Cotswold Walks

Our favourite Cotswolds walks

The Severn Way

We'll start off gently with a nice easy walk along the River Severn. Start your walk in Tewkesbury and follow the Severn Way for as long as you wish. If you continue to walk through the Nature Reserve along the disused canal to Coombe Hill, you can catch the bus back to either Cheltenham or Tewkesbury (# 41 or 42). This walk takes you past Odda's Chapel, a tiny Saxon chapel built around 1056.
The full walk to Coombe Hill is around 14 miles and is very flat so not too strenuous. As the walk follows the river, it can be quite muddy at times, but is a very picturesque walk.

Moreton in Marsh to Broadway (via Chipping Campden)

Starting in Moreton in Marsh, follow the Monarch's Way towards Blockley, where you can stop for refreshments. Continue to follow the Monarch's Way out of the village towards the very pretty Broad Campden. From here it's just another short walk to Chipping Campden - perfect to stop for lunch. Follow the Cotswold Way towards Broadway; there are then a number of footpaths into the village. This walk is around 12-15 miles depending on the exact route you take. There are a few steep hills, but worth it for the views. You can then catch bus #21 back to Moreton in Marsh. OS Map OL45 - The Cotswolds

Bourton on the Water to Winchcombe

Follow the Windrush Way out of Bourton on the Water in the direction of Naunton. Continue through Naunton to Guiting Power, then take the Diamond Way through Guiting Wood, joining the Warden's Way to take you into Winchcombe. This walk is strenuous in parts and around 14 miles long. OS Map OL45 The Cotswolds

Cheltenham to Leckhampton Hill

Head south out of Cheltenham in the direction of Leckhampton. At Daisybank Road, turn left and follow any path you wish leading up! The view from the top of the hill takes in Cheltenham & Gloucester and you will pass the Devil's Chimney above the disused quarry. If you want to continue, this is where you can join the Cotswold Way over to Crickley Hill, where there are picnic benches and a viewpoint. The top of Leckhampton Hill is around 3 miles from the centre of town and Crickley Hill is around 2.5 miles of the top of Leckhampton Hill.
There is also a car park at the top of hill if you want to enjoy the view without exerting yourself too much. OS Map 179 - Cheltenham, Gloucester & Stroud

Robinswood Hill

Robinswood Hill Country Park in Gloucester is a wonderful place to wile away a few hours. Spread over 250 acres, there are marked nature and geology trails. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust visitor centre is home to a conservation centre and often holds events for children such as wildlife walks. OS Map 179 - Cheltenham, Gloucester & Stroud

Bourton on the Water to The Slaughters

From Bourton on the Water, cross the A429 (carefully please) and follow the Heart of England Way to Lower Slaughter and continue on the Macmillan Way to Upper Slaughter. Both villages are very beautiful and have a peaceful feel to them. This is an easy walk - around 2 miles from Bourton to Upper Slaughter. As parking is limited in the two villages, this walk is recommended for those wishing to visit from Bourton. OS Map OL45 The Cotswolds

Bourton on the Water to Stow on the Wold

Follow the route above to Upper Slaughter, then follow the Monarch's Way to Lower Swell. From here you can head to Upper Swell, or continue straight into Stow on the Wold. OS Map OL45 The Cotswolds

Painswick to Painswick Beacon

From Painswick follow the Cotswold Way north to the Beacon. Painswick Beacon is 250 acres of common land and the site of an Iron Age hill fort. The beautiful views are of the Severn Valley and the Malvern hills. Continue through to Pope's Wood and Kite's Hill for a longer walk. The Beacon is 1.5 miles form the centre of Painswick. OS Map 179 - Cheltenham, Gloucester & Stroud

Gloucester to Painswick

Starting on Robinswood Hill in Gloucester, follow the Wysis Way to Painswick Beacon, then the Cotswold Way down into Painswick. This walk is about 7 miles and includes a few steep hills. OS Map 179 - Cheltenham, Gloucester & Stroud

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