Although once it gets to February we are starting to wonder whether the winter will ever end and whether we’ll feel the sun on our skin again, fear not, the spring will arrive and when it does we are here to help you plan your perfect spring walk!

Thinking about and planning a nice spring walk in the sunshine can lift our spirits and give us something nice to look forward to, so where are the best spring walks in the Cotswolds? Find out here.

1. Newark Park, Gloucestershire

Newark Park is a country retreat with fascinating architecture but in the springtime, it is the surrounding woods and countryside that draw visitors to the location.

Wander around the woodland and immerse yourself into this peaceful setting; during March pathways will be lined with primroses and daffodils and from April onwards the woodlands will be filled with loads of gorgeous wild garlic.

The estate is situated on the Cotswold Escarpment which was created by the tilting of the limestone layers, exposing the broken edge of the Cotswolds. The house sits proudly on the top of the Cotswold Escarpment and on a clear day its views reach as far as the Mendips.

2. The Daffodil Way, Dymock Woods, Kempley

The Dymock Woods span 506 hectares and are beautiful to explore whatever the season,  but spring is when visitors can enjoy the beauty of the wild daffodils that bloom in late February and March. These yellow flowers fill the Gloucestershire woodland, orchards and meadows and are utterly gorgeous, really marking the start of spring.

Explore the lovely countryside, orchards and woodland surrounding the village of Dymock on this 9-mile circular walk in the Forest of Dean. Look out for bluebells and butterflies in the section through Dymock Woods.

The community village of Kempley hosts its annual Daffodil Weekend which is when organised daffodil walks take place from the town.

3. Coaley Peak, Dursley

This walk is incorporated into the Cotswold Way National Trail and rambles through flower-rich grassland to reach the top of the Peak. Expect to find fantastic views across the patchwork fields of the Severn Vale towards the Forest of Dean, just make sure to pick a clear day to make the most of the views.

Coaley Peak is a picnic site so make sure to pack your sandwiches and time your walk with a lunch break at the top.

The peak is located 4 miles south-west of Stroud, overlooking the village of Coaley.

4. Slad Valley, Stroud

Slad Valley lies within the Cotswold Area of Natural Beauty and makes the perfect spot for a spring walk.

Ramble through the unspoilt countryside with its tall grass, orchids and fox earth. As the summer months draw closer you’ll be able to spot lots of lovely wild garlic.

This circular walk is famous for its association with the author Laurie Lee, who based his book ‘Cider with Rosie’ on his own life in the village of Slad.

The walk starts in the centre of the village and follows various footpaths and country lanes around the village. As well as the amazing countryside, you’ll pass the lovely Steanbridge Mill which is worth a little pitt-stop to see.

The northern tip of the walk uses the Wysis Way long-distance footpath towards Piedmont  – be sure to visit the Snows Farm Nature Reserve on the way which consists of limestone grassland with a huge variety of wildflowers including early purple orchids, fragrant orchids and pyramidal orchids. 

5. Foxholes Nature Reserve, Burford

This circular walk takes in ancient woodland at the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust’s Foxholes Nature Reserve. This is a tranquil woodland area sloping down to the River Evenlode with year-round colour and wildlife interest.

Located a short drive from the gorgeous Cotswold town of Burford, Foxholes Nature Reserve is ideal for a gorgeous Cotswold walk; immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the woods and see the primroses, violets and early-purple orchids in the spring. By May thousands of bluebells grace the area too.