Now that it would appear spring has landed our thoughts turn to outdoor pursuits and spending time in the sunshine. We are blessed in the Cotswolds to have the countryside at our fingertips and an abundance of beautiful walking opportunities at every turn.

If you are feeling like getting away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life and you fancy a quiet walk in the middle of nowhere then we’ve put together our favourite Cotswold walks that will give you some space away from it all.

Bourton House Garden

Bourton House Garden is one of those places that you just wouldn’t know existed. This award-winning, three-acre garden is located at Bourton-on-the-Hill and is set against a beautiful 18th-century manor house. The gardens are immaculate and feature imaginative topiary, water features, and an abundance of plants. You can also walk in the seven-acre fields that surround the gardens. Although Bourton House Garden is beautiful to visit at any time of the year, late summer brings a flourish of colour here,  when many gardens have run their course.

Lodge Park, Cheltenham

Located just outside of the charming town of Cheltenham you’ll find Lodge Park which is part of the Sherborne Estate. This peaceful National Trust garden offers an area rich in diverse wildlife with stunning landscapes and rolling parkland and is a lovely spot to just come and sit, take a moment, and gather your thoughts. As well as the beautiful gardens Lodge Park boasts England’s only surviving 17th-century grandstand and a deer park where you can hope to spot some deer. If you enjoy open spaces and fresh air then this would be a great walking opportunity for you.

Winchcombe Way

Although many ramblers come to Winchcombe because of its beautiful location in the Cotswolds it definitely retains a real sense of peace and quiet and has an abundance of unspoilt beauty. This 68 km figure-of-eight trail is a lovely introduction to the Cotswolds, passing through Guiting Wood and the peaceful villages of Snowshill and Taddington. The eastern loop takes you on a steady climb out of the market town towards Stanway House along the Cotswold escarpment and the western loop leads down Langley Hill which boasts incredible views.

Maugersbury Lane

This little hidden gem is a nice easy afternoon’s 2 km stroll in the sleepy parish of Maugersbury which is home to less than 150 people and is nestled southeast of historic market town Stow-on-the-Wold. Maugersbury predominantly consists of characterful Cotswold stone houses that are picture-perfect and with Maugersbury Lane being a ‘no-through road’ it makes for a very tranquil walk. The locals like to keep this little hidden gem a secret, so you shouldn’t find too many others walking this short but sweet route.

Frith Wood Nature Reserve

The vast and beautiful landscape of Frith Woods offers a number of footpaths for ramblers to choose from that are incredibly peaceful. Located three miles from the town of Stroud the nature reserve comprises an ancient beech wood, and an array of rare plants and during these spring months the ground becomes carpeted with swathes of gorgeous bluebells and wild garlic, so now is the time to visit! The reserve straddles the ridge overlooking the Painswick Valley and Slad Valley near Stroud offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.