15 Best Walks in the Cotswolds: My Favourite Circular Routes (+ Map)

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A walker looking out over the paths on Leckhampton Hill
Me walking through a golden field at sunset in the Cotswolds

Going on a walk in The Cotswolds was part of my routine when I lived in Stratford-upon-Avon – I would do 2-3 a month for years. Some of them I’ve done so many times I’ve lost count, like the walk up to Broadway Tower from Broadway, or the Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway Circular loop (one I particularly like because we’d always stop for a pub lunch too!)

This guide has 15 of the best circular walks in the Cotswolds, from easy riverside strolls to long Cotswold Way loops. For each one you’ll find the distance, time, climb and difficulty, where it starts and the best pub or café stop, plus a map with every start point so you can plan your trip around them. If you’re new to the area, my interactive Cotswolds map shows where all the villages are, which I think is super helpful!

⏰ Tight on time? These are the ones to book:

🏨 The Broadway Hotel (where we stayed)

🚐 Full-day small-group Cotswolds tour

🚗 Cotswolds car hire

Rolling hills and grassland in the Cotswolds

My Top Picks

If you only have time for one or two walks, these are the ones I’d start with:

If you wantWalk
The best viewsBroadway Tower Circular (7.2km) or Chipping Campden and Dover’s Hill (8km)
Villages and a pub lunchStanton, Snowshill and Stanway (9.8km)
An easy, flat walkColn St Aldwyns and Bibury (10.5km) or Burford Circular (10.5km)
A big day outChipping Campden to Broadway on the Cotswold Way (17.9km)
Fewer peopleMickleton and Hidcote (8.4km) or Guiting Power and Naunton (7.9km)
HistorySalford to the Rollright Stones (8.5km) or Winchcombe and Belas Knap (10.3km)

Map Of The Best Cotswolds Walks

Every pin is the start (or highlight) of one of the walks below, numbered in the same order. Most of the best walks are in the north and middle of the Cotswolds, around Broadway, Chipping Campden and Stow, so that’s the area I’d base yourself in.

Tap any pin for the distance and a quick tip about the walk. The numbers match the walks below.

The 15 Best Walks In The Cotswolds

These are in no particular order, but the first few around Broadway, Stanton and Snowshill are the ones I’ve done the most.

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1. Broadway Tower Circular Walk

Broadway Tower glowing orange in the evening light
View over the Vale of Evesham from Broadway Hill
  • Distance: 7.2km
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Climb: 271m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Broadway village (or the car park at the tower)
  • Pub or café stop: Morris & Brown Café at the tower, then the pubs on Broadway High Street

This is the walk I’ve done the most. I’ve walked down from the tower into Broadway many times over the years, and I’d really recommend walking up from the village on the Cotswold Way rather than driving to the top. Fair warning though: that hill gets VERY muddy in winter, so definitely wear a decent pair of hiking boots if you have some.

I’ve been up at different times of day in every season, and sunset wins every single time. Look out for the deer too: they’re usually in the field to the left below the tower. My honest Broadway Tower review has parking, tickets and the best time to go.

Broadway Tower Circular Walk is one of the most popular walks in the Cotswolds, but tbh I would never call it a busy trail – at least, it’s never felt that way to me.

It’s so popular because Broadway is one of the best villages to visit and seeing the tower is one of the best 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.

Broadway Tower at sunset, the end point of the Broadway Tower circular walk
Vintage red car in a curved shop window in Broadway

Once you’ve arrived at the tower, you can go inside (tower and grounds tickets are £14 for adults in 2026, or £4 for the grounds only) and head to the top for 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 (like I mentioned earlier!)

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

Tip: Broadway Tower is always a great spot to visit for sunset – which you can see clearly from my picture above!

2. Sezincote And Bourton-on-the-Hill Walk

Sezincote House with its copper dome above a sloping lawn
Golden grassland and rolling hills near Bourton-on-the-Hill
  • Distance: 7.7km
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Climb: 212m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start: Bourton-on-the-Hill
  • Pub or café stop: The Coach and Horses in Longborough, or the Horse and Groom back in Bourton-on-the-Hill

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.

I found that 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.

When I was on this trail, it wasn’t long before I spotted the regal-looking Sezincote House – a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace that’s perched on the hilltop. I thought it was pretty impressive, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same!

Sezincote House and its formal garden of cypress trees

It’s surrounded by tranquil gardens and welcomes visitors throughout the year to explore the grounds and hosts a number of weddings.

As I continued along the route, I went through 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.

3. Salford To The Rollright Stones Circular

Aerial view of the King's Men stone circle at the Rollright Stones
  • Distance: 8.5km
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Climb: 268m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start: Salford, near Chipping Norton
  • Pub or café stop: None on the route, so take snacks


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.

I read a plaque when I arrived that said that 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 of course, I found out whilst I was there – and you should hopefully get an insight into when you visit!

The Whispering Knights stones behind railings at the Rollright Stones
Weathered standing stones at the Rollright Stones

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, I found the route to be relatively flat whilst still providing me with some fantastic views over the rolling hills in the Cotswolds.

I think that this is a great walk for those with minimal fitness levels and of course, it’s a fantastic option for those who love history.

Tip: The Rollright Trust charges £2 for adults and £1 for children aged 7 to 16 to visit the stones, which you can pay at the money box, by QR code or online. There are visitor details on the English Heritage website.

4. Stanton, Snowshill And Stanway Circular

The ornate stone gatehouse at Stanway House
Stone cottages and autumn trees in Stanton
  • Distance: 9.8km
  • Time: 2-3 hours
  • Climb: 347m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Stanton
  • Pub or café stop: The Snowshill Arms, and the Mount Inn back in Stanton

This is one of my favourite walks in the Cotswolds. The first 20 to 30 minutes out of Stanton is a steep climb, but I found it very manageable with moderate fitness. If you want to finish at the Mount Inn, I’d recommend that you do the route in reverse, so you pass it on your way back to Stanton!

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 this Cotswold walk leads back to Stanton, where there is another pub called The Mount Inn that we highly recommend. Honestly, we’ve stopped here for a drink probably a dozen or more times, so we’re regulars in there! If you mention our names, they will probably even know who we are.

What I love the most about this pub is that it’s perched along the hillside and has a great decking area for guests to enjoy a bite to eat whilst looking out over the hills!

5. Broadway Tower, Snowshill And Stanton Circular

St Barnabas church in Snowshill on a sunny day
Honey-coloured stone cottages and a red post box in Stanton
  • Distance: 15km
  • Time: 4-5 hours
  • Climb: 522m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Broadway
  • Pub or café stop: The Snowshill Arms and the Mount Inn in Stanton

I found 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 – which – if you’ve read some of my other Cotswolds posts, you will know is one of my favourite villages in The Cotswolds.

I think that including Broadway is a better option for those who enjoy a busy atmosphere and are keen to explore Broadway Tower – which I highly recommend because wow, did you not see the sunset picture further up this post?!

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.

Nearby is Cotswold Lavender, a family-run lavender farm (open mid-June to early August) where you can wander through the fields and buy 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.

6. Bourton-on-the-Water And Lower Slaughter Circular

Stone house and trees beside the river in Bourton-on-the-Water
Cottages and a stone footbridge over the river in Lower Slaughter
  • Distance: 11.9km
  • Time: 2.5-3 hours
  • Climb: 342m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Bourton-on-the-Water
  • Pub or café stop: The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter for an ice cream, or the riverside cafés in Bourton

Bourton is one of the busiest villages in the Cotswolds, so we always parked outside the village and walked in, which takes about 10 minutes, because the central car park fills up fast. And if you’re choosing between the two Slaughters, I’d pick Lower Slaughter over Upper Slaughter, which can get pretty hectic in peak season.

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.

7. Chipping Campden To Broadway Loop On The Cotswold Way

Cosy stone-walled pub interior with sofas and a Hook Norton sign
Cotswold Way sign on a dry stone wall
  • Distance: 17.9km
  • Time: 4-6 hours
  • Climb: 562m
  • Difficulty: Easy/some short ascents
  • Start: Chipping Campden
  • Pub or café stop: The Lygon Arms in Chipping Campden or Broadway, or the cafés on Broadway High Street

Broadway is one of my favourite little towns, partly because you can walk down to it from Broadway Tower, so this is a great way to see both in one (long-ish!) day.

The Cotswold 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 in my opinion – both of which are home to the well-known pub – The Lygon Arms – my friend’s dad is actually a chef in one, but I’m not even being biased haha!

The one in Broadway is by far the more popular of the two, however, the one in Chipping Campden is also great.

The route leaves Chipping Campden behind almost immediately and finds the top of Dover’s 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 Cotswold way circular 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.

8. Coln St Aldwyns And Bibury Loop

Arlington Row cottages in Bibury
The ivy-covered New Inn pub in Coln St Aldwyns
  • Distance: 10.5km
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Climb: 270m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start: Coln St Aldwyns
  • Pub or café stop: The New Inn in Coln St Aldwyns

We’ve had Sunday roasts at both the Catherine Wheel and the Swan in Bibury, and both are great, but my personal favourite was the New Inn, which is exactly where this walk starts and finishes.

The Coln St 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. I’ve done this walk a few times with my boyfriend, but also my family (Dad pictured below!).

Bibury is a small, toy-like village that has become one of the most popular spots in 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.

Me and my dad on the Coln St Aldwyns and Bibury walk

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 St 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 to miss it!

9. Guiting Power And Naunton Circular

Stone church tower in Guiting Power
A path through a ploughed field towards the hills
  • Distance: 7.9km
  • Time: 1.5-2 hours
  • Climb: 287m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Guiting Power
  • Pub or café stop: The pubs in Guiting Power

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 I had been following a dirt track over a couple of fields, I quickly arrived in Barton, which I would describe as more of a hamlet than a village.

Nonetheless, I thought it was 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 I left Naunton, the route led uphill towards the home straight back to Guiting Power.

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

10. Seven Springs And Leckhampton Hill Walk

The Devil's Chimney rock stack below Leckhampton Hill
A walker looking out over the paths on Leckhampton Hill
  • Distance: 8.5km
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Climb: 301m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Seven Springs, just south of Cheltenham
  • Pub or café stop: None on the route, so pack a picnic for the viewpoints

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 we found it challenging in all of the right places, and it 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, we had to put in the work to reap the rewards of the fantastic views that overlook Cheltenham and beyond.

And, once we reached the top, that was 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 we found various tracks that divert away from the main path and lead to lots of secret spots with incredible views.

Before heading back down through a woodland forest, we passed a historical point called The Devil’s Chimney – a prominent rock formation that stands above a disused quarry.

The remainder of the walk took us through the forest before we arrived at a dirt track that passed some incredible mansion houses with envious views.

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

11. Mickleton And Hidcote Walk

Orange lilies in the gardens at Hidcote
Patchwork fields and hills near Mickleton
  • Distance: 8.4km
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Climb: 291m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Mickleton
  • Pub or café stop: The café at Hidcote, about halfway round

Mickleton and Hidcote Manor Walk is a less travelled trail that in our opinion, is pretty awesome.

You’ll barely see a soul for most of the time on this route, which is why we 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’s opening hours change through the year and are shorter in winter, so check the National Trust’s Hidcote page before your hike if you’re planning to stop there.

12. Burford Circular Walk

Old stone townhouses on a sunny street in Burford
Post Office and Savings Bank sign in Burford
  • Distance: 10.5km
  • Time: 2-3 hours
  • Climb: 279m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Start: Burford
  • Pub or café stop: Bakery on the Hill, and Huffkins in Burford for afterwards

Huffkins is my favourite for a cream tea in Burford, and somehow we could always get a seat, despite how popular it is, so it’s the perfect place to finish.

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 bookstores.

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 loop is just over 10km, it’s very gentle and one that can be enjoyed by most walkers – including children – and is easily one of the best Burford walks on the map.

13. Chipping Campden And Dover’s Hill Circular

Stone viewpoint urn on Dover's Hill
Me walking through a golden field at sunset in the Cotswolds
  • Distance: 8km
  • Time: 1.5-2 hours
  • Climb: 305m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Chipping Campden
  • Pub or café stop: The pubs and tea rooms on Chipping Campden High Street

We always park for free down the road from St Catherine’s Church in Chipping Campden for this one, and then join the Cotswold Way up to Dover’s Hill. I didn’t get to Chipping Campden as often as Broadway or Burford, but I always loved it when I did.

The Chipping Campden and Dover’s 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 Dover’s 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.

14. Blockley And Batsford Circular

Stone cottages with gardens in Blockley
Honey-stone cottages and trees in Blockley
  • Distance: 7.9km
  • Time: 1.5-2 hours
  • Climb: 268m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Blockley
  • Pub or café stop: The café at Batsford Arboretum, or the Great Western Arms in Blockley

Blockley and Batsford Circular leaves from Blockley which I feel 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 floor-to-ceiling glass walls that are jaw-droppingly stunning.

The trail leaves Blockley to find a large woodland area with some incredibly 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 is a short walk in the Cotswolds and fairly simple, it’s one of the most peaceful walks in the area.

15. Winchcombe And Belas Knap Circular

Tree swing overlooking the hills above Winchcombe
Field and hedgerows on the walk to Belas Knap
  • Distance: 10.3km
  • Time: 2-2.5 hours
  • Climb: 375m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Winchcombe
  • Pub or café stop: The Old Bakery in Winchcombe for afterwards

If you don’t fancy driving, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway stops at Winchcombe. I went with a friend, and we just rode as far as Winchcombe and spent the afternoon there, which is a lovely way to arrive before the walk.

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. 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 Time To Go Walking In The Cotswolds

You can walk in the Cotswolds all year round, but April to October is the easiest time, with longer days and drier paths. May, June and September are great for walking: warm enough for a pub garden, without the August crowds. In winter the paths get VERY muddy, and on the really cold days we walked less and spent more time in the pubs, because it stops being enjoyable when it’s that cold.

My month-by-month Cotswolds guide has the weather, daylight hours and events for every month.

Mist over the Cotswold hills at sunrise

What To Wear For Cotswolds Walks

For shoes I go for hiking boots or wellies, depending on whether it’s icy or just wet, and I’d say proper boots are a must for the walk down from Broadway Tower. The paths cross a lot of fields with sheep and cattle, so keep dogs on a lead and close every gate behind you.

SeasonWhat to bring
Spring and autumnWaterproof boots, a rain jacket and layers
SummerSun cream, water and comfy trainers for the flatter walks
WinterWellies or boots with grip, a warm coat, hat and gloves

Where To Stay For Walking In The Cotswolds

Most of the best walks are in the north and middle of the Cotswolds, so that’s where I’d stay. We treated ourselves once and stayed at The Broadway Hotel, right on the village green, and Broadway is the base I’d choose for walkers: you can walk straight up to Broadway Tower, and Stanton, Snowshill and Chipping Campden are all a short drive away.

Check prices:

🏨 The Broadway Hotel

If you’d rather be further south for the Bibury, Burford and Bourton walks, these are well-reviewed options (we haven’t stayed in them ourselves):

Gabled stone cottages on Arlington Row in Bibury
Roses climbing a stone cottage in Bibury

Cotswolds Walks FAQs

What is the best walk in the Cotswolds?

The Broadway Tower Circular is the most popular, for the views from the top of Broadway Hill. The Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway circular is the best all-rounder, with villages, views and a pub stop.

What are the best Cotswolds walks with pubs?

The Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway circular (the Snowshill Arms and the Mount Inn), Coln St Aldwyns and Bibury (the New Inn) and Sezincote and Bourton-on-the-Hill (the Coach and Horses and the Horse and Groom).

What are the easiest walks in the Cotswolds?

The Coln St Aldwyns and Bibury loop, the Burford circular and the Salford to Rollright Stones walk are the easiest, with gentle climbs that most people can manage.

How long is the Cotswold Way?

The Cotswold Way National Trail is 102 miles (164km) from Chipping Campden to Bath. Most people walk it in 7 to 10 days, but sections like Chipping Campden to Broadway make great day walks.

Can you walk the Cotswolds in winter?

Yes, but the paths get very muddy and the days are short, so pick shorter walks with a pub at the end and wear boots or wellies with good grip.

Are the Cotswolds walks dog-friendly?

Most are, but you’ll cross fields with sheep and cattle, so keep dogs on a lead. Many pubs on these routes welcome dogs too.

Wooden bench overlooking the Cotswold countryside

More Cotswolds Guides

All my Cotswolds posts are in one place in my Cotswolds travel guide, and these are the ones to read next:

And if you love a coastal walk too, my Seven Sisters walk guide is one of my favourite days out in the UK.

Millie Austin

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Millie Austin

Hi, I'm Millie, a Brit who swapped a London desk job for life in Lima, Peru. Every guide on Stay Wild Travels comes from my own trips, from hiking the Cotswolds and the Peak District to the Swiss Alps and the Andes, with the honest bits included.

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