10 Best Walks In Cotswolds, England - Updated 2024

best walks in the cotswolds
Pala
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

Cotswolds is an area of awe-inspiring natural beauty. The Cotswolds is also a haven for the hikers and feature miles of bridleways and public pathways to explore. Boasting some of the most magnificent manmade structures, the walks here brim with secluded spots and scenic viewpoints simply waiting to be explored. Spanning over six different counties you could spend your entire lifetime crossing the pathways of the beautiful hills. Thatched cottages, stately houses, and quaint pubs and gardens are some of the reasons to grab a map, wear your hiking boots, and get ready to venture to the great outdoors. Inhale the fresh crisp air and start exploring these best walks in Cotswolds, UK.

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1. Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common (from USD 50.0)

best walks in the cotswolds | minchinhampton and rodborough common

The entire trip lasts for around seven to nine hours, and you can explore the hidden gems like the towns and villages of the Cotswolds. Marvel at the beautiful views of the unspoiled countryside, as well as quaint stone cottages from the operator’s personal and compact minibus. The guides are fully equipped with cultural and historical information so that you can get acquainted with these stunning areas of England. You will visit Malmesbury, which is a pretty market town featuring a bustling high street. Also get a chance to explore Biburh, which many regard as England’s most beautiful village, and Tetbury, which was a major market town, referred to as an “architectural gem” because of several houses of the wool merchants as they appeared three centuries ago.

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From Bath: Cotswold Discovery Tour

Duration: 8 hour

4 reviews

2. The Cotswold Way (from USD 1.0)

Get immersed into the beautiful views of the Cotswold and feel free from the tension of driving on the left side of the road as there will be a private guide or driver to drive you as a part of this memorable door-to-door adventure covering the heart of England. You will travel through sleepy villages and country lanes and will be close to the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. The tour includes water, snacks, and Wi-Fi. However, book entry tickets to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s Birthplace for your convenience.

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Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Private Trip From London

Duration: 10 hours

21 reviews

3. The Rollright Stones

Rollright Stones - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ian freeman used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Rollright Stones is a picturesque route that is an excellent introduction to appreciate the beauty of Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The walk starts at a lovely village called Salford and takes you to the valley and then to the intriguing Rollright Stones. After exploring the stones, take a walk along the Little Rollright’s charming hamlet. You should also go and enjoy a leisurely drink with friends at The Salford Inn while taking this walk.

The Rollright Stones

Address: Stone Ct, Great Rollright, Chipping Norton OX7 5QB, United Kingdom

Website: The Rollright Stones

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4. Haresfield Beacon

Haresfield Beacon - geograph.org.uk - 480433
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Trevor Rickard used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Come, enjoy the stunning landscape on this walk at Haresfield Beacon of the National Trust in Gloucestershire. The estate is accessible to the public and people can appreciate the mesmerizing landscape, wildlife in abundance, and great views. The entire walk takes around 3.5 hours to 4 hours. The walk is an easy one and the trail covers an approximate distance of 7.2 km (4.5 miles). Enjoy this long-distance journey through charming villages, past ancient spots, and picturesque countryside.

Haresfield Beacon

Address: Cotswold Way, Stonehouse GL10 3ES, United Kingdom

Website: Haresfield Beacon

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5. The Wychavon Way

The Wychavon Way - geograph.org.uk - 922546
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Trevor Rickard used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Explore the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, wander along peaceful waterways, sample the delights of locally grown food and drink while taking this walk. Starting in the spa town of Droitwich Spa with its historic canals and finishing in the wonderful Cotswold village of Broadway, the Wychavon Way will guide you through meadows, woodlands, orchards and riverside pastures and take you from hidden hollows to towering hilltops with stunning views over the famous Vale of Evesham and beyond.

The Wychavon Way

Address: Wychavon District, United Kingdom

Website: The Wychavon Way

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6. Charlecote Park

Charlecote Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Necrothesp used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the landscape inspired by Brown at any season of the year. The grassy paths are appropriate for buggies while wildlife-spotting opportunities are available in abundance at Shakespeare’s Avon. It is a pleasant walk appropriate for the entire family. There will be sufficient time available to spot Jacob sheep and fallow deer. Also, enjoy spectacular views of the house, which is set by the riverside. Carry a pair of binoculars so that you can view the wildlife without any hindrance. You can come here on any day as the park is open on all days of the week.

Charlecote Park

Address: Charlecote, Warwick CV35 9ER, United Kingdom

Website: Charlecote Park

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7. The Blossom Trail

Blossom Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gemini2525 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Spanning for more than 64.37 km (40 mi), the sign-posted route covers the beautiful Vale of Evesham. The ideal time to come here for a walk is during the months of March and May. These are the months when the trees along this trail are full of white and pink blossoms. You will come across some of the most charming sights while driving along Blossom Trail. The Vale Trail, on the other hand, has great importance from the general angle of gastronomy and horticulture.

The Blossom Trail

Address: Evesham, England

Website: The Blossom Trail

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8. Newark Park

Newark Park 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rob Farrow used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Welcome to Newark Park, on the summit of the Cotswold Escarpment! There are three walks you can try out around the estate from the main site of the car park. Explore this huge estate attached to a building in the Grade I listing in Gloucestershire. You will cross a woodland area, a fenced garden, and pristine lakes in the park. You may also come across several resident peacocks and deer. As the park is situated on the Cotswold escarpment’s edges, you can enjoy some really exotic views. The park is mammoth with many footpaths to enjoy comfortable walks.

Newark Park

Address: Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7PZ, United Kingdom

Website: Newark Park

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9. The Winchcombe Way

Winchcombe, Gloucestershire - geograph.org.uk - 131962
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ralph Rawlinson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

A marked 42-mile figure-of-eight trail centred on the Cotswold town of Winchcombe designed to show walkers the hidden gems of the northern Cotswolds. The eastern loop climbs out of Winchcombe and follows the Farmcote valley before entering Guiting Wood. From here it passes through quiet valleys and tranquil villages, following the Cotswold Escarpment to the spectacular Stanway House and the restored watermill. It then proceeds past Hailes Abbey on the return to Winchcombe. The western loop ascends Langley Hill offering splendid views before dropping down into Gretton and across to Alderton. The trail then skirts around Dumbleton Hill, continuing through Alstone and onto Cleeve Common with its rare plants and panoramic views. The trail reaches its conclusion with a descent towards Winchcombe offering fine views of Sudeley Castle and the surrounding countryside.

The Winchcombe Way

Address: Winchcombe, Cheltenham, UK

Website: The Winchcombe Way

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10. Crickley Hill

Crickley Hill Country Park (14) - geograph.org.uk - 1300171
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brian Robert Mars... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The park features many trails offering some of the finest views of the lovely countryside of the Gloucestershire, along with a cafe, and a picnic spot. You can enjoy a brief circular walk around a country park called Crickley Hill that comprises Limestone Grassland, scenic vistas of this lovely area, and Beech Woodlands. The park offers magnificent vistas of the Cotswolds Hills and overlooks the Severn Vale. This walk starts at the Crickley Hill car park and passes an old Roman villa prior to coming back to the car parking area once again.

Crickley Hill

Address: Crickley Hill, Birdlip, Gloucester GL4 8JY, United Kingdom

Website: Crickley Hill

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Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Cotswolds, UK

Cotswolds offers so many interesting and beautiful trails to enjoy a leisurely walk and appreciate the surrounding beauty. It can be a bit overwhelming for you to choose the right ones to explore. Here are some of the best walks in Cotswolds, UK for your convenience, so pick your favourite and pack your bags.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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