The Cotswolds is the kind of place that looks like it was designed for long and lazy walks. Rolling green hills along with golden-stone villages, meadows that hum with bees, and pubs that seem perfectly placed at the end of every trail are what define the Cotswolds.
For those of you who enjoy hikes that are less about scrambling up cliffs and more about soaking in scenery, this corner of England really does deliver in spades. It doesn’t matter whether you are after a quick stroll, a family-friendly wander, or a full-day adventure, because there’s a lot to do here.
- 1. Broadway Tower Circular (Best Beginners Hike near Broadway)
- 2. Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter (Best Day Hikes for Families)
- 3. Cleeve Hill Common (Best Full Day Hike from Cheltenham)
- 4. Winchcombe to Sudeley Castle (Best Quick Walks out of Winchcombe)
- 5. The Rollright Stones Walk (Best Day Hike for Dogs)
- Checking Out the Cotswolds
- Where Else Should You Explore in the Cotswolds?
- Where to Next?
Here are five of the best hikes in the Cotswolds, from gentle village walks to longer routes like the Cotswolds Way.
1. Broadway Tower Circular (Best Beginners Hike near Broadway)
This short but rewarding walk loops around Broadway Tower, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Cotswolds.
Set on the second-highest point in the region, the tower offers panoramic views that stretch across 16 counties on a clear day. The route is gentle and it’s also perfect for beginners or families, with plenty of open space for kids to run and dogs to roam. If you’re new to hiking, these hiking tips for beginners can help you feel more prepared before setting out.
The village of Broadway nearby is known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” so you can pair your hike with tea rooms and antique browsing.
- Average time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: Around 170 m (560 ft)
- Highlights: Broadway Tower itself, which is an 18th-century folly built for Lady Coventry.
- Don’t miss: The deer park surrounding the tower (red deer often graze here).
2. Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter (Best Day Hikes for Families)
If you picture the quintessential English village, you can probably picture Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to its charming low bridges, this walk follows the River Windrush out of town and meanders gently to the equally picturesque village of Lower Slaughter.
The path is mostly flat, which makes it very ideal for families with younger children. Lower Slaughter is postcard-perfect, and it comes complete with a mill and honey-colored cottages (so the walk will feel like a complete journey back in time).
- Average time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: Minimal, under 60m (200 ft)
- Highlights: Wandering alongside the River Windrush through meadows and past cottages.
- Don’t miss: The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter (with its museum and riverside café).
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3. Cleeve Hill Common (Best Full Day Hike from Cheltenham)
Cleeve Hill is the highest point in the Cotswolds, which means that this hike comes with serious bragging rights. Starting from Cheltenham, the route takes you across open common land and it offers sweeping views over the Severn Vale and toward the Malvern Hills.
The walk is longer and hillier than the valley strolls, but the rewards are well worth it. If you’re preparing for a longer route, it’s worth learning how to build hiking stamina before tackling it. You can expect wildflowers in spring, skylarks overhead, and the feeling of standing on top of the world when you reach the summit.
- Average time: 5 to 6 hours
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: Around 400 m (1,300 ft)
- Highlights: Views from Cleeve Hill summit, which is the highest point in the Cotswolds at 330m (1,083 ft).
- Don’t miss: Belas Knap Long Barrow, which is a Neolithic burial mound tucked into the route.
As this is one of the longer walks on the list, make sure you have your day-hike essentials packed before setting off.
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4. Winchcombe to Sudeley Castle (Best Quick Walks out of Winchcombe)
General overview: Winchcombe is a charming market town that makes a perfect base for walkers. This short route links Winchcombe with Sudeley Castle, which is a historic estate once home to Katherine Parr, who was the last wife of Henry VIII.
The trail is scenic but also manageable, and it passes through sheep-dotted fields and gently rolling hills. It’s one of those walks where history and nature blend beautifully, which makes it a rewarding choice even if you only have a couple of hours to spare.
- Average time: 2 hours
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Altitude gain/loss: About 150 m (500 ft)
- Highlights: Exploring the castle grounds, which include award-winning gardens.
- Don’t miss: The church of St Mary in Winchcombe, with its centuries-old architecture.
5. The Rollright Stones Walk (Best Day Hike for Dogs)
For those of you who enjoy a bit of mystery with your walk, this route takes you right to the Rollright Stones, which is a group of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. The circular trail starts near Long Compton and it weaves through farmland and quiet lanes before arriving at the stones, which include the King’s Men stone circle, the Whispering Knights, and the King Stone.
All in all, this is a moderately challenging route, but it has plenty of open stretches that are ideal for dogs too. As you’ll be walking through farmland and visiting historic sites, it’s also worth brushing up on trail etiquette before you go.
- Average time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) - Altitude gain/loss: 250 m (820 ft)
- Highlights: The Rollright Stones themselves, steeped in folklore and legend.
- Don’t miss: Local pubs nearby, where you can mull over whether the stones really do whisper.
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Checking Out the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds may not have towering peaks or dramatic cliffs, but what it does have is character. And if you’re keen to explore more of the country on foot, our guide to hiking in England has plenty more ideas to consider. These five hikes showcase everything that makes the region special: golden villages, rolling hills, history at every turn, and enough variety to suit beginners and families and seasoned walkers alike.
Let’s put it this way, for those of you who enjoy hikes with a side of charm and history (and perhaps a pint at the end too), walking in the Cotswolds is just about as good as it gets. If you want to discover more routes around the country, take a look at these best hikes in England..
Where to Next?
- Ultimate Guides – your gateway to hiking across Europe
- Hikes & Trails – curated lists of the best hikes and local gems
- Walking Holidays – extended journeys for when a single day just isn’t enough
- General Blog – all the extras: gear reviews, planning tips, and personal stories
Where Else Should You Explore in the Cotswolds?
More places in the Cotswolds that are worth exploring include. And if you’re thinking beyond the Cotswolds, you can also browse these walking holiday destinations in Europe for more inspiration:
- Best Circular Walks in the Cotswolds
- The Best Shortwalks in the Cotswolds
- Stroller and Wheelchair Walks in the Cotswolds
