Step into Spring: Discover the Six Best Walks in the Cotswolds

The Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds for Walking

While the Cotswolds is beautiful year-round, Spring is undoubtedly the best time to explore it on foot. The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty known for its honey-coloured stone villages. The region spans across several counties, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.

From late March through May, the countryside bursts into life with flowering trees and wildflowers - and the mild weather makes for perfect walking conditions to explore the best walks in the Cotswolds. Longer days allow more time for exploration and the landscape is awash with the bright greens and soft pastels of Spring. Bliss. 

The Best Six Walks in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is crisscrossed with numerous footpaths and trails. Here, we've curated a list of the six best walks in the Cotswolds - from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes across hills, there's something for every type of walker:

The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is perhaps the most iconic trail in the region, certainly earning the title of one of the best walks in the Cotswolds. Stretching over 100 miles from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the South. 

While tackling the entire path might be a bit much for a day's walk, there are numerous shorter sections that offer a taste of its beauty. Walking along this trail, you're treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, passing through ancient woodlands, open meadows, and pretty villages.

Broadway Tower and the Surrounding Countryside
Another of the best walks in the Cotswolds is Broadway Tower, offering views of up to 16 counties on a clear day. The walk from the village of Broadway up to the tower and back is about 4 miles, taking you through fields and woodlands. It's a relatively easy walk, suitable for families, and the reward at the top is well worth the effort. The tower itself is packed full of history, and the surrounding countryside is a patchwork of fields, hedgerows, and narrow lanes. Plus, being just a 35 minute drive from Cotswold Grange, you can enjoy this route during your stay. 

Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter
A short 25 minute journey from Cotswold Grange, this gentle walk connects two of the Cotswolds' most beautiful villages: Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter. Spanning just over a mile, the path meanders alongside the River Windrush, through meadows and past those picture perfect cottages. Both villages are quintessentially English, with Bourton-on-the-Water known for its low bridges, and Lower Slaughter for its beauty and peascefulness. This walk is perfect for those seeking a leisurely stroll through classic Cotswold scenery.

The Slaughters Circular Walk
Building on the previous walk, the Slaughters Circular Walk is a slightly longer route that explores both Upper and Lower Slaughter. This circular walk encompasses around 5 miles, offering a more in depth look into the idyllic countryside that surrounds these villages. The path takes you through fields dotted with sheep, along quiet country lanes, and beside the babbling River Eye. It's a walk that is a real taste of the Cotswolds - certainly a strong contender as one of the best walks in the Cotswolds. 

Upper and Lower Swell
The twin villages of Upper and Lower Swell lie nestled among hills and are connected by a network of footpaths that offer great views of the surrounding landscape. A circular walk linking these villages covers approximately 4 miles, taking in churches and traditional Cotswold stone cottages. This walk gives you an example of the Cotswolds' quieter side, where the pace of life slow down, and nature's beauty takes centre stage.

Chipping Campden to Broadway
This walk takes in two of the Cotswolds' most iconic villages, Chipping Campden and Broadway. The route, part of the Cotswold Way we mentioned earlier, is about 6 miles long and takes you through some especially scenic landscape. Along the way, you'll be amongst woodlands, open fields, and stunning views that stretch across the valley. Both Chipping Campden and Broadway are renowned for their historical architecture, making this walk a journey through both nature and history.

 
Tips for Enjoying your Walks in the Cotswolds
If you’re planning to tackle one of the best walks in the Cotswolds, you might as well do it justice and come well prepared. To make the most of your walking adventures in the Cotswolds, here are a few tips:

-       Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. The terrain can vary, and good walking shoes or boots will ensure you can tackle it with ease.

-       Dress in layers. The British weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring, so layering allows you to adapt to changing conditions.

-       Carry a map, GPS device or mobile phone. While many paths are well-marked, having these tools helps you navigate more confidently (and able to find the nearest pub!)

-       Stay hydrated and pack snacks. Walking can be energy-consuming, and keeping hydrated and energised is important.

-       Respect the countryside code. Close gates behind you, keep dogs under control, and leave no trace of your visit.

Book your stay at Cotswold Grange to enjoy your Spring Walks

To fully enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds this Spring, consider booking your stay at Cotswold Grange. Nestled in the heart of the Cotwolds, is one of the best boutique hotels in Cheltenham, Cotswold Grange, offering the perfect base from which to explore the nearby Cotswold countryside. With comfortable accommodation, delicious local cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's the ideal retreat after a day of walking. 

Walking through the Cotswolds in Spring is an experience that stays with you long after you've left it behind. Whether you're an avid walker or simply seeking a peaceful escape, lace up your walking boots, step into Spring, and discover the best walks in the Cotswolds for yourself. And remember, your perfect spring adventure awaits at Cotswold Grange—book your stay today to enjoy the best walks in the Cotswolds this Spring.