Cranham Beast

The 10k, starting at Buckshead Farm, Cranham, the route heads to Cranham Lodge, over the road to reveal a spectacular view across the Malvern Hills (see photo)Headed down through Crayfield Farm, crossing the Cotswold Way and a 500ft descent reaching Great Witcombe & the Witcombe Resevoirs.  There won’t be much time for respite as the starts heading up into Cooper Hill Wood for about 1 mile. Luckily, the Beast route takes in the slightly less steep Cotswold Way to the side of Coopers Hill, but only slightly! Once at the top, it’s worth looking back down, what hill people will chase after a cheese for! It may seem like the toughest hills have been completed, however with High Brotheridge, one of the highest points in the Cotswolds to be sumitted in the last few miles of the event, really is a challenge.

Coopers Hill, followed by High Brotheridge is why it’s “the Beast”

With lungs burning, a short descent to the Brotheridge Farm, where Steve Hannis, who kindly gives and prepares the event awards from local Buckholt wood, offers a brief respite before the next hill. The course now crosses Buckholt road and heads down to the fallen tree. With the last few miles left, there is the challenge of Monks Ditch, the Stream and the final climb out of Buckholt and Cranham Woods, up to the finish at Buckshead Farm. You will now have time to take a deep breath, realise what you have just achieved and reflect on a very varied event, with some amazing, wildlife rich Woodland, spectacular views, pieces of history and local legends such as the famous Cheese Rolling