Ohhh Autumn, our favourite time of the year! There’s no denying that Autumn days are the best time of the year for donning your walking boots, zipping up in your favourite hoodie and getting out in the countryside. Why?
Well, there’s nothing quite like that cool, earthy smell of Autumn! And the Cotswold hills are undeniably some of the best walks in the Cotswolds you can find. Of course, we may be a tad biased about its outstanding natural beauty, but the truth is, you won’t find those rolling green hills and picturesque villages anywhere else.
So, if you’re getting ready to pack your walking boots, we’re here to tell you the best Cotswolds walks during your visit.
Batsford Arboretum
Situated on the A44, Batsford Arboretum is a great location for exploring families (especially those with furry family members!). When it comes to the best walks in the Cotswolds, Batsford Arboretum is a sight for sore eyes, with over a thousand species of trees and shrubs, including Japanese Maples and Mountain Ash.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Just a short distance from the market town of Tetbury, Westonbirt’s picturesque burnt oranges and soothing coppers are not to be missed. Home to 2,500 different species of trees, it’s certainly a paradise for those looking for relaxing walks in the Cotswolds.
Bibury and River Coln
Enjoy stunning Autumn colours and surrounding countryside in Bibury with a four mile walk which includes a stretch of the Oxhill wood. You’ll cross the ancient Roman road of Akeman Street on this walk along with a rare old dewpond scooped out in a stony hollow.
Blenheim Palace
A Cotswolds walk of a lifetime, Blenheim Palace houses 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland, with plenty of options to explore the park and its incredible landscape features, including: The Great Lake, Grand Bridge, Cascade and Water Terraces.
If you’re a fan of taking photos, you won’t want to miss the beautiful Autumn colours on the trees!
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Cleeve Hill and Common
Cleeve Hill is the Cotswolds’ highest common for breathtaking views of the Malverns and into Wales. It’s the Cotswolds’ highest point – commonly known as Cleeve Cloud – at 330 metres above sea level. You might want to make sure the weather is clear during this walk, though!
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Bredon Hill
Easily one of the best Cotswolds walks around, Bredon Hill gives incredible views of the Cotswolds escarpment, the Severn Valley and Malvern Hills. With rolling hills of beauty, farmland and ancient woodlands, what’s not to love?
Upper and Lower Slaughter
Got your mind set on exploring a picturesque village? Upper and Lower Slaughter are fine examples of picture-perfect scenery in the Cotswolds. With exquisite English countryside and quaint riverside cottages, get ready to feel the crunch of Autumn leaves beneath your feet.
Woodchester Mansion and Woodland Walk
Open all year round, with no entry fee, this 3.5 mile circular walk starts from the Victorian Gothic masterpiece, Woodchester Mansion. The Boathouse walk takes you through a secluded wooded valley, past the three ponds and picturesque boathouse.
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Winchcombe and Belas Knap
A little longer than the Woodchester Mansion walk, Winchcombe and Belas Knap is a hugely popular circular walk in the Cotswolds. Kicking off in the beautiful village of Winchcombe, it’s no surprise this is considered one of the best Cotswolds walks to complete! You’ll soon follow the Cotswold Way to Belas Knap, a Neolithic Burial Mound.
During this circular walk you can soak up views of the town and Sudeley Castle, as well as the surrounding Cotswold hills.
The Cotswold Way
This is not a walk for the faint hearted! Even a small slice of the Cotswold Way walk will be more than enough to satisfy even the most eager of hikers! One of the best Cotswolds walks around, the Cotswold Way is renowned for its rolling countryside views, beech woodland and stunning scenery – including picture perfect villages built from Cotswold stone.
Yes, these quaint villages really are postcard perfect!
You will explore ancient commons in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, pass Neolithic burial barrows, stately homes and historic battle sites.
The Cotswold Way extends from the quaint market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath – which spans 102 miles. The Cotswold Way can be walked in all seasons. However, if you want to enjoy clear views from the Cotswold escarpment, then crisp winter days, Autumn and spring may be the best time to visit.
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Circular walks in the Cotswolds
There are some great shorter circular walks to enjoy along parts of the Cotswold Way along the Cotswolds escarpment with its stunning views and pitstop-worthy villages, from the beautiful Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden in the north to the World Heritage City of Bath in the south. If you’re looking for a circular walk, and prefer to keep the long distance walks in the Cotswolds for another day, here are some shorter walks to enjoy:
Bath “Journey’s End – The walk into Bath”
A six mile walk, this route is often considered of the best Cotswolds walks to complete! Follow the trail as it slides from open hill top into historic city, winding its way around open farmland and down bustling alleyways, past the Royal Crescent and Roman Baths to its crescendo at the majestic splendour of Bath Abbey.
- Distance: 6 miles (linear – public transport return)
- Duration: 3½ – 4 hours (plus max. ½ hr return)
Broadway Tower
Leading through the stunning Cotswold high street of Broadway, you’ll weave your way along historic tracks and up to the just as beautiful Broadway Tower. From here, you can soak up the views across the Severn Vale into Wales.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Duration: 2½ -3 hrs
Ready to explore the Cotswolds?
From the Cotswold hills to the Cotswold Way, there is so much to explore in the Cotswolds, whether a leisurely stroll, hiking trails or circular walks. Did you know that we can help you plan your trip perfectly?
Get ready to explore hidden gems and have your visit planned by local Cotswold experts, so whatever you’d like to get up to, we’ve got you covered.
