Nestled in the heart of the southern Cotswolds, Tetbury is a historic market town surrounded by classic Cotswold countryside, including rolling hills, wooded valleys, and quiet rural lanes. It’s an ideal base for walking holidays and day walks, with easy access to a wide network of public footpaths, circular routes, and long-distance trails.
The town is also ideally placed for visiting Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the UK’s most renowned woodland walking destinations, which can be reached on foot or easily accessed by local bus services from Tetbury —making it an easy and sustainable option for a day out.
From short town walks to longer countryside hikes, the Tetbury area offers a diverse range of walking routes suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll through historic streets or a more challenging rural ramble, this corner of the Cotswolds provides plenty of opportunities to explore on foot.
Tetbury Walks on Wheels
Distance: 1.75 miles (2.8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route & map
A circular walking route through Tetbury itself, exploring historic streets, the Market House and surrounding areas. While mostly on paved surfaces, there are some steep sections, making it better suited to those with moderate fitness.
Tetbury Circular via Ashley
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Route & map
A varied circular walk starting from Tetbury Goods Shed, following sections of a former railway line before heading out into open countryside towards Ashley. This route combines peaceful rural scenery with gentle gradients and is suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness.
Tetbury to Westonbirt Arboretum Walk
Distance: approx. 5 miles (8 km)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Route & map
A popular route linking Tetbury with the nearby Westonbirt Arboretum, combining woodland walking with open countryside and seasonal colour.
Tetbury & Highgrove Estate Circular
Distance: approx. 6–7 miles (10–11 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route & map
A scenic loop passing through farmland and countryside near Highgrove,the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, offering a glimpse of the wider landscape surrounding Tetbury.
Tetbury to Cherington & Avening Loop
Distance: approx. 7–9 miles (11–14 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route & map
A longer circular route exploring nearby villages, with classic Cotswold scenery and a mix of open views and sheltered valleys.
Tetbury Fosse Way & Shipton Moyne Circular
Distance: approx. 6–10 miles (10–16 km) (varies by route variation)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route & map
A scenic circular walk combining open countryside with a stretch of the ancient Roman Fosse Way. The route passes through the nearby village of Shipton Moyne, offering a mix of quiet lanes, farmland and wide Cotswold views.
Walking in Tetbury & the Surrounding Cotswolds
Walking in and around Tetbury offers a varied and rewarding experience, from gentle countryside strolls to more challenging routes through classic Cotswold scenery. The area is ideal for a wide range of walkers, with options including easy walks through the town and surrounding lanes, scenic circular walks linking nearby villages, and longer routes connecting to established trails such as the Monarch’s Way. With rolling hills, wooded valleys, and open farmland, Tetbury provides an excellent base for both relaxed outings and longer walks in the Cotswolds, with plenty of opportunities to stop in local villages and enjoy food and drink along the way.
Find out more about walking in the Cotswolds, walking routes, and walking tours.
