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Autumn walks in the Cotswolds
18th October 2016
There’s a crispness in the air and the trees are turning vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, making it a wonderful time for a walk in the Cotswolds. Pull on your coat and boots and head out to explore our splendid countryside!
There are lots of areas of woodland so you can have a good crunch through piles of autumn leaves. Head up high on one of our hills and be rewarded with some stunning views. After your walk, warm up in a country inn or traditional tearoom.
Batsford Arboretum
Enjoy the changing colours of autumn with a walk through the beautiful Batsford Arboretum. From early October until mid-November, you can expect a natural fireworks display of colour, thanks to the magnificent collection of Japanese maples, Sorbus, Euonymus and cherries dotted around the 56 acre Arboretum.
(Open all year, entrance fee)
Westonbirt Arboretum
With 15,000 trees from around the globe, Westonbirt Arboretum is a remarkable place to see autumn colour. Their famous Japanese maples in particular come ablaze in reds, oranges and yellows. There are 17 miles of accessible paths in the arboretum, including two special autumn trails, one through dog-friendly Silk Wood (allow 2 hours) and one through the Old Arboretum, which is dog-free (allow 1 hour).
(Open all year, entrance fee)
Blenheim Palace
Explore 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland at Blenheim Palace. There are lots of options for walks around the park and so many vistas and landscape features to enjoy including the Great Lake, Grand Bridge, Cascade and Water Terraces. There are lots of trees in the parkland so you’ll get the full glory of autumn colours.
(Open all year, entrance fee)
Charlbury and the Wychwood Forest (Route 1)
An 8 mile circular walk starting from the charming Cotswold town of Charlbury and taking the only public right of way through the ancient Wychwood Forest within the Cornbury Park estate, continuing to Finstock and then back into the forest. Look out for the 12th century medieval church at Shorthampton.
(Open all year, no entry fee)
Winchcombe and Belas Knap
A 5.5 mile circular walk from the picturesque town of Winchcombe, following the Cotswold Way to Belas Knap, a Neolithic Burial Mound. Enjoy lovely views of the town and Sudelely Castle, as well as the surrounding Cotswold hills.
(Open all year, no entry fee)
Woodchester Mansion and woodland walk
This 3.5 mile circular walk starts from the atmospheric Victorian Gothic masterpiece, Woodchester Mansion, which was mysteriously left unfinished (open until 30 October). The Boathouse walk takes you through a secluded wooded valley, past the three ponds and picturesque boathouse.
(Open all year, no entry fee)
Cranham Woods to Painswick Beacon
This classic 5 mile Cotswold Way taster walk goes through stunning beech woods so you’ll be privilege to a canopy of autumn colour. You’ll also get great views from the top of Painswick beacon and a riverside ramble though Laurie Lee country.
(Open all year, no entry fee)
Cleeve Hill and Common
Roam across the Cotswolds’ highest common for fabulous views to the Malverns and into Wales. This 4 mile walk has some steep sections but you will be rewarded with views. The old English name of the hill is Cleeve Cloud - at 330 metres about sea level , it’s the Cotswolds highest point but as the name suggests, you should only attempt the climb on a clear day!
(Open all year, no entry fee)
Guiting Power and Castlett Wood
This easy 4 mile circular route from the village of Guiting Power follows drovers’ trails and quiet lanes through woodland and along the Guiting Stream. It’s a good family walk at any time of the year, and perfect for autumn, as it passes through a beautiful stretch of Castlett Wood.
(Open all year, no entry fee)
Bibury and River Coln
Get away from the sightseeing crowds in Bibury on this delightful 4 mile walk which includes a stretch of the Oxhill wood where you can enjoy the autumn colours. You’ll cross the ancient Roman road of Akeman Street on this walk along with a rare old dewpond scooped out in a stony hollow.
(Open all year, no entry fee)
