Hills, Villages, and the Heart of the Cotswolds
Where golden stone meets green valleys — and every footpath leads to something timeless.
Gloucestershire is the beating heart of the Cotswolds — a county where walking holidays and outdoor adventures come naturally. From the golden-stone villages of Painswick, Winchcombe, and Stow-on-the-Wold to panoramic hilltops along the Cotswold Way, this is a place shaped by centuries of foot travel and loved for its timeless rural charm.
Paths here lead through sheep-dotted hills, beech woodlands, wildflower meadows, and ridge-top escarpments with sweeping views over the Severn Valley. In between, you’ll find bustling market towns, historic sites, and country pubs that welcome walkers with open doors. Whether you’re here for the views, the heritage, or the pure joy of unhurried exploration, Gloucestershire makes every step memorable.
Trails Through Gloucestershire
These featured walks pass through or begin in Gloucestershire — perfect for self-guided walking holidays.
- The Cotswold Way – 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, passing hillforts, beech woods, and classic Cotswold villages.
- Wysis Way – 55 miles from Monmouth to Kemble via the Forest of Dean and Severn Vale, joining the Thames Path.
- Thames Path (Source Section) – Meadows and villages from the river’s source near Kemble, marking the start of an iconic trail.
- Winchcombe Way – 42-mile circuit through woodland, open fields, and historic sites around Winchcombe.
- Donnington Way – A pub-lover’s trail linking all 15 Donnington Brewery pubs via scenic countryside.
Highlights
- The Cotswold escarpment — sweeping views over the Severn Valley and beyond
- Villages like Painswick, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway (just over the county line)
- Winchcombe — a true walker’s town, with trails in every direction
- Heritage-rich walks: Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle, and Neolithic barrows
- Pub walks, tearoom strolls, and circular routes with real character
- Great transport links from London, Birmingham, and Bristol
