful English countryside where you can enjoy nature all around. So, lace up your walking boots, breathe in the fresh air, and let the enchanting charm of May Hill take you on an energetic adventure.
Walk information
Key information at a glance
Distance
3.25 miles
Time
1.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Route Type
Circular
Characteristics
Woodland, hills
Parking
Free car park at start, grid reference 51.89717,-2.451114
Pub/Cafe
No
GPS App Guided
Yes
Community information
Based on 6 ratings from users
Overall Rating
4.25/5
Dog Friendly
4.4/5
Family Friendly
4.0/5
Buggy Friendly
2.4/5
Wheelchair Friendly
2.6/5
Toilet Facilities
1.0/5
Scenery
4.5/5
Path condition
4.2/5
Pub/Cafe
1.0/5
Livestock on route
Some livestock
Stiles
A few stiles on route
Mud level
May be muddy after wet weather
Route Map
Walk description
May Hill walk
3.25 miles
This is a lovely walk to the top of May Hill for walkers who like more of a workout, combined with beautiful views with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and picturesque meadows. This walk takes you through both open countryside and covered forestry in Newent Woods.
May Hill is steeped in folklore and history, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your walk. According to local legend, May Hill was once home to fairies, and on May Day, villagers would dance around its summit.
One of the highlights of walking at May Hill is the panoramic view it offers from its summit. As you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with an amazing view that stretches across the surrounding counties. On a clear day, you can marvel at the beauty of the Malvern Hills, the Cotswold Escarpment, and even catch a glimpse of the distant Welsh mountains.
Please note, there are some steeper parts going up to the hill.
User reviews
26/05/2025
Lovely walk. Horses and cows at the top of May hill today. Area can let dog off lead.
Get the Gloucestershire Walks app
Follow this route using the GPS guided walking app
Enjoy this May Hill walk with turn-by-turn GPS guidance using the Gloucestershire Walks app. Your live location is shown on the route map, making it easy to stay on the correct footpaths without constantly checking paper maps or signposts. The walk works offline, so you can continue even in areas with poor mobile signal.
✓ Live GPS location on the route map
✓ Works offline
✓ Never lose the footpath
✓ Includes 200+ Gloucestershire walks
✓ Free one-month trial
✓ Available for iPhone and Android
Download the Gloucestershire Walks app to see your position on the May Hill map as you walk.
The Gloucestershire Walks app shows your live position on the route map, making it easy to stay on the correct footpaths.
Here are a few more Gloucestershire and Cotswold walks on the app.
You can find more Cotswolds and Gloucestershire walks here