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| Gloucestershire Walks |
| Route Name | Pic | Distance | Description |
| Bristol and Bath Railway Path |  | 16 miles (26 km) | This lovely easy walk takes you along this disused railway line with its series of charming stations. You will pass through Staple Hill, Mangotsfield and then Warmley where the station platform contains a cafe - perfect for a stop for refreshments.
The route then takes you along the Avon Valley Railway and past Bitton railway station which also has a cafe.
The final delightful section takes you along the River Avon and into the historic city of Bath. |
| Bristol Triangular City Walk |  | 18 miles (29 km) | This walk takes you on a tour of this fascinating and historical city, visiting several famous landmarks on the way. It was devised by the Bristol Ramblers and offers wonderful views of the city exploring the Waterfront, Durdham Downs, Avon Gorge and Blaise Castle Estate.
Highlights on the route include a waterside section along the River Avon with fabulous views of the stunning Avon Gorge.
Also of interest is the 18th century mansion and estate at Blaise Castle. Blaise Castle was immortalised by being described as "the finest place in England" in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey.
The walk also includes a section through the impressive Henbury golf course and the attractive Clifton and Durdham Downs.
The walk is easily accessible, starting and finishing at Bristol Temple Meads railway. |
| Cheltenham Circular Footpath |  | 25 miles (40 km) | Devised by Cheltenham Borough Council this marked circular walk around Cheltenham gives wonderful views of the Cotswolds escarpment. The walk starts and ends near Pitville Park and passes Cheltenham racecourse and Dowdeswell Reservoir. |
| Claude Duval Bridleroute |  | 63 miles (102 km) | This shared walking and cycle path runs from Quainton, near Aylesbury in Oxfordshire to Great Barrington in the Cotswolds.
This route is named after the well-known local highwayman, Claude Duval. It starts at Quainton and passes Stratton Audley, Bicester and Bucknell before crossing the Oxford Canal near Woodstock. The route then heads towards Chipping Norton and then Spelsbury where you join the River Evenlode for a short waterside stretch to Ascott d'Oyley. You then head onto Great Barrington via Fifield.
For cyclists a hybrid or mountain bike is required for this route. This is a fairly challenging route but with some fabulous Cotswolds scenery to enjoy. |
| Coleford Milkwall and Parkend railway path |  | 3 miles (5 km) | This short cycling and walking path follows the disused Coleford Milkwall and Parkend railway from Coleford to Parkend. You will head into the peaceful Forest of Dean passing Milkwall station and the disused Darkhill Ironworks on the way. The route links with NCN route 42 with more details here. |
| Community Forest Path |  | 45 miles (72 km) | This is a varied and interesting circular walk taking you on a tour of the countryside, villages and historic estates around Bristol.
The walk starts in Keynsham at the confluence of the River Chew and River Avon and begins with a lovely waterside section along the River Avon before joining the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. You continue to Winterbourne, with a short section along the River Frome, and then through Stoke Gifford to Henubry where you will pass the splendid Blaise Castle Estate. Described as 'the finest place in England' in Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey, the estate boasts a 19th century mansion, an 18th century castle, a fascinating Victorian museum and 400 acres of parkland.
From Henbury you continue through the suburbs of Bristol, crossing the River Avon on the Clifton Suspension Bridge next to the beautiful Avon Gorge Nature Reserve. This diverse ancient broad-leaved woodland is home to many rare plants and animals and is well worth exploring. Soon after you arrive at another walk highlight at the Ashton Court Estate. Here you will find 850 acres of woodland and meadows including a deer park, mansions and landscaped gardens.
The final section of the walk takes you to Pensford via Dundry Hill, where you will pass the Pensford Railway Viaduct. You then join the River Chew for a delightful waterside section leading you back to Keynsham. |
| Cotswold Canals |  | 41 miles (66 km) | Follow a series of delightful waterways from Framilode to Lechlade on this waterside walk through Gloucestershire.
The walk starts at Framilode, next to the River Severn and folows the Stroudwater Canal and the River Frome to the market town of Stroud. You continue to Sapperton, following the River Frome and the Thames and Severn Canal. A wooded section through Hayley Wood follows before coming to Kemble where you will pass the source of the River Thames.
From Kemble you head to the village of Siddington and then on to South Cerney where you will pass the fabulous Cotswold Water Park which boasts 150 lakes, Nature Reserves and plenty of options for refreshment.
The final section takes you through the countryside towards Kempsford, passing the River Colne and the Fairford/Lechlade section of the Cotswold Water Park before arriving at the finish point at Lechlade.
There's much to enjoy on this walk with several waterside sections along various canals, rivers and lakes. There are also a series of quaint Cotswold villages with ancient churches, historic watermills and pretty waterside pubs for refreshment. |
| Cotswold Round |  | 217 miles (349 km) | Travel through some of the most beautiful countryside and prettiest villages in England on this circular walk. You will visit a series of classic Cotswolds towns and villages including Cheltenham Spa, Winchcombe, Stanton, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water (video below). There is much to enjoy with lush green countryside, historic houses, beautiful parks, woodland sections and homely country pubs for refreshments. |
| Donnington Way |  | 62 miles (99 km) | Visit the 15 pubs of the Donnington Brewery on this super walk through the Cotswolds. The walk starts in Stow-on-the-Wold and heads to a series of delightful Cotswold villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Naunton, Guiting Power, Broadway, Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh. |
| Forest of Dean Family Route |  | 9 miles (14.22 km) | Family Cycle ride around the Forest of Dean:
This circular route takes you along NCN route 42 and the Wye Valley path through the delightful Forest of Dean. The route takes place on off road paths making it ideal for families.
This route is also suitable for walkers. |
| Frome Valley Walkway |  | 18 miles (29 km) | This pleasant and fairly easy walk takes you from Eastville Park on the outskirts of Bristol to the village of Old Sodbury along the River Frome.
The route starts passing through the parks and woodlands around Bristol before entering the open countryside of Gloucestershire.
You will pass through Frampton Cotterell, Chipping Sodbury and Yate with the Cotswold Hills providing a splendid backdrop for the route.
For an excellent full guide to this walk please click here |
| Geopark Way |  | 111 miles (179 km) | Meandering its way for 109 miles through the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark from Bridgnorth to Gloucester, the Geopark Way passes through stunning countryside as it explores 700 million years of geological history. The trail offers varied walking alongside rivers, through forests, along ridges and across valley floors; all with majestic views to match. Passing through an assortment of habitats there is a plethora of wildlife adding to the occasion. Quaint villages and towns dot the route bringing further elements of exploration and enchantment. |
| Glevum Way |  | 24 miles (39 km) | This circular walk takes you through the suburbs, countryside and villages around the city of Gloucester.
The walk starts at Gloucester's Victorian docks next to the Gloucester Waterways Museum which tells the story of England's canals and rivers. The walk then includes two consecutive waterside sections along the River Severn and the Gloucester and Sharpness canal, taking you to the village of Hardwicke. From Hardwicke the path takes you through some delightful Gloucestershire countryside and the villages of Upton St Leonards, Hucclecote and Churchdown. The walk finishes by passing Gloucestershire Airport and the village of Walham, before returning to the Gloucestershire docks. |
| Gloucestershire Way |  | 94 miles (151 km) | Travel from Chepstow in Wales to Tewkesbury in Gloucestshire and visit the Forest of Dean, the Severn Plain and the Cotswolds on this beautiful and varied walk.
The recommended stages for the walk are:
Chepstow to Parkend - 13.5 miles
Parkend to May Hill - 14 miles
May Hill to Gloucester - 13 miles
Gloucester to Crickley - 12 miles
Crickley to Salperton - 12 miles
Salperton to Stow-on-the-Wold - 11 miles
Stow to Winchcombe - 13 miles
Winchcombe to Tewkesbury - 11.5 miles
Worcestershire Way Link - 12 miles.
The walk takes place mainly on field and woodland paths and is well waymarked with a yellow disc featuring Gloucester Cathedral.
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| Gustav Holst Way |  | 34 miles (55 km) | Follow the Gustav Holst Way through the Cotswolds from Cranham to Wyck Rissington and enjoy the scenery and villages enjoyed by the composer.
The walk starts in the pretty village of Cranham where Holst lived for a while in 'Midwinter Cottage'. The first section of the walk takes you from Cranham to Cheltenham, passing through Buckholt and Witcombe Wood, Birdlip and the delightful Crickley Hill Country Park. The park is set in 143 acres of countryside within the Cotswolds AONB and includes Limestone Grassland, Beech Woodlands and panoramic views of this beautiful area. This section of the walk also passes the Devil's Chimney - an unusal limestone rock formation that stands above a disused quarry in Leckhampton.
The walk then takes you through the interesting city of Cheltenham (Holst's birthplace), passing the attractive Cheltenham College Grounds and the Gustav Holst memorial statue.
After leaving Cheltenham you continue through the lovely Cotswolds countryside towards the village of Guiting Power.
On this section you will pass Cleeve Hill, the highest point both of the Cotswolds hill range and in the county of Gloucestershire, at 1083 ft. Here you will also find Belas Knap neolithic chambered long barrow. A scheduled ancient monument in the care of English Heritage, it has been described as an 'outstanding example representing a group of long barrows commonly referred to as the Cotswold-Severn group'. After leaving Cleeve Hill the path passes through the peaceful Guiting Wood, before arriving at the pretty village of Guiting Power.
The final section of the walk follows the River Windrush to the popular tourist destination of Bourton-on-the-Water. The village is particularly picturesque with the River Windrush flowing through the centre where it is crossed by several low, arched stone bridges. Shortly after, the walk comes to an end at Wyck Rissington where Holst was the resident organist for the church. |
| Heart of England Way |  | 101 miles (163 km) | Follow the Heart of England Way through the Midlands of England. The walk starts from Milford Common on Cannock Chase and heads through Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire before finisihing at Bourton on the Water in the Cotswolds.
Major towns and cities on the route include
- Milford
- Cannock Chase
- Castle Ring
- Lichfield
- Drayton Bassett
- Shustoke
- Meriden
- Berkswell
- Balsall Common
- Rowington
- Henley-in-Arden
- Alcester
- Bidford-on-Avon
- Upper Quinton
- Mickleton
- Chipping Campden
- Longborough
- Bourton-on-the-Water
Walk highlights include the delightful Cannock Chase Country Park at the start of the route, Kingsbury Water Park, the beautiful Arden Countryside and the Cotswolds AONB. The walk is well waymarked with a green and white disc. |
| Jubilee Way |  | 16 miles (26 km) | Follow the Jubilee Way from Old Sodbury to the Severn Bridge on this delightful walk.
The path heads towards Thornbury before entering the Severn Vale and passing through Hay Wood. You then follow the Severn Estuary to the finish point at the landmark bridge.
The Cotswold Hills provide a splendid backdrop for much of the walk. |
| Limestone Link |  | 36 miles (58 km) | Starting at Cold Ashton in St Catherine's Valley, Gloucestershire follow the Limestone Link from the Cotswolds to the Mendip Hills in Somerset.
The walk first heads south towards Batheaston where you join the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal for a lovely waterside stretch to Monkton Coombe. The scond section of the path takes you through the
Mendip Hills AONB with fabulous views of the Chew Valley, the waterfall at Hallatrow and the final stretch through Burrington common the main highlights. |
| Macmillan Way |  | 290 miles (467 km) | This long distance path links Boston in Lincolnshire to Abbotsbury in Dorset. It is promoted to raise money for the charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.
The route starts from Boston and then runs across the Fens to Bourne before joining the limestone belt. You then head to Stamford and then along the shoreline of Rutland Water to Oakham. The trail then heads south and west via Warmington to Stow-on-the-Wold, then into the Cotswolds via Cirencester and Tetbury to Bradford-on-Avon. After leaving the Cotswolds you follow the path through Somerset passing Castle Cary before entering Dorset and the final section to Abbotsbury via Sherborne.
The route joins with other popular trails including the Viking Way at Oakham, the Thames Path National Trail near Thames Head and with the South West Coast Path towards the end of the route.
The Macmillan Way is well waymarked with a green and white disc. |
| Mary Michael Pilgrims Way |  | 275 miles (443 km) | This route begins on the Cornish coast, near Land's end, and passes through Cornwall, Devon and Gloucestershire to finish at Glastonbury. However, the vision is to extend the route to the Norfolk coast in the near future.
The walk connects many sites associated with spirituality and Christian pilgrimage incuding
Boscawen-Un - Bronze age stone circle near St Buryan in Cornwall possibly used as a meeting place for druids in the Iron Age
St Michaels Mount - magnificent tidal island located off the Mount's Bay coast of Cornwall and the former site of a monastery.
The Hurlers - three late Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles located on Bodmin Moor. Probably the best examples of ceremonial circles in the south west.
Glastonbury - a popular destination for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Here you will find Glastonbury Tor - a Scheduled Ancient Monument
The walk is waymarked with an oak plaque. |
| Monarch's Way |  | 615 miles (990 km) | This incredible 615-mile walk approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester.
The Monarch's Way starts at Worcester then travels north to Boscobel and then south to Stratford upon Avon. It then continues south through the Cotswolds to Stow on the Wold before turning south west towards Bristol via Cirencester.
The route then heads south through the Mendip Hills to Wells and then on through Somerset towards Yeovil and then south west to Charmouth. You then follow the Dorset coast before turning north again to Yeovil, before heading east across the Downs to Brighton and then onto the finish point at Shoreham-by-Sea.
The walk also takes you through two World Heritage Sites, one National Park and six Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For those interested in the history of the walk there is ample opportunity to learn and discover more with a series of museums and historical sites dotted throughout the route.
The walk is waymarked with a picture of the ship The Surprise, the Prince of Wales crown and the Royal Oak tree at Boscobel House.
The route has been split into two separate gpx files. The first includes the section from Worcester to Bridport via the Midlands and Somerset. The second runs from Sandford Orcas to the finish point at Shoreham-By-Sea.
Monarch's Way GPS 1 (right click save as)
Monarch's Way GPS 2 (right click save as)
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| North Cotswold Diamond Way |  | 65 miles (105 km) | This diamond shaped walk was created by the RA's North Cotswold Group to celebrate the 60th Jubilee in 1995. It takes you through a series of pretty Cotswold villages including Moreton-in-Marsh, Icombe, Turkdean, Bourton-on-the-Water, Naunton, Guiting Power and Chipping Campden. |
| Palladian Way |  | 118 miles (190 km) | Walk from Buckingham to Bath through the beautiful countryside of Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire on this trail named after Andre Palladio's Italian architecture.
The walk runs from Buckingham to Brackley, Woodstock, Burford, Cirecncester, Malmesbury and then Bath.
You can enjoy waterside sections along the Oxford Canal near Kirtlington and along the River Windrush between Woodstock and Burford. There is also a section through the beautiful Cotswolds countryside around Burford.
Other route highlights include the National Trust Owned Stowe House and Gardens, and the magnificent Blenheim Palace - birthplace of Winston Churchill (video below) |
| River Avon Trail |  | 25 miles (40 km) | Travel along the River Avon from Pill to Bath via Bristol on this delightful trail
You start off in the village of Pill, near the mouth of the river, and head to Bristol through the stunning Avon Gorge. You will pass through the lovely Avon Gorge Nature Reserve with its woodland, plant life and wildlife on this section.
The path then continues through the interesting city of Bristol and then on towards Keynsham where the river is particularly picturesque. You will then pass through the splendid Avon Valley Country Park which has a number of attractions for children.
The final stretch then takes you into the historic city of Bath where you finish on the iconic Pulteney Bridge.
For more information on this trail please click here. |
| Ross Round |  | 18 miles (29 km) | This delightful circular walk takes you through the Herefordshire countryside around Ross-on-Wye.
You start on the River Wye, in the pretty market town of Ross-on-Wye, and follow the river north to the riversde settlement of Hole-in-the-Wall. The walk then leaves the river, visiting Crow Hill, Weston Under Penyard, Penyard Park, Warmhill Wood and Howle Hill as you head through the Herefordshire countryside.
There's much to enjoy on this varied walk including rivers, woodland and a series of pretty villages. |
| Sabrina Way |  | 203 miles (327 km) | This route is part of the National Bridleroute Network and primarily designed for horse riders but can be used by walkers and cyclists also. The trail starts at the deer park at Great Barrington and heads north to Hartington. The route passes through the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills, the Wyre Forest and Cannock Chase Forest, before finishing in the Derbyshire Peak District. For cyclists a mountain bike or hybrid is advised.
The route is waymarked with a blue arrow. |
| Samaritans Way South West |  | 103 miles (166 km) | Starting at Bristol follow the Samaritans Way to Lynton, in Devon, and visit the Avon Gorge, the Chew Valley, the Cheddar Gorge, the Mendips, the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor. |
| Severn Way |  | 224 miles (360 km) | Follow the River Severn from its source at Plynlimon in Powys, to Bristol, the mouth of the river. You start the walk at Plynlimon in upland Mid Wales, before descending into Llanidloes, Newtown, Powys, and Welshpool. The route then follows the towpath of the Montgomeryshire Canal passing the Wrekin Hill and continuing on through Shrewsbury, the Severn Gorge, and the historic town of Ironbridge. You then cross into Worcestershire passing Bewdley, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcester and Upton-upon-Severn in the Malvern Hills. The next section passes through Gloucestershire, visiting Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Berkeley Castle and on to the Severn Estuary and the mouth of the Severn. The final section takes you from Severn beach to Bristol via Lawrence Weston, Shirehampton and through the Avon Gorge.
The route is well waymarked with a blue and white logo. |
| Shakespeare's Avon Way |  | 92 miles (148 km) | This terrific waterside walk follows the River Avon from its source near Naseby to its confluence with the Severn at Tewkesbury.
Starting at Naseby in Northamptonshire the walk heads to Rugby, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Evesham before finishing at Tewkesbury. There are frequent waterside sections alongside the River Avon and also a section along the Grand Union Canal at Warwick.
The walk is well waymarked with a green and white disc featuring the head of Shakespeare. |
| Stroud Valleys Trail |  | 6 miles (9 km) | This route runs from Stonehouse to Nailsworth following a disused railway line. The route is traffic free with splendid views of the Cotswolds and makes for a pleasant afternoon's cycling or walking particularly for families. Click here for more information on this route. |
| Three Choirs Way |  | 100 miles (161 km) | Visit the cities of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester on this circular walk. The walk has been devised with themes of poetry and music and links with the Three Choirs Music Festival which is held each August alternately at the magnificent cathedrals of the Three Counties (Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester).
The walk visits some of the best countryside in the region including hopyards, vineyards and orchards. There are also splendid views of the Rivers Severn, Lugg and Wye and a section through the beautiful Malvern Hills to enjoy.
The walk is waymarked with a white disc featuring musical notes. |
| Warden's Way |  | 14 miles (22 km) | Follow the Warden's Way through the beautiful Cotswolds on this delightful walk.
The walk starts in the picture postcard village of Bourton-on-the-water and passes through a series of picturesque villages including, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Naunton and Guiting Power before finishing at Winchcombe.
Highlights on the walk include a lovely wooded section through Guiting Wood near Guiting Power and the 10th century Sudeley Castle with its beautiful, award winning gardens and lovely chapel. This is located near the end of the route at Winchcombe. |
| Winchcombe Way |  | 42 miles (68 km) | This super figure of eight trail takes you on a tour of the stunning northern area of the Cotswolds.
The walk begins at the pretty village of Winchcombe and heads to Dumbleton via Gretton and Alderton. At Dumbleton you turn south over Dumbleton Hill and through Alstone toward Cleeve Hill and Common. Cleeve Hill is the highest point both of the Cotswolds hill range and in the county of Gloucestershire, at 1083 ft. Here you will also find Belas Knap neolithic chambered long barrow. A scheduled ancient monument in the care of English Heritage, it has been described as an 'outstanding example representing a group of long barrows commonly referred to as the Cotswold-Severn group'.
Shortly after Belas Knap you return to Winchcombe where the next section of the walk takes to Temple Guiting, passing through Guiting Wood on the way.
The path continues to Snowshill where you can explore the delightful Snowshill Manor. Here you can view Charles Wade's collection of 'colour, craftsmanship and design' and enjoy the beautiful hillside gardens.
From Stanshill you continue through Buckland and Stanton before coming to another major route highlight at Stanway House. This splendid Jacobean manor house is right on the trail and open to the public. There are also beautiful gardens and a 300ft high fountain which is the tallest gravity fountain in the world.
The final section of the walk takes you back to Winchcombe, passing Didbrook and the National Trust owned Hailes Abbey with its 13th century ruins and excellent museum. |
| Windrush Way |  | 14 miles (22 km) | This lovely walk through the Cotswolds runs from Bourton on the Water to Winchcombe. The path follows the River Windrush to Naunton and proceeds through Hawling and onto Winchcombe. Walk highlights are the riverside walking and the 10th century, Sudeley Castle with its beautiful, award winning gardens and lovely chapel. |
| Wychavon Way |  | 42 miles (67 km) | Follow the Wychavon Way through the Worcestershire countryside on this 40 mile walk.
The walk begins at Holt Fleet, on the River Severn, with the opening section of the trail running to Droitwch Spa. You will enjoy a waterside stroll along the River Severn and pass through the village of Ombersley before arriving at Droitwich Spa where you cross the River Salwarpe.
From Droitwich, the walk continues through the countryside towards the village of Fladbury. This section includes a short stroll along the Worcester Birmingham Canal and woodland walks through Grafton and Old Yew Hill Woods.
The final section of the walk runs from Fladbury to Winchcombe and includes a waterside walk along the River Avon and visits to the villages of Ashton under Hill and Cropthorne whose church dates back to the 12th century. You will also enjoy splendid views of the Malvern Hills as you pass through the Cotswolds and finish at the historic town of Winchcombe. |
| Wye Valley Walk |  | 138 miles (222 km) | This walk takes you through the beautiful Wye Valley in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Wales.
The walk begins on the mouth of the River Wye at Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire and follows the River Wye north to Monmouth. You continue through Ross on Wye to Hereford and then onto Hay on Wye. You then return to Wales and head to Builth Wells, Newbridge and Rhayader before the final stretch takes you towards the source of the Wye on the slopes of Plynlimon mountain in Powys.
There's plenty of spectacular mountainous scenery as you pass through the Wye Valley AONB, with several waterside sections along the River Wye to enjoy.
The walk is well waymarked with a white disc featuring a leaping salmon. |
| Wysis Way |  | 55 miles (88 km) | The Wysis Way runs for 55 miles from Monmouth in Wales to Kemble, in Gloucestershire. The way links the Offa's Dyke and Thames Path national trails.
Starting from the Wye Bridge in Monmouth the Wysis Way heads eastwards up The Kymin Hill and on into the Forest of Dean. Continuing east the trail goes through Hillersland before continuing through the Forest, passing through Nailsbridge, Harrow Hill and Mitcheldean on its way to the top of May Hill where there are fabulous views of the River Severn. From May Hill, it continues eastward through Glasshouse, Taynton, Tibberton and the edge of Highnam before reaching Gloucester. At Gloucester, the trail heads south east to Robinswood Hill, before continuing southeasterly through Painswick, Bisley and Oakridge Lynch before reaching its end in Kemble, where it meets the Thames Path. |
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Photos provided by Panoramio. Photos are under the copyright of their owners.