Battledown 2021

This course explores some of the leafy, well-heeled suburbs of SE Cheltenham. This includes the private Battledown estate up on the hill, the new developments at GCHQ’s former Oakley site and parts of Charlton Kings. Much of this is new ground for us, although there is some overlap with a couple of previous events.

The area is mostly urban and semi-urban with hard paved paths, but not always street lights. However, there are two areas of connecting countryside where footpaths may be wet or muddy depending on recent conditions and possibly a few nettles. These areas are highlighted with a thick red boundary on the map, so can be avoided if you prefer - I think the whole area is too large for an ordinary mortal to clear, so there will still be plenty of other controls to aim for. A few small roads have red crosses to indicate that these are private and out-of-bounds.

Parking and assembly are at the car park adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field. This is approached from the junction of King Alfred Way and Haywards Road. The nearest postcode is GL52 6RG.

What 3 words: hops.viewed.filed

If the car park is full, there is plenty of space on the roads of the neighbouring trading estate on Saxon Way and King Alfred Way.

Start and Finish are adjacent to the car park