BEST COTSWOLDS WALKS GUIDE

The Cotswolds is by far one of the best places to explore in the UK. Its honey-stone houses create enchanting villages that have been dolloped across the patchwork of fields; every slice of the area is undeniably picturesque. There are a plethora of hiking trails to choose from here, and some of the best Cotswolds walks lead from one village to the next, passing many historical landmarks and collecting incredible viewpoints with each step.

In this guide, you’ll find the best routes that have been tried and tested by us many times. You’ll find an overview of each walk, as well as some key statistics and a link to the trail route. At the end of the post, you’ll find a map that shows the start point of each route. This should help you decide where is best to stay in order to access all of these walks easily.

WHERE ARE THE COTSWOLDS?

The Cotswolds are in the western part of the UK. They span from Bath, all the way up to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Below you’ll find an interactive map that shows exactly where they are.

BEST TIME TO GO WALKING IN THE COTSWOLDS

The best time to go walking in the Cotswolds is from April to October. Hiking during these months should mean that the weather is dry and with some luck, hopefully very sunny and warm too.

BEST COTSWOLDS WALKS

BROADWAY TOWER CIRCULAR WALK

Distance: 7.2km | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 271 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

Broadway Tower Circular Walk is one of the most popular walks in the Cotswolds. This is because Broadway is one of the best villages to visit and seeing the tower is one of the most popular things to do there.

For those who love hiking, then Broadway Tower Circular is an excellent walk that takes you from the centre of the village, up the edge of Fish Hill, through the forest and directly to Broadway Tower.

Once you’ve arrived at the tower, you can pay £12 to explore the inside whilst listening to an insightful audiotape, before heading to the top to get some of the best panoramic views of the Cotswolds. There is also a cafe for those who need to refuel, as well as a deer park.

Once you’ve finished exploring Broadway Tower and the surrounding area, it is a downhill walk all the way back to the village centre.

SEZINCOTE HOUSE AND BOURTON-ON-THE-HILL HIKE

Distance: 7.7km | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 212 meters | Difficulty: Easy | Route map

Sezincote House and Bourton-on-the-Hill route is a super easy Cotswolds walk that is great for anyone who is looking to challenge themselves on distance whilst avoiding any major inclines.

The route starts in the lovely little village of Bourton-on-the-Hill and leads across fields that instantly provide lovely views over the Cotswolds hills that are littered with sheep. Before long, you’ll spot the regal-looking Sezincote House – a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace that’s perched on the hilltop. It’s surrounded by tranquil gardens and welcomes visitors throughout the year to explore the grounds and hosts a number of weddings.

The route continues across a series of fields before arriving at the village of Longborough, where there’s a pub called The Coach and Horses – a great place to stop if you’re looking to break up the route. Alternatively, there is a pub at the end of the walk called Horse and Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill.

Tip: the popular village of Moreton-in-Marsh is 7 minutes away from the start of this route and worth taking a trip to whilst you’re in the area.

SALFORD TO THE ROLLRIGHT STONES CIRCULAR WALK

Distance: 8.5km | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 268 meters | Difficulty: Easy | Route map

The Salford to the Rollright Stones walk begins in the small village of Salford and ultimately leads to The Rollright Stones – the main attraction of the walk that’s steeped in history.

The Rollright Stones are made up of three different sites – The Whispering Knights, The Kings Men and The King Stone. Each site has a set of stones – or a single stone – that was erected during the Neolithic and Bronze ages. This is fascinating to see as it begs questions such as why and how these came to be, which you should hopefully get an insight into when you visit. The Whispering Knights are the largest of the three sites and are essentially a miniature version of Stonehenge near Salisbury, whilst the other two are much smaller but equally as fascinating.

Overall, the route is relatively flat whilst still providing some fantastic views over the rolling hills in the Cotswolds. This makes it great for those with minimal fitness levels and of course, it’s a fantastic option for those who love history.

Tip: There is a voluntary contribution box to visit The Rollright Stones which asks for £1 for adults and 70p for children, so make sure you’re carrying some spare change.

STANTON, SNOWSHILL AND STANWAY CIRCULAR

Distance: 9.8km | Time: 2-3 hours | Elevation: 347 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

The Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway Circular is one of our favourite trails that we’ve walked many times as it has a little bit of everything; quaint villages, scenic views, woodland pathways, and a few pub stops. Honestly, there’s not much more you could ask for from a hike in the Cotswolds.

The walk begins in the small village of Stanton and starts with a steep incline that anyone with moderate fitness levels could handle. The route leads over hilltops, through fields and down country lanes before arriving in the well-known village of Snowshill. It’s here that you will find your first pub – Snowshill Arms.

After following the trail through woodland and alongside a small stream, it arrives in Stanway – a small village that’s home to little more than Stanway Manor House, a church and a few dozen houses. Whilst small, it’s utterly stunning and totally serene.

The final stretch of the walk leads back to Stanway, where there is another pub called The Mount Inn that we highly recommend. They’re perched along the hillside and have a great decking area for guests to enjoy a bite to eat whilst looking out over the hills.

BROADWAY TOWER, SNOWSHILL AND STANTON CIRCULAR

Distance: 15km | Time: 4-5 hours | Elevation: 522 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

This walk is very similar to the Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway loop, however, it’s just over 5km longer and swaps out Stanton for Broadway.

Including Broadway is a better option for those who enjoy a busy atmosphere and are keen to explore Broadway Tower. But, of course, it will require more effort with additional distance and elevation.

If you’re up for the challenge, then the route leaves from Broadway and immediately climbs the long and steep hill towards Broadway Tower. It’s gentle, to begin with, but gradually steepens as you get closer to the top.

From the tower, it’s a peaceful descent to Snowshill through woodland and along country lanes. You’ll pass Snowshill Lavender Farm – a family run business that allows visitors to wander through the vibrant fields and sells all sorts of things made from their lavender. The farm is actually just outside of Snowshill, so the above Cotswolds walk does not lead past it. You’ll then drop down into Snowshill itself, where you’ll get to pop into the Snowshill Arms pub if you wish. Alternatively, Snowshill Manor is also nearby.

As the trail continues on, it further descends into Stanton via fields and country lanes, before looping back round to Broadway.

This walk is great for those who are looking to explore the area on foot whilst also accessing some of the key points of interest that you would most likely include in your Cotswolds itinerary regardless.

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER AND LOWER SLAUGHTER CIRCULAR COTSWOLDS WALK

Distance: 11.9km | Time: 2.5-3 hours | Elevation: 342 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter Circular includes a bustling village with a great atmosphere, a smaller village that’s peaceful and serene, and a whole lot of countryside – which may or may not come as a surprise.

This Cotswolds walk leaves from the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water – a busy village with dozens of riverside places to eat and drink. The route follows a trail that quickly descends into the nearby -much smaller – village of Lower Slaughter. Over the years, Lower Slaughter has become increasingly popular and is one of our favourite places to visit for a riverside picnic. As you’re walking through this small piece of paradise, it’s worth swinging by The Old Mill Museum to grab a well-deserved ice cream to relax with by the River Windrush.

The walking begins to get tougher as you leave Lower Slaughter and follow the trail that climbs through a series of fields. After some time, you’ll be met by the River Windrush again. From here, the trail hugs the river all the way back to Bourton-on-the-Water.

COTSWOLDS WAY: CHIPPING CAMPDEN TO BROADWAY LOOP

Distance: 17.9km | Time: 4-6 hours | Elevation: 562 meters | Difficulty: Easy/some short ascents | Route map

The Cotswolds Way: Chipping Campden to Broadway loop is one of the bigger walks in the area and includes two of the best villages in the Cotswolds, both of which are home to the well-known pub – The Lygon Arms. The one in Broadway is by far the more popular of the two, however, the one in Chipping Campden is also great. Expensive – £12 for a sandwich – but still great.

The route leaves Chipping Campden behind almost immediately and finds the top of Dovers Hill, which provides incredible views right off the bat. It then goes on to cover a series of fields with designated picnic benches, before finally reaching Broadway Tower.

The trail then leads to Broadway high street, where there are plenty of places to eat and drink. If you can’t stomach the cost of the Lygon Arms (and quite rightly so!), then our current favourite in Broadway is Flipside – a mouth-wateringly fantastic burger restaurant that serves all sorts of weird and wonderful combinations.

From Broadway, the route starts to loop back round to Chipping Campden. It throws in a series of hills which, on a hot day and after quite some distance, can be tough. However, these are short-lived and views from the top are well worth pushing through for.

The remainder of the walk is gentle and takes explorers along many deserted bridle tracks before arriving back in Chipping Campden.

All-in-all, this is an excellent walk for those who enjoy visiting larger villages, historical landmarks and prefer walking a longer distance.

Tip: There is a small section that leads along a busy road for roughly 5 minutes. If you’ve got a dog or children, this is something to be aware of.

COLN SAINT ALDWYNS AND BIBURY LOOP

Distance: 10.5km | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 270 meters | Difficulty: Easy | Route map

The Coln Saint Aldwyns and Bibury Loop is yet another fantastic walk in the Cotswolds which leads to one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds – Bibury.

Bibury is a small, toy-like village that is best known for starring in Bridget Jone’s Diary and has since become a popular spot for those exploring the Cotswolds. Whilst it’s a sleepy village with little more than a few pubs to provide entertainment, it’s certainly one of the prettiest places to walk around.

The route itself is very easy and spends a lot of its time either following the River Coln or meandering through small villages before returning to Coln Saint Aldwyns which is home to The New Inn pub. They serve some of the best burgers we have ever tasted so highly recommend making sure you leave enough time at the end of the hike to have something to eat here.

This is one of the best Cotswolds walks that many people ensure is on their list when visiting the area – be sure not miss it!

GUITING POWER AND NAUNTON CIRCULAR

Distance: 7.9km | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Elevation: 287 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

The Guiting Power and Naunton Circular is an easy walk that’s challenging in places. And, despite the name, it actually covers 3 villages in the Cotswolds: Guiting Power, Naunton and Barton.

The hike begins in Guiting Power, which although small, has a surprising amount of things going on. There are more than a few pubs, a shop and a church to name a few. After following a dirt track over a couple of fields, you’ll quickly arrive in Barton, which we would describe as more of a hamlet than a village. Nonetheless, it’s a picturesque place to pass through, with a stunning turquoise lake and grand honey-stone houses.

The route then begins to get challenging, as you’ll head up a long country road with an incline for quite some time. Following a series of twists and turns, the route finally starts to lead downhill into the sleepy yet serene village of Naunton – one of our favourite tiny villages in the area.

As you leave Naunton, the route leads uphill towards the home straight back to Guiting Power.

Overall, this route feels very authentic; with very tourists around you’ll get to see through the window what living here really looks like.

SEVEN SPRINGS AND LECKHAMPTON HILL COTSWOLDS WALK

Distance: 8.5km | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 301 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

The Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill Walk is very close to the top of our list when it comes to the best Cotswolds walks. This is because it’s challenging in all of the right places, has many diversions off the main trail for secret picnic spots with insane views, and it has some interesting historical tales attached to it.

Whilst the walk wastes no time getting into an incline, those who are willing to put in the work will reap the rewards of the fantastic views that overlook Cheltenham and beyond. And, once you’ve reached the top, that’s the hard work done for the entire walk, as the trail leads across the top of Leckhampton hill for quite some time. It’s here that there are various tracks that divert away from the main path and lead to many secret spots with incredible views. Before heading back down through a woodland forest, the trail passes a historical point called The Devils Chimney – a prominent rock formation that stands above a disused quarry.

The remainder of the walk meaders through the forest before arriving at a dirt track that passes some incredible mansion houses with envious views.

Overall, this Cotswolds walk is fantastic for those who enjoy a challenge and fantastic scenery.

MICKLETON AND HIDCOTE MANOR COTSWOLDS WALK

Distance: 8.4km | Time: 2 hours | Elevation: 291 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

Mickleton and Hidcote Manor walk is a less travelled trail that in our opinion, is pretty awesome. You’ll barely see a sole for most of the time on this route, which is why love it so much.

As the name suggests, the route starts and ends in Mickleton and stops at Hidcote Manor in between. Hidcote Manor is a real gem in itself; it’s a national trust house with some spectacular gardens – gardens like we’ve never seen before. Plus, it also happens to be located around the halfway point, making it a great place to grab some lunch.

The rest of the route includes plenty of undulating paths with a couple of steep sections here and there, but overall it’s nothing too strenuous and can be enjoyed by a variety of fitness levels.

Tip: Hidcote Manor is closed during the winter months. They also close early on Sundays, so it’s always worth checking the opening times ahead of your hike if you’re planning to stop here.

COTSWOLDS AND BURFORD CIRCULAR

Distance: 10.5km | Time: 2-3 hours | Elevation: 279 meters | Difficulty: Easy | Route map

Cotswolds and Burford Circular starts and finishes in one of the larger and most popular villages in the area – Burford. It’s a hillside village with a busy high street that’s filled with gorgeous bakeries, antique shops and book stores. We highly recommend picking up a treat from Bakery On The Hill to enjoy at the halfway point of the walk.

This hike predominantly leads through a number of fields with grazing livestock. It’s very easy, with only a gradual incline for the first half of the walk. Not long after the halfway mark, the route drops down to find the river Windrush, which is followed all the way back to Burford.

Whilst this is loop is just over 10km, it’s very gentle and one that can be enjoyed by most walkers – including children.

CHIPPING CAMPDEN AND DOVERS HILL CIRCULAR WALK

Distance: 8km | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Elevation: 305 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

The Chipping Campden and Dovers Hill Circular leaves from the popular village of Chipping Campden. The map shows the route leading along the main road at times, however, there are walking trails parallel in the fields beside the roads. These are easily identifiable from the map and we recommend taking this option for the most enjoyable route.

Once you’ve left Chipping Campden behind, you’ll cover most of the distance over fields with grazing livestock and travel alongside a stream before the climb begins to Dovers Hill. This can be quite steep at times, however, it’s not anything that anyone with moderate fitness levels won’t be able to handle. Once you’ve reached the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views over the Cotswolds and beyond for roughly 10 minutes.

The route then descends back into Chipping Campden where there are plenty of options for a drink and a bite to eat.

BLOCKLEY AND BATSFORD CIRCULAR COTSWOLDS WALK

Distance: 7.9km | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Elevation: 268 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

Blockley and Batsford Circular leaves from Blockley which is one of the lesser-known villages in the area with an authentic feel. It’s home to a small number of traditional-style restaurants, as well as Blockley Cafe which is a modern Cotswolds building – the type with the floor to ceiling glass walls that are jaw-droppingly stunning.

The trail leaves Blockley to find a large woodland area with some incredible tall trees and many sounds of nature that echo through the forest. The route goes on to find the village of Batsford, which is home to Batsford Arboretum. If you’re looking to break up the walk, then this is a great place to swing by for a drink and something to eat. Alternatively, you can continue along the trail which covers multiple fields with views over the rolling hills, before arriving back in Blockley.

Although this walk is simple, it’s one of the most peaceful walks in the area.

WINCHCOMBE AND BELAS KNAP CIRCULAR

Distance: 10.3km | Time: 2-2.5 hours | Elevation: 375 meters | Difficulty: Moderate | Route map

Winchcombe and Belas Knap Circular begins in Winchcombe – a Cotswolds town that has a combination of Tudor style and honey-stone buildings – think Stratford-upon-Avon crossed with Broadway.

This route covers over three-quarters of its elevation within the first couple of kilometres, making it a fairly tough start. As you climb higher, Winchcombe gets smaller and visibility further afield gets greater. This is quite tough on the legs and a great challenge, even for the experienced hiker.

Once the route flattens, you’ll soon be at Belas Knap – an ancient chamber that dates back to the neolithic period. The site is free to roam around and offers further information on a plaque.

As you continue along the walk, you’ll follow tracks across fields before reaching the well-known Cleeve Common which is the largest area and the highest point in the Cotswolds. As soon as you enter the area, you’ll begin to descend along a track that leads through peaceful woodland and alongside a stream.

Eventually, you’ll arrive at a country road that leads past an impressive mansion house, before retracing your steps along the final descent back into Winchcombe.

Tip: Winchcombe is also home to Sudeley Castle which is owned by Lady Ashcombe. We highly recommend visiting the grounds if you’ve got time.

Tip: Whilst there isn’t anywhere to stop for something to eat and drink along this route, The Old Bakery in Winchcombe is one of the best places on the high street to finish your walk with.

BEST COTSWOLDS WALKS MAP

Below you’ll find an interactive map with all of the best Cotswolds walks plotted in green. Each pin has a link to the route map.

DISCOVER MORE THAN JUST WALKS IN THE COTSWOLDS

If you enjoyed this post about the best Cotswolds walks, then we’ve got some other posts about the area for you to discover below.