Peter Gabriel’s 1977 hit, “Solsbury Hill,” is more than just a catchy tune from the Easy 70s playlist; it’s a song steeped in personal transformation and set against the backdrop of a very real place. Driving through the Cotswolds recently, the song played, sparking a question: “Is Solsbury Hill a real place?” The answer is a resounding yes, and it’s a place that resonates with the song’s themes of change and new beginnings.
The Story Behind the Song: Leaving Genesis and Embracing Change
“Solsbury Hill” emerged shortly after Peter Gabriel’s departure from the iconic progressive rock band Genesis. The lyrics are widely interpreted as being about this pivotal moment in his career, a brave decision to leave behind the familiar and step into an uncertain future. More broadly, the song speaks to anyone contemplating a significant life change, about the apprehension and excitement that come with letting go of the old and embracing the new. The narrator in the song, feeling stuck in a rut, climbs Solsbury Hill and encounters an eagle, a symbol of freedom and perspective. This encounter inspires him to “walk right out of the machinery” of his current life, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation – “boom boom boom.”
Discovering Little Solsbury Hill: A Real Place Near Bath
Solsbury Hill, or more accurately, Little Solsbury Hill, is indeed a real location. Nestled near Bath in the Cotswolds, this small but significant hill is even mentioned in the song’s lyrics, referencing the city below. Peter Gabriel intentionally omitted “Little” from the song title, perhaps for better rhythm, but also because locally, it’s simply known as Solsbury Hill – there’s no other hill of the same name nearby to cause confusion.
Edita stands at the summit trig point of Little Solsbury Hill, overlooking the city of Bath. The image captures the essence of the song’s uplifting and transformative spirit.
Hiking Little Solsbury Hill: History and Inspiring Views
Don’t let the “Little” in Little Solsbury Hill mislead you; while it stands at a modest 191m (approximately 627 feet), the climb can certainly get your heart rate up. This makes it an accessible yet invigorating walk for those seeking fresh air and inspiring views. Historically, the hill is significant too. Its flat, triangular summit, roughly 300m per side, was once the site of an Iron Age hill fort, occupied between 300BC and 100BC. Today, remnants of this fort – a bank and ditch – are still visible, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your visit.
Following a guidebook for Walking in the Cotswolds, a pleasant 11½-mile walk begins at the foot of Solsbury Hill, ascends to its summit, and continues to the Cotswold Edge. This escarpment offers panoramic views across the Severn Estuary to the hills of South Wales. Walking up Solsbury Hill, you’ll understand why it’s considered “Peter Gabriel’s legendary hill”. Reaching the summit and the trig pillar, the view is genuinely inspiring. Solsbury Hill’s unique position, surrounded by valleys and standing slightly apart from higher hills, provides an exceptional vantage point over Bath spread out below.
The author hiking towards the Cotswold Edge, with Little Solsbury Hill visible in the background. This image emphasizes the hill’s accessibility and integration within the broader Cotswold landscape, inviting readers to explore the area.
The Eagle, Prophecy, and Your Own Solsbury Hill Moment
The lyric “eagle flew out of the night” in “Solsbury Hill” has been playfully questioned for its ornithological accuracy, as eagles were not common in the Cotswolds in 1977. However, Peter Gabriel’s genius might have been prophetic. White-tailed eagles have been reintroduced to southern England and are increasingly sighted. Perhaps, one day, someone will indeed witness an eagle soaring over Solsbury Hill, finding their own inspiration to embrace change, just as the song suggests.
Whether you’re a fan of Peter Gabriel, a lover of scenic walks, or simply seeking a place for reflection and inspiration, consider a visit to Solsbury Hill. Climb its slopes, take in the views, and perhaps, like the song’s narrator, you too will find the motivation to “let go of what you have” and step towards a new chapter. Maybe you could be that person who sees the eagle and finds their own “Solsbury Hill” moment.
