Top 5 Walks for Winter in the Cotswolds

1st January 2016

 

Wrap up warm and head for the hills this winter in the Cotswolds, when days can be crisp and sparkling. If it gets a little chilly, seek out a traditional Cotswold pub to cosy up in front of a log fire and sample some local ale or a warming hot chocolate. Here are our top 5 suggestions for winter walks:

Walk One - Painswick to Slad circular walk (approx 6 miles)

This circular walk begins from the car park in Painswick, often described as ‘the Queen of the Cotswolds’. It drops down into the pretty Painswick Valley and up the other side, before your final descent into the Slad Valley, made famous by Laurie Lee’s novel ‘Cider with Rosie’. Enjoy some well-earned refreshment in front of a log fire at the Woolpack pub, Lee’s own watering hole, before heading back to Painswick. While in Painswick, don’t miss a visit to the Rococo Garden, famed for its outstanding displays of snowdrops during winter.

Walk Two - Cotswold Way Circular Walk approx 3 to 4.5 miles

This delightful walk begins in the beautiful town of Chipping Campden, which is the designated start of the Cotswold Way national trail. On the way, head through shaded woodlands and pass breathtaking views. Walk on Dover’s Hill, home to the Cotswold Olimpiks. There are lots of lovely pubs and cafes in the town, or warm up with a delicious hot pudding at the nearby famous Pudding Club at Three Ways House.  Court Barn Museum in Chipping Campden is home to a fabulous collection from the Arts & Crafts movement. 

Walk Three - Walk from Tetbury to Westonbirt Arboretum approx 5.5 miles

This popular circular walk is available to buy from Tetbury VIC. The walk takes you through country lanes, park and farm lands, skirting the Highgrove estate to the Hare & Hounds hotel. Return through Doughton using old road and farm tracks. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Tetbury itself, as well as a cafe at Westonsbirt Arboretum. 

Walk Four - Cleeve Hill to Winchcombe (bus and walk) approx 4 miles

Alight from the bus at Cleeve Hill Golf Club and walk down towards the pretty town of Winchcombe, a Walkers are Welcome town.  Pass Postlip Farm and walk along part of the Cotswold Way en route. There is a good choice of pubs, cafes and tea rooms in Winchcombe. Sudeley Castle opens from 7th March and is well worth a visit. 

Cloth, Coal & Canals approx 3.5 miles

This walk, in association with the Royal Geographical Society, follows the canal towpath from Stroud to Stonehouse, telling the history of the Stroud Valley. Mills, locks, bridges, wildlife and beautiful scenery dot the route. Return to Stroud by foot, bus or train, where you will find a good choice of cafes and restaurants, as well as the famous Saturday Farmers’ Market.  This walk is available as a booklet, audio or downloadable format.

Click here for more information about walking routes in the Cotswolds.