Cleeve Common

Cleeve Common is the largest area of common land in Gloucestershire and, at around 330m, the high point of the Cotswolds - a rolling limestone plateau on the Cotswold escarpment with sweeping views west over Cheltenham, the Malverns and, on a clear day, the Welsh hills. It's managed by the Cleeve Common Trust as registered common, not National Trust land, so take-off isn't barred, and there's a car park right on the top off the B4632. Fly considerately: this is grazing common shared with a golf course, walkers and occasionally model aircraft and paragliders using the escarpment lift, so keep a good lookout and give the golf holes and other airspace users a wide berth. Gloucestershire (Staverton) Airport lies about 11km west - outside its FRZ, but worth noting. There's no local drone byelaw. The escarpment edge is the money shot: launch back from the rim and fly out over the drop for a big reveal of the vale below. Winds accelerate up the scarp face and can be strong and lifting, so treat the edge with respect. Late afternoon and sunset, with the low sun flooding the vale and the escarpment casting long shadows, is the best window.