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Ranked 2 of 2 facilties in ranked in Gloucestershire
Wow factor
Accessibility
Photo potential
Devil's Chimney
| Directions: |
The Devil’s Chimney via the A46 South out of Cheltenham, then onto the B4070 through Leckhampton. Follow the B4070 up Leckhampton Hill and at the peak of the hill turn left onto Hartley Lane. There is ample parking in the quarry car park (roughly 300 yards up Hartley lane) and the public footpath leads to the Devil’s Chimney. |
| Accessibility: |
Steep footpath from the car park to the Devil’s Chimney. |
| Costs: |
N/A |
| Best time to visit: |
All year |
Venue information
The Devil’s Chimney is a limestone rock formation that stands high above a disused quarry in Leckhampton, only 2 miles from the centre of Cheltenham.
The rock formation was given the name for its unusual shape as it twists and rises out of the ground quite spectacularly against the scenic Cotswold backdrop. The chimney has become a local landmark for the village of Leckhampton over the years but its origins are somewhat unknown. We’re led to believe that local quarry workers built the feature in the 18th century and it’s still standing to this day, having survived an earthquake in 1926.
By 1985 erosion around the base of the Devil’s Chimney was noticeable and it was agreed that repairs would be undertaken to keep the structure standing tall for many more years. A viewpoint was also built for onlookers and it makes a fantastic subject to photograph in the late hours of day during the cold winter months.
Access to the Chimney is limited by two steep public footpaths, one from Daisy Bank Road and the other from Hartley Lane.
Photoanswers Location Rating : 4
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I can almost see this from my window and have photographed it many times. Best to take the shot from just below the fence. However, this is very risky as it is a fall of several hundred feet if you slip. I took such shots when younger but stick to the fenced area now. Best early or late as for most landscapes.
Dave
(Written by: Dave Canon)
16 December 2008 09:17
