As humans we are all different in so many ways, we have different personalities that like different things, we have different fitness levels that require different walks and we are different ages so enjoy different activities and are better suited to some things more than others. It is certainly not our place to say who fits into the ‘older generation’ bracket, but if you do find that your walking pace has slowed a little, you don’t want to be climbing up steep embankments or scaling the sides of rocky mountains, and you’d prefer there weren’t screaming toddlers everywhere you look, then yes you might want to choose your walks carefully. Because we understand that people have different needs and requirements we know that there is a Cotswold walk for all sorts of different ages and wanted to discuss the 6 best Cotswold Walks for the older generation in this blog, we hope you find it useful.

1. Woodchester Park

A leisurely Cotswold walk around Woodchester Park is great for all abilities and incorporates the gardens, an unfinished mansion, and five lakes interspersed with woodland and pasture.  The valley of Woodchester Park will appease countryside walkers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs alike with gorgeous views of the 19th-century boathouse which was once overgrown by vegetation before the National Trust swooped in and sorted it out.

Woodchester Mansion is also another spot of history to see, a Victorian masterpiece that was mysteriously abandoned mid-construction. There is a play trail here so families are welcome but you’ll find lots of serenity and quieter paths if you take the boathouse trail. The paths can be a little uneven in places so do keep that in mind.

2. Siccaridge Wood, Frome

A Cotswold walk at Siccaridge Woods in Frome will take you through its impressive display of bluebells in the Spring, definitely worth a visit, but don’t reserve your visit just for the spring since it is a delight year-round. Buried in the Frome Valley, and between the lovely villages of Sapperton and Oakridge, the woodland stretches for around 26 hectares and has ash, silver birch, and beech trees, as well as many flower species. If you’re a wildlife lover you’ll enjoy the beautiful butterflies, birds, and door mice and spotting the wild ingredients that grow throughout the woods. There is wheelchair access to this Cotswold walk and the paths are good.

3. Lancuat Nature Reserve, Wye Valley

Hailed as one of the finest landscapes in lowland Britain, Lancaut is a beautiful nature reserve located in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Expect to do some really good wildlife spotting here; peregrine falcons, ravens, herons, and cormorants down by the river, and on occasion a seal has been spotted too. There are some breathtaking views stretching out across the river, woodland, and limestone and if you fancy making a day of it then pack a picnic and sit and take in the view over a sandwich and a cuppa. The path through the reserve does have up and down hill sections as it follows the cliffs but isn’t too strenuous.

4. Stow on The Wold To Maugersbury

If you just fancy a short Cotswold walk that still offers all of the charming scenery of the Cotswolds, try this one-mile stroll beginning and ending in Stow-on-the-Wold. Along Digbeth Street and then Park Street, an alley will lead you into the beautiful hamlet of Maugersbury. From the center of Maugersbury, turn left and stay on a small country road which will lead you back to the delightful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Once you’ve arrived in this gorgeous town it would be simply rude not to visit the tearooms, wouldn’t it? Grab a nice cup of tea or coffee and a treat to keep you going.

5. Leigherton to Westonbirt Arboretum

This circular Cotswold walk begins in the small village of Leighterton and takes you through pleasant stretches of Gloucestershire farmland before you reach the Arboretum and enjoy exploring the outstanding specimens that are on display in this beautiful museum of nature. The paths are good and once you reach the Arboretum you’ll find somewhere to eat, drink and relax. Alternatively head into Tetbury post walk (it is about three miles away) and visit one of the beautiful cafes for a spot of lunch or a cream tea to round off your Cotswold walk.