10 Adventures - 15 Incredible Walks in the Cotswolds

Posted on 6 October, 2021

Photo by Colin Watts on Unsplash

Written by Richard Campbell

Walking in the Cotswolds transports you to a wanderer’s paradise, where paths carve through the rolling English countryside, dreamy woodland and forests, and historic villages. Unsure of where to start? Take a look at some of the most incredible walks in the Cotswolds below!

15 Best Walks in the Cotswolds

The following walks range from easy to challenging, so pick the right walk for whatever mood you’re in, lace up your boots, and off you go!

1. Rollright Stones Circular Walk

Located in the northeastern section of the Cotswold, the easy-to-moderate, family-friendly Rollright Stones Circular Walk takes you through the countryside towards the fascinating Rollright Stones, which hark back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. These limestone monuments are a must-see if you’re exploring the Cotswolds!

2. Newark Park Loop

Looking for a varied adventure? If so, the Newark Park Loop makes for a great walking option! This walk packs woodland scenery, meadows with carpets of wildflowers, views of the Newark house and garden into one memorable adventure. The best part is that this walk is just under 4 kilometres long! Almost all ages will enjoy exploring this estate.

3. Cleeve Hill - Winchcombe Circular Walk

Setting out from Winchcombe, the Cleeve Hill - Winchcombe Circular Walk takes you along the Cotswold Way National Trail before unveiling scenic farmland scenery. Eventually, you’ll reach an ancient burial monument as well as stunning 360-views from the top of Cleeve Hill. The climb up Cleeve Hill can be tough, especially when it’s wet out, so come prepared with proper footwear!

4. Great Barrington Circular Walk

Stand above the village of Great Barrington to take in the Gloucestershire countryside on this incredible walk! The Great Barrington Circular Walk is 8.2-km long and boasts sheep, cattle, and Skylarks peppering the path.

5. Painswick and Slad Loop

The Painswick and Slad Loop seamlessly fuse historic, quaint villages with countryside views. It’s hard not to fall in love with this easy-going 11.7-km walk! You will cross stiles and streams, so keep this in mind when checking out walks in the Cotswolds.

6. Chedworth Roman Villa Walk

Enjoy nonstop entertainment on the Chedworth Roman Villa Walk, where adventure and history blend to form a memorable experience. Explore the countryside before reaching the Roman villa ruins, a site operated by the National Trust.

7. Cleeve Common Circular Walk

The Cleeve Common Circular Walk makes for a fantastic family-friendly meander! Walk amidst the countryside, relaxing in the bucolic surroundings, before experiencing an increase in your heart rate as you ascend Cleeve Hill. Finally, enjoy the rural scenery stretching into Wales, which you may be able to see on a cloudless day.

8. Bourton on the Hill and Sezincote House Loop

Starting out from Bourton on the Hill, you’ll soon stumble upon a rural setting and remnants of history. Pass by the 200-year-old Sezincote estate! This 7.7-km walk makes for another excellent family-friendly option.

9. Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill

The Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill is a family-friendly circular walk that beautifully stitches ancient tales embedded in the ever-so picturesque Castle Combe with lovely countryside scenery. En route, you’ll pass by Nettleton Mill, a historic spot.

10. Westonbirt Arboretum Walk

Discover a range of plant and tree species and meander along an aerial walkway on the circular Westonbirt Arboretum Walk. Dog owners should note that while there is an off-leash bit along this walk, the old Arboretum only allows dogs in certain areas. So, unfortunately, pups may have to skip this one out!

11. Cotswold Way: Birdlip to Painswick

Expect a lot to happen on the Birdlip to Painswick section of the Cotswold Way! Walking this one-way route will immerse you in quiet woodland as you make your way between two villages cloaked in history. Pass by the famous location of the Cheese Rolling Festival, Coopers Hill, en-route.

12. Broadway Tower Walk

The Broadway Tower Walk stitches crumbling historical relics with a stunning sightline that stretches over 16 counties—catch this view on a clear day! The trail will have you ascending for the majority of the walk, but hey, the stone folly created for Lady Coventure in the late 1700s and the view over England will make the momentary pain worth it.

13. Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular Walk

The Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular Walk has you travelling from Seven Springs, a lovely village and into the gorgeous countryside. Expect to meander across grassland hills, woodland, and some fascinating historic remnants as you make your way along this varied family-friendly trail.

14. Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk

Blend history with nature on the Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk. Like many walks in the Cotswolds, this short adventure takes you to a piece of history—the one on this walk harks back to thousands of years ago. Other than the Neolithic burial monument, you’ll also dip into a quiet, relaxing forest setting on your way back to your vehicle.

15. Elmley Castle Walk

This walk may not be super long, but it will get your heart rate up. After walking uphill, expect Worcestershire countryside views to flood your vision. Explore forest settings, revel in rolling green hills, and visit Great Comberton en-route! The views will keep you well entertained, making the huffing and puffing worth it.


Well, there you have it, the 15 best walks in the Cotswolds. Want to know more about this amazing place? Read on for more info!

Where should I stay in the Cotswolds?

If you’re looking for a walking adventure, we suggest staying in Winchcombe, where a range of walks await. To top it off, the village captures a magical vibe from the past! It’s definitely worth visiting here.

When should I go walking in the Cotswolds?

It’s best to walk between April and the end of September. This is because the trails can get quite muddy during the winter months.

What should I do if I’m not in the mood to walk?

You can check out some other renowned attractions sprinkling the area, such as the Gloucester Cathedral, Cotswold Wildlife Park, The Roman Baths, and so much more.

See you on the trails!

www.10adventures.com/hikes/cotswolds/

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