A Magical Long Distance Trail & Fantastic Views

Walking in Gloucestershire offers great walks and trails for you to try. From short strolls by pools to rambles through woodland to waymarked circular walks, there is a path for everyone. The Cotswolds are renowned for picture postcard beauty and honey coloured stone villages with open grassy ridges. For the walker, historian, geologist and botanist there is endless opportunities to take in the natural world, so it makes the perfect destination for a walking holiday.

The popular Cotswold Way is a long distance walk that runs for 102 miles from the medieval market town of Chipping Campden, to the historic City of Bath. Following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, the route takes you on a journey through gently rolling hills, pastures of sheep, beech woodland, and dreamy villages. One for the bucket list.

Walking in Gloucestershire is the easiest way to enjoy outdoor activities, get closer to nature and leave behind the hustle and bustle of modern everyday life. From wide, grassy tracks to unexplored pathways and leafy tunnels, woods are places where we can relax, unwind and have some fun outdoors.

Walking in Gloucestershire is a great form of exercise, it helps to keep you fit and healthy and is a really easy way to start being more active. Woods are truly magical playgrounds where children can have exciting adventures. After a long stroll in the fresh air with your four-legged friend, it’s nice to sit back and put your feet (or paws) up.

With loads to explore and peaceful spots to enjoy these areas are perfect for family picnics too.

Sculpture Trail

Sculpture Trail

The sculptures on this trail are inspired by the forest, its trees, wildlife and industrial past. The sculptures are interspersed along the trail through majestic oaks and towering Scots pine trees.

There are waymarked shortcuts: Shortcut A (first 6 sculptures) is approx 2.2 miles in length and Shortcut B is 3 miles (first 12 sculptures).

Monarchs Way

Monarchs Way

The Monarchs Way is based on the lengthy route taken by King Charles II during his escape after defeat by Cromwell in the Civil Wars at Worcester in 1651.

There are many historic buildings, features of interest and antiquity, with connections to numerous other long distance walking routes.

Three Choirs Way

Three Choirs Way

The Three Choirs Way is a long distance footpath route between three Cathedral Cities and county towns; Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, and between their Cathedrals.

The path has a distinctive badge on its waymarkers: a music stave and treble clef, and the motto 'Blessed is the eye between Severn and Wye'.

Isbourne Way

Isbourne Way

The Isbourne Way follows the River Isbourne from its source on Cleeve Hill to its confluence with the Warwickshire Avon at Evesham.

It passes through Winchcombe, Toddington, Wormington and Sedgeberrow and features woods, open countryside, villages and towns with pubs and shops, and sites of interest such as mills and churches.

Walking In Gloucestershire, Winchcombe Way

Winchcombe Way

A 42 mile figure-of-eight route centred on Winchcombe. The waymarked trail is designed to show walkers the hidden gems of the northern Cotswolds.

The landscape is constantly changing and reveals the charm of the Cotswolds. The walking route passes through tranquil villages, secluded countryside, across Cleeve Common, past ancient sites, historic houses and spectacular views.

Wardens Way

Wardens Way

Whilst walking in Gloucestershire try this 14 mile walk from Winchcombe and heads through the hills via several villages to Bourton on the Water.

The walk passes through Naunton, Guiting Power and the Slaughters. This walking route provides a link between the Cotswold Way National Trail and the Oxfordshire Way.

Walking In Gloucestershire

Bruce Trail Friendship Trail

A stile free walk that leads you along peaceful woodland tracks and out onto windswept hillsides with breath-taking views. A true jewel in the Cotswolds crown and a perfect day out when walking in Gloucestershire.

Not only is it a stunning route, it is also twinned with an equally beautiful part of the Bruce Trail in Ontario, Canada as a mark of friendship and cooperation between our two trails.

Walking In Gloucestershire, St Kenelms Way

St Kenelms Way

St Kenelm's Way is a walk through Worcestershire from the Clent Hills to the Cotswolds.

A 60 mile trail following field and woodland paths and a stretch of the scenic Worcester - Birmingham canal, the walk undulates past historic villages to the half way stage at Upton Snodsbury and from Wyre Piddle the Avon is followed to historic Pershore.

Walking In Gloucestershire, Severn Way

Severn Way

Stretch your legs and soak up the scenery whilst walking in Gloucestershire. A route along the entire Severn Valley from the source to the sea.

Starting on the wild Plynlimon plateau in Mid-Wales, the route takes in Hafren Forest, Llanidloes, Newtown, Welshpool, Shrewsbury and Ironbridge before heading south through Worcester, Tewkesbury and Gloucester to Severn Beach then linking along the Avon into Bristol City Centre.

Walking In Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Way

This 100 mile route starts in Chepstow, meanders through the Forest of Dean before reaching the Cotswolds.

Here it forms a loop to Stow on the Wold and Winchcombe on its way to Tewkesbury Abbey. Take the Gloucestershire Way west over Langley Hill to find the Millennium carving of a shepherd with his dog.

Walking In Gloucestershire, Korea Friendship Trails

Korea Friendship Trail

The Cotswold Way has teamed up with South Korea’s Jeju Olle Trail to become one of the world’s first ‘friendship trails'.

Follow this short walk around Stinchcombe Hill to experience one of the most beautiful meanderings of the Cotswold Way and discover a new world of walking on an island five thousand miles away.

Walking In Gloucestershire, Windrush Way

Windrush Way

Another 14 mile walk to Bourton on the Water, this time taking to the hills. This hiking route passes through lost medieval villages on its way to the River Windrush.