Walkers-welcome town, castle gardens, and crossroads of Cotswold trails
Where honey-stone lanes meet rolling escarpments — and every route tells a story.
Winchcombe is an ideal base for walking holidays and outdoor adventures in the North Cotswolds. The Cotswold Way runs through town, while local classics radiate in every direction: the figure-of-eight Winchcombe Way, hilltop views to Belas Knap Long Barrow, quiet paths to Hailes Abbey, and charming village links toward Stanway and Stanton. You can also connect via the Wardens Way and Windrush Way between Winchcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water, or follow the Isbourne Way to Evesham.
Between walks, explore Sudeley Castle & Gardens, browse independent shops, and settle into pubs and cafés that make Winchcombe a true walkers’ town.
Why Walk Here
- On the Cotswold Way, with easy day-section options from town
- Signature circuits: Winchcombe Way, Belas Knap, Hailes Abbey, Stanway–Stanton
- Link paths to nearby hubs: Wardens Way, Windrush Way, and the Isbourne Way
- Heritage highlights at Sudeley Castle, ancient barrows, and abbey ruins
- Car-free friendly via Cheltenham connections and the heritage steam railway (seasonal)
Nearby Trails
- Cotswold Way (Winchcombe sections) – Escarpment walking with big Vale panoramas
- Winchcombe Way (figure-of-eight) – Varied lanes, ridges, woods, and classic villages
- Belas Knap & Cleeve Hill – Long barrow visit with options up to the highest Cotswold viewpoints
- Hailes Abbey & Farm Loop – Gentle valley route with abbey ruins and tea-stop potential
- Wardens Way / Windrush Way – Scenic links between Winchcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water
- Isbourne Way – Riverside path toward Evesham for linear day walks
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
- Escarpment ridge hikes and valley-meadow strolls from the town centre
- Garden and heritage days at Sudeley Castle paired with short walks
- Trail running on the Winchcombe Way and Cotswold Way spurs
- Photography: honey-stone streets, hedgerow lanes, long-barrow skylines
