Cotswold Way Landmarks: The Devil's Chimney

The Cotswold Way, one of England's most picturesque National Trails

The Devil's Chimney

One of the most popular legends for the origin of this pillar of rock standing on the Cotswold Edge above Cheltenham, is that it is the home of the devil who resides deep in the ground below.  

Angered by the many churches in the region, it is thought that Old Nick, as the Devil is affectionately known, sat on top of Leckhampton Hill and hurled stones at pilgrims who were on their way to prayer down in the valley below. However, his wicked ways backfired as the stones turned and hurled themselves back up the hill, burying him beneath the ground for ever.  The heavy stones piled one upon the other, forming the chimney, locking him in and ensuring he could never escape. 

For extra protection, Cheltenham inhabitants would climb to the top of the chimney to leave a coin as insurance against the Devil's anger and, as some believe, to ensure the privacy of its most infamous inhabitant.

Generations of young people have climbed the rock, including 13 brave souls who hold the unofficial record for the largest number of people to stand on the top at the same time.   Sadly, owing to the gradual erosion of the landmark, climbing has been prohibited, but it remains one of the iconic sights along the Cotswold Way.

Contact us for hiking holidays along the Cotswold Way and other National Trail in the Heart of England.

Happy hiking
Anne
Walk the Landscape

Exploring Adlestrop

Wandering through Adlestrop in the spring sunshine.

A magical time of year to go walking.

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Anne

Walk the Landscape

Cotswold Way Landmarks: Broadway Tower

The Cotswold Way Walking Holiday 

enjoy superb rolling countryside with stunning views, 

pretty towns and villages and historic sites

Broadway Tower

This folly in the style of a Norman Keep was built by the Earl of Coventry for his wife on their Springhill Estate between 1797 and 1800.  It is in a prominent position with views over 16 of the original English counties and it can be seen from the family seat in Worcester. The Earl's wife took great trouble to find the most suitable location.   Before it was built she had a flaming beacon lit at the site, then drove around the surrounding area making sure that it could be seen.  

The hill was previously called the Beacon and Barrow Hill and was likely to have been a site for bonfires transmitting important national news such as the sighting of the Spanish Armada. For a short time in the 19th century the tower was home to William Morris, a founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement and was used a observation point during the Second World War.  There is also a Cold War nuclear bunker close by.  

Broadway Tower lies at the northern end of the Cotswold Way above the village of Broadway and about 5 miles south of Chipping Campden.  It now lies in a country park with a herd of red deer and a café.

Contact us to find out more about walking holidays along all or part of the Cotswold Way

Best

Anne