hikes in The Cotswolds
Walks in The Cotswolds
Cotswolds Walks
Cotswolds walks are one of the best ways to bask in the honey-hued thatched cottages and charming villages that are scattered across the undulating terrain of this region. Instead of thinking about tired limbs carrying you across the rolling hills, your eyes will be fixated on the magical scenery unfolding in front of you—whether you’re immersed in a natural setting or passing through a village harking to medieval times. Carved throughout the English countryside, you’ll find a plethora of paths leading you over hills to stunning views overlooking the countryside or into quirky villages adorned with charm. Cotswolds walks are definitely the key to this wanderer’s wonderland!
A popular route in the Cotswolds is the long-distance Cotswold Way, which stretches across 164km and takes you along the National Trail. This is a great way to immerse in the magical scenery glittering this historic area and its phenomenal villages, but you can always take on a section or two of the route to catch a glimpse of what it’s all about. However, outside of the National Trail, you will find a collection of incredible Cotswolds walks with routes packed into the six counties that make up the region.
The 10 Greatest Walks in The Cotswolds AONB
Experience surreal, historical scenery on some of the greatest walks in the Cotswolds! You’ll find a selection of walks that cater to all fitness levels and age groups, making this a fun place for anyone to explore the undulating countryside etched with fascinating imagery and ancient tales. Start your adventure by checking out some of the incredible Cotswolds walks listed below!
-
Newark Park Loop
-
Cleeve Hill - Winchcombe Circular Walk
-
Great Barrington Circular Walk
-
Chedworth Roman Villa Walk
-
Westonbirt Arboretum Walk
-
Painswick and Slad Loop
-
Cotswold Way: Birdlip to Painswick
-
Bourton on the Hill and Sezincote House Loop
-
Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Walk
-
Cleeve Common Circular Walk
Marvel at the green-cloaked scenery stretching across the Newark estate. This family-friendly loop curves through woodlands, meadows decorated with wildflowers while also unveiling exceptional Newark house and garden views!
Take on a steeper incline on the Cleeve Hill - Winchcombe Circular Walk! Stretching across 14.8km and boasting an elevation of 467m, this walk is one of the more challenging ones in the region, but the views from atop Cleeve Hill are incredible. Walk along a section of the Cotswold Way National Trail!
Revel in the Gloucestershire countryside while you meander above the village of Great Barrington on the 8.2km Great Barrington Circular Walk. Look out for Skylarks, sheep, and cattle as you wander along this easy-to-follow trail!
Intertwine history with adventure on the family-friendly Chedworth Roman Villa Walk! After leaving charming Chedworth village behind, the countryside will envelop you as you search for the ruins of a Roman villa. The National Trust operates this site!
The Westonbirt Arboretum Walk takes you on a magical loop through a collection of various tree and plant species! Enjoy walking along the aerial walkway along the Silk Wood area of the park. Do note that dogs are allowed in only some sections of this park but not in the old Arboretum, so you’ll have to skip this section. However, they will enjoy the off-leash area on this walk.
Enjoy a blend of countryside and historic villages on the Painswick to Slad Loop. This 11.7km walk takes you along fields and streams, dipping you deep in the serenity of the lovely English countryside!
Take on a section of the famous Cotswold Way on the one-way Birdlip to Painswick route! Meander through secluded woodland and revel in the relaxing views as you travel between two villages exploding with history. You’ll also pass by Cooper’s Hill, which is where the Cheese Rolling Festival takes place.
Bourton on the Hill and Sezincote House Loop begins from the charming Bourton on the Hill before immersing you in stunning quintessential Cotswolds scenery: pastures and history. En route, you’ll discover the Sezincote estate, harking back to 200 years ago!
Explore one of the most idyllic villages in the Cotswolds: Castle Comb. Admire the ancient stories spanning this village and the pretty countryside on this family-friendly loop! You’ll also stop by Nettleton Mill, a historic location. Talk about a walk with the perfect blend of history and natural beauty!
Take your family on the 8.7km Cleeve Common Circular Walk and bask in the countryside scenery rolling across the land. However, your heart rate will pick up as you climb Cleeve Hill to the highest point in the Cotswolds! Spend a moment at the top to take in the pastoral views, which bleed into Wales (you can see this on a clear day!).
When Is The Best Time To Walk in the Cotswolds?
To avoid super wet weather, the best time to walk in the Cotswolds is between the end of March and the start of October. During this period many Cotswolds walks will have dry trail conditions, making the summer months the ideal time to head out on an adventure.
Best Regions for Walking in the Cotswolds
To take advantage of some of the best walks stretching across the Cotswolds, kickstart your time in this historic area by staying in Winchcombe. Some even call this the walking capital of the Cotswolds! Plus, the village unravels like an unspoiled magical ancient painting.
Other Outdoor Activities in the Cotswolds
Outside of Cotswold walks, other popular activities in the Cotswolds include cycling and horseback riding! Cyclists will enjoy the routes ranging from on-road to off-road, as well as ones that stretch across a variety of distances, making it fun to choose a path that tailors to your exercise mood of the day. Meanwhile, horseback riders will appreciate the long-distance Sabrina Way, as well as a few shorter rides carved into the area. Lastly, the 164km Cotswold Way is a long-distance walk worth adding to your bucket list!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prettiest village in the Cotswolds?
While the Cotswolds AONB boasts a surplus of beautiful villages, Castle Combe ranks as the prettiest—and not just in the Cotswolds, but all of England.
What is the main town in the Cotswolds?
Most refer to Cirencester as the Capital of the Cotswolds! It’s a lively market town worth visiting, for sure.
What are some big attractions in the Cotswolds?
Some major attractions include Gloucester Cathedral, The Roman Baths, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cotswold Distillery, Sudeley Castle, to name a few.
Find more walking regions
- Lake District Walks
- Peak District Walks
- South Downs Walks
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Walks
- Chiltern Hills Walks
- Snowdonia Walks
Or use this link to find all walking regions in the UK.
Read MoreThe best hikes in The Cotswolds
01. Rollright Stones Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Rollright Stones Circular Walk is a great outdoor activity in the northeastern part of… Read More
02. Broadway Tower Walk
Difficulty
The Broadway Tower Walk is a truly outstanding adventure that will take you uphill to… Read More
03. Newark Park Loop
Difficulty
The Newark Park Loop makes its way through the 700 acres of the Newark estate.… Read More
04. Cleeve Hill – Winchcombe Circular Walk
Difficulty
Take a beautiful walk through the Cotswolds countryside on the Cleeve Hill – Winchcombe Circular… Read More
05. Great Barrington Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Great Barrington Circular Walk explores the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside above the village of Great… Read More
06. Chedworth Roman Villa Walk
Difficulty
Chedworth is a charming quintessential Cotswold village, and it’s also the gateway to an even… Read More
07. Minster Lovell and Crawley Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Minster Lovell and Crawley Circular is a fun adventure in the southeast corner… Read More
08. Westonbirt Arboretum Walk
Difficulty
The Westonbirt National Arboretum features trails through a fantastic collection of over 2500 species of… Read More
09. Elmley Castle Walk
Difficulty
The Elmley Castle Walk is a scenic adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that will lead… Read More
10. Painswick to Slad Loop
Difficulty
Explore the beautiful South Cotswolds on the Painswick to Slad Loop. This lovely walk shows… Read More
Yes, there are more than 10
The Cotswolds is so beautiful that we can not give you only 10 hikes. So here is a list of bonus hikes in The Cotswolds that you should take a look at as well
11. Cotswold Way: Birdlip to Painswick
Difficulty
The Cotswold Way: Birdlip to Painswick walk is a pleasant section of the famed walk… Read More
12. Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Belas Knap Long Barrow Trail is a fantastic adventure in The Cotswolds AONB… Read More
13. Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Circular is a fantastic outdoor experience in the… Read More
14. Painswick Beacon Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Painswick Beacon Circular is a great adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that features… Read More
15. Shenington and Tysoe Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Shenington and Tysoe Circular Walk is an awesome adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that… Read More
16. Freeland Stroll
Difficulty
The Freeland Stroll is a relatively quick and easy adventure just outside the borders of… Read More
17. Fladbury River Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Fladbury River Circular Walk is a wonderfully scenic adventure in Worcestershire just on the… Read More
18. Stonesfield Stroll
Difficulty
The Stonesfield Stroll is a fantastic outdoor experience that will take you through the Oxfordshire… Read More
19. Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Walk
Difficulty
The Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Walk in the Cotswolds, UK, is a circular path… Read More
20. Bourton on the Hill and Sezincote House Loop
Difficulty
The Bourton on the Hill and Sezincote House Loop is a lovely family-friendly walk that… Read More
21. Cleeve Common Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Cleeve Common Circular walk explores the beautiful rolling countryside of the Cleeve Common. You’ll… Read More
22. Chipping Norton and Glyme Valley Walk
Difficulty
The Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton has been a bustling market town since the 13th… Read More
23. Blenheim Palace and Queen Pool Circular Walk
Difficulty
Whether you are touring the Blenheim Palace and gardens, or you just want to take… Read More
24. Malmesbury River Walk
Difficulty
The Malmesbury River Walk is a 2.4mi circular walk that begins in the… Read More
25. Bradford on Avon and Avoncliff Walk
Difficulty
The Bradford on Avon and Avoncliff Walk is a scenic trail through the incredible Cotswolds… Read More
26. Ashton Keynes to Thames Head Walk
Difficulty
The Ashton Keynes to Thames Head Walk is the first section of the long-distance trail… Read More
27. Box, Ditteridge and Colerne Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Box, Ditteridge, and Colerne Circular Walk is an easy trail through the countryside. You’ll… Read More
28. Elmley Castle and Bredon Hill Walk
Difficulty
The Elmley Castle and Bredon Hill Walk is a wonderfully scenic hike that will expose… Read More
29. Minchinhampton Common Walk
Difficulty
The Minchinhampton Common Walk leaves the Cotswolds village of Amberley and completes a lovely circuit… Read More
30. Stroud Trail
Difficulty
Walking the Stroud Trail is a fun experience that will expose you to some of… Read More
31. Slad Valley Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Slad Valley Circular is a fascinating outing in The Cotswolds AONB that features… Read More
32. Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Cleeve Common and Belas Knap Trail is a fun, but slightly challenging experience… Read More
33. Selsley Common Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Selsley Common Trail is a fun adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that will… Read More
34. Neigh Bridge Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Neigh Bridge Circular Walk can be found just south of The Cotswolds AONB and… Read More
35. Leafield and Field Assart Walk
Difficulty
The Leafield and Field Assart Walk is a pleasant outdoor experience in the southeast corner… Read More
36. Finstock and Wychwood Way Walk
Difficulty
The Finstock and Wychwood Way Walk is a lovely adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that… Read More
37. Blenheim Park Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Blenheim Park Circular is a fantastic outdoor activity that can be found just… Read More
38. Combe to Blenheim Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Combe to Blenheim Circular is a lovely walk through the scenic Cotswolds countryside. Start… Read More
39. Marshfield to Cold Ashton Walk
Difficulty
The Marshfield to Cold Ashton Walk is a circular route that travels through the bucolic… Read More
40. Wellow – Midford – Upper Twinhoe Walk
Difficulty
The Wellow – Midford – Upper Twinhoe walk takes you to the historic villages of… Read More
41. Bradford-on-Avon Canal Walk
Difficulty
The Bradford-on-Avon Canal Walk begins in the picturesque market town of Bradford-on-Avon. You’ll follow the… Read More
42. Upper Langridge Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Upper Langridge Circular is a nice walk through the woods and countryside of Somerset,… Read More
43. North Stoke Circular Walk
Difficulty
The North Stoke Circular is a beautiful walk through the Cotswolds countryside. Just a short… Read More
44. Upton Cheyney Walk
Difficulty
The Upton Cheyney Walk is a lovely circular route situated just outside of Bristol in… Read More
45. Monarch Way Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Monarch Way Circular Walk takes you through the incredible Cotswolds AONB. Starting from the… Read More
46. Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Circular is a great way to extend your visit… Read More
47. Newington Bagpath Walk
Difficulty
The Newington Bagpath Walk is a countryside walk in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, You'll walk through… Read More
48. Dursley and Downham Hill Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Dursley and Downham Hill Circular is a lovely walk through the Cotswolds countryside. Begin… Read More
49. Ragged Hedge & Sister Wood Walk
Difficulty
The Ragged Hedge & Sister Wood Walk is a lovely circular route through the Gloucestershire… Read More
50. Edgeworth to Bisley Walk
Difficulty
Explore the beautiful Cotswolds countryside on the Edgeworth to Bisley Walk. This circular walk begins… Read More
51. Sapperton Cotswold Walk
Difficulty
The Sapperton Cotswold Walk follows the Thames and Severn Canal as it meanders through the… Read More
52. Haresfield Beacon Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Haresfield Beacon Circular includes beautiful farmlands and spectacular views from the Cotswold escarpment. You’ll… Read More
53. Painswick and Edge Circular Walk
Difficulty
Explore the incredible Cotswolds countryside on the Painswick and Edge Circular Walk. This walk explores… Read More
54. Sapperton Valley Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Sapperton Valley Circular is a beautiful walk through the incredible Cotswolds countryside. The rolling… Read More
55. Eastleach Martin and Fyfield Walk
Difficulty
The Eastleach Martin and Fyfield Walk takes you around the villages of Eastleach Turville, Eastleach… Read More
56. Coln St. Aldwyns and Bibury Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Coln St. Aldwyns and Bibury Circular is a fantastic Cotswolds adventure that will… Read More
57. Coln St. Aldwyns Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Coln St. Aldwyns Circular is a charming adventure in The Cotswolds AONB that… Read More
58. Brimpsfield to Caudle Green
Difficulty
The Brimpsfield to Caudle Green is a family-friendly circular walk through the Cotswolds countryside from… Read More
59. Stonesfield via Roman Villa Walk
Difficulty
The Stonesfield via Roman Villa Walk is an amazing route in Oxfordshire that will allow… Read More
60. Lower Slaughter & Bourton on the Water Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Lower Slaughter & Bourton on the Water Trail is a lovely experience in… Read More
61. Guiting Wood Loop
Difficulty
The Guiting Wood Loop is a charming adventure set in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside that… Read More
62. Guiting Power Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Guiting Power Circular Walk is a great route in the centre of The Cotswolds… Read More
63. Stow on the Wold Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Stow in the Wold Circular is an amazing experience in Gloucestershire due to… Read More
64. Winchcombe and Bourton on the Water Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Winchcombe and Bourton on the Water Trail is a lengthy undertaking that will… Read More
65. Guiting Power and Naunton Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Guiting Power and Naunton Circular Walk is a fun experience in The Cotswolds AONB… Read More
66. Cotswold Way: Stanton to Chipping Campden Walk
Difficulty
Walking The Cotswold Way - Stanton to Chipping Campden is an amazing experience that will… Read More
67. Dovers Hill Walk
Difficulty
The Dovers Hill Walk is a pleasant journey in Gloucestershire that will allow you to… Read More
68. Ilmington and Hidcote Walk
Difficulty
The Ilmington and Hidcote Walk is a beautifully scenic adventure that will take you on… Read More
69. Sezincote House and Bourton on the Hill Walk
Difficulty
The Sezincote House and Bourton on the Hill Walk is a great adventure in The… Read More
70. Milton under Wychwood Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Milton under Wychwood Circular Walk is a fantastic route that will lead you through… Read More
71. Swinbrook and Fullbrook Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Swinbrook and Fullbrook Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic experience in Oxfordshire that will… Read More
72. Minster Lovell and Burford Walk
Difficulty
The Minster Lovell and Burford Walk is a great experience in Oxfordshire that will lead… Read More
73. Finstock Stroll
Difficulty
The Finstock Stroll is a lovely adventure set in the Oxfordshire countryside that will lead… Read More
74. Heart of England Way: Stow Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Heart of England Way - Stow Circular Walk is a fun journey in The… Read More
75. Combe Circular Walk
Difficulty
Explore the tranquil Cotswolds countryside on this beautiful circular walk in Oxfordshire. The Combe Circular… Read More
76. Stroud and Stonehouse Canal Walk
Difficulty
If you are after a relaxing one-way stroll by the water’s edge, then the Stroud… Read More
77. Ozleworth Park Walk
Difficulty
The Ozleworth Park Walk is a scenic adventure that will lead you through a beautiful… Read More
78. Monarch’s Way and Newark Park Circular Walk
Difficulty
If you enjoy lengthy countryside walks and taking strolls through quaint villages, then the Monarch’s… Read More
79. Edge Hill Loop
Difficulty
Walking the Edge Hill Loop is an amazing experience in The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding… Read More
80. Chipping Norton and Over Norton Walk
Difficulty
The Chipping Norton and Over Norton Walk is a fantastic route that will lead you… Read More
81. Idbury Circular Walk
Difficulty
Walking the Idbury Circular is a lovely adventure that will not only take you through… Read More
82. New Yatt Circular Walk
Difficulty
The New Yatt Circular Walk is an amazing, family-friendly adventure that will allow you to… Read More
83. Stanton, Snowshill, and Stanway Circular Walk
Difficulty
The Stanton, Snowshill, and Stanway Circular Walk is a fantastic adventure for those who enjoy… Read More
Are we missing your favourite hike?
Tell us! If you've got photos, a GPS track and know the hike, we'd love to share your favourite hike with the rest of the 10Adventures community.