Explore the Best Walking Trails in the Cotswolds with iBestTravel

With gentle rolling hillsides, villages of thatched cottages, and all the tea shops and pubs one could want after a long day’s hike, strolling through the Cotswolds is one of the top ways to experience this beloved region of England.

From gentle rambles to endurance-testing treks, the Cotswolds offers a wealth of trails for exploring. Expect woolly sheep, pretty rivers, and photogenic bridges aplenty. Here are some of the best walks in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Rollright Stones Circular Walk: Great for Families and History Lovers

8 miles (12.5 km) round trip; 2–3 hours; moderate

This short, straightforward route centers on the ancient site of the Rollright Stones, a series of Neolithic and Bronze Age limestone monuments. Well posted with signs, this is an easy, self-guided walk to enjoy. It’s a great route for families, although there are a few stretches of intense elevation.

Starting and ending in the peaceful village of Salford, you’ll hike out into the rolling hills and open farmland of the northeast Cotswolds, passing three stone monuments: the King Stone, the King’s Men circle, and the Whispering Knights. The King Stone, which dates back to 1500 BCE, is a permanent memorial to the burial ground here, although it has been chipped away at by souvenir hunters over the centuries.

The King’s Men stone circle dates back to around 2500 BCE and consists of over 70 oolitic limestone stones in a circular formation. According to legend, if you manage to count the stones accurately and get the same number three times, you’re granted a wish.

About 400 m east of the stone circle, the Whispering Knights predates its neighbor by over 1000 years and marks a burial chamber with four upright stones and a large, fallen capstone. It is one of the first known funerary monuments in England.

The Stones are renowned for stargazing and have received a Dark Sky Discovery Award for their views of the Milky Way.

Woodchester Mansion Circular Walk: A Short Stroll with Purpose

5 miles (8.2 km) round trip; 2 hours; easy

This is the shortest walk in the Cotswolds on our list and perfect if you want a straightforward route enriched by culinary delights. The 5-mile (8 km) trail takes you through the grounds and park of the Gothic Revival, Grade 1-listed Woodchester Mansion, which may be recognized from The Crown on Netflix. The path is primarily gravel, making this an accessible walk for everyone.

Inside the house, marvel at the unfinished interior showcasing unplastered walls below floorboards and beneath ceilings of a mid-1860s country home. Also, look out for stone carvings inspired by the surrounding valley.

Begin at the National Trust car park and follow the trail through woodland, over a dam, and alongside a pond, observing the abundant insects, birds, and fish. Enjoy the wooded valley views in Woodchester Park, with bats flying overhead in the evening, before looping back along the other side of the pond. Conclude the walk at the 350-year-old Rose & Crown pub in Nympsfield, where a “doorstep” sandwich (thick cuts of bread with a plentiful choice of filling) and a pint can be enjoyed.

The Cotswold Way: A Long, Rewarding Hike

102 miles (164 km); 6–10 days; hard

The Cotswold Way National Trail, one of the UK’s best hikes, encompasses over 100 miles of rolling pastures, charming villages, and sites of historical significance, including ancient battlefields and neolithic burials. This trail begins in the market town of Chipping Campden and concludes in the city of Bath, making it ideal for through-hikers seeking a challenge.

During your journey, stop at stately homes such as the 17th-century Dyrham Park and the charming Jacobean manor, Stanway House. You’ll encounter impressive landmarks like the 65 ft Broadway Tower and the Tyndale Monument, which honors the 16th-century scholar William Tyndale, who dedicated his life to making the Bible accessible in the English vernacular.

While the Cotswold Way features a few steep climbs that yield stunning views of the River Severn and Malvern Hills, it is well marked with acorn markers guiding you through wildflower meadows and shaded woodlands.

For optimal hiking conditions, summer is recommended; however, ensure you pack sunscreen and sufficient drinking water. Year-round hiking is possible, though it can become muddy after heavy rainfall.

The Windrush Way: Wilderness and Castles

13.5 miles (21.7 km); 6 hours; moderate

Its remoteness makes the Windrush Way one of the most captivating hikes in the Cotswolds. Enjoy the tranquility as you wander along the banks of the River Windrush through pastures and fields of wheat while soaking in the countryside views.

The route runs from Abbey Terrace in Winchcombe to the war memorial at Bourton-on-the-Water. Along the way, you will encounter the enigmatic Sudeley Castle, which boasts a rich 1000-year history and is home to ten magnificent gardens. Continue through open fields, past streams, woods, and over hills as you follow the route.

This remote walk offers the chance to immerse yourself in Cotswold wilderness, featuring wildflowers, rural farmlands, and overgrown bridleways. Consequently, be sure to pack enough food and drink, as there are no villages along the way. The picturesque landscape is often enhanced by sunny days, so choose your timing wisely to capture the perfect photographs.

Moreton-in-Marsh Circular Walk: Exotic Greenery and Stately Home

7 miles (11 km) round trip; 2–3 hours; easy

This relatively flat circular walk passes through picture-perfect villages such as Bourton-on-the-Hill and Longborough, and right by the stately Sezincote House. Built in 1805, this mansion features a Neo-Mughal design that stands out against the Cotswolds countryside. Its weathered-copper onion dome can be seen from quite a distance, set among 3500 acres of Indian-inspired temples, grottoes, canals, and waterfalls.

The 56-acre (23-hectare) Batsford Arboretum is also along this route, showcasing plants from the Far East, with over 1300 different trees, shrubs, and bamboo. The national collection of Japanese flowering cherries and an impressive array of Japanese maples can be found here as well.

Starting and ending at the train station in the market town makes this walk ideal for those exploring the Cotswolds by train. Although relatively straightforward, be sure to wear appropriate footwear as the trail includes small bridges over streams by marshy banks.

Along the route, several pubs are available. We recommend The Black Bear Inn, where a welcoming atmosphere complements hearty traditional English cuisine. The beef-and-ale pie is sure to conclude your walk on a delightful note.