We specialise in guided and self-guided walking tours of the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), but even if you’re visiting for a brief period, there are hundreds of beautiful walks in the Cotswolds you can take. We are so lucky to be surrounded by exquisite countryside at every turn; from national trails and meandering river walks to hills with a view, there are walks for all ability levels and strolls that are sure to please all of the family. So, when we decided to pick our most beautiful Cotswold walks, it took some serious decision-making! These were the best walks we could decide on, we hope you enjoy them too!
1. Bibury to Fairford (6.75 miles/11 km)
This scenic walk begins in Bibury, the village William Morris famously called “the most beautiful in England.” Wander past Arlington Row’s iconic weavers’ cottages and the elegant Bibury Court Manor before following the River Coln through meadows and woodlands. The peaceful countryside reflects the kind of beauty that inspired Morris’s passion for nature, craftsmanship, and simplicity.
The route ends in the small market town of Fairford, a quiet Cotswold town home to St Mary’s Church, which boasts one of England’s only complete sets of medieval stained glass. This little-visited gem is a fitting end to a walk filled with natural charm and artistic legacy.
Our Heart of William Morris Country walking tour takes you through both Bibury and Fairford, and ends in the Oxfordshire village of Kelmscott.
2. Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh (7 miles/11 km)
This stretch of the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful walking routes in the region, capturing the essence of everything that makes the Cotswolds so special. Departing from the historic market town of Chipping Campden, this walk leads you through the peaceful countryside and the charming Cotswold villages of Broad Campden and Blockley, each offering the classic honey-stone cottages, hidden lanes, and postcard-worthy views of the Cotswolds.
As you descend into the valley, the landscape opens up around Batsford, home to a renowned arboretum and falconry centre, ideal for a tranquil pause. From here, enjoy a gentle walk across meadows dotted with wildflowers and sheep, before arriving in Moreton-in-Marsh. With its lively high street and traditional inns, this bustling market town is a Cotswold must-see.
Our Best of the Cotswolds walking tour includes this exact stretch as well as other Cotswold must-do routes.
3. Stanton to Cleeve Hill (14 miles/22.5 km)
Walking from Stanton to Cleeve Hill offers a rich blend of heritage and scenery. Leave the quiet starting point of Stanton and pass through the estate of Stanway House, a striking Jacobean manor known for its beautiful water gardens and soaring 300ft fountain.
The trail then winds past the evocative ruins of Hailes Abbey before reaching the historic town of Winchcombe, a great place to pause for a bite or a bit of exploring. From there, the path ascends steadily, revealing sweeping views and ancient landmarks, such as Belas Knap, a Neolithic burial mound. Your climb ends at Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, where panoramic vistas over Cheltenham and the Severn Valley reward your efforts, making this one of the most dramatic and beautiful walks the Cotswolds have to offer.
The walk from Stanton to Cleeve Hill features on our Cotswold Way Long-Distance walking tour.
4. Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water (4.5 miles / 7.2km)
This easy, scenic walk begins in the historic hilltop town of Stow-on-the-Wold and winds gently downhill through classic Cotswold countryside. You’ll stroll across wildflower-filled meadows to the enchanting village of Lower Slaughter, set along the peaceful River Eye. Preserved in time and untouched by modern development since 1906, this picture-perfect village offers charming stone cottages, a working mill, and quaint footbridges that evoke a sense of stepping into the past.
From here, the trail continues to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to its low arched bridges and riverside charm. With its inviting cafés, antique shops, and attractions like the Model Village and Motoring Museum, it’s a delightful spot to end your day. Settle in for the night in one of the most beloved villages in the region.
This picturesque walk forms part of our Best of the Cotswolds walking tour.
5. Castle Combe to Bath (13 miles/21 km)
Beginning from the hidden gem of Castle Combe, often hailed as England’s prettiest village, the trail leads you through the tranquil beauty of St. Catherine’s Valley, a quiet and unspoiled landscape of rolling hills and wooded slopes. As you make your way toward Bath Easton, the views become increasingly sweeping and picturesque.
At Bath Easton, you can either hop on a bus or continue your walk along the Avon River, following the path into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. Once in the city, explore its Georgian architecture, Roman baths, and elegant streets before settling in for the night. It’s a memorable end to your Cotswold journey, where rural charm meets historic grandeur.
You can see Castle Combe, Bath, and other classic Cotswolds villages on our Bath and the Cotswolds walking tour.
6. Cirencester to Painswick (13.5 miles/21 km)
This varied and scenic walk begins in Cirencester, the Cotswolds’ largest town, with a tranquil stroll through the elegant avenues of Cirencester Park, an 18th-century landscaped estate. From there, the route winds toward Sapperton, a village once closely tied to William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement, offering a quiet nod to the region’s creative legacy.
Follow the peaceful path of the old Thames & Severn Canal before continuing through some of the most idyllic countryside in the Cotswolds. Your day ends in the charming town of Painswick, known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, where you can explore its unique yew-tree churchyard and the beautifully restored Rococo Garden. This walk offers perfect blend of culture, history, and rural beauty.
Our South Cotswolds Ring circular walking tour includes this breathtaking stretch from Cirencester to Painswick.
7. Broadway to The Slaughters (6 miles/9.6 km)
This walk to the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter covers one of the most picturesque corners of the Cotswolds. Pass through the historic Stow-on-the-Wold, once an Iron Age fort and later a Norman trading hub. Rich in heritage, Stow still hosts its famous horse fair, first established by royal charter in 1330.
Following peaceful country lanes and quiet footpaths, you’ll pass near Bourton-on-the-Water before arriving in The Slaughters. Named from the Old English word for ‘miry place,’ these riverside villages are anything but bleak. Set along the tranquil River Eye, with stone bridges and historic cottages, they are among the most photographed locations in the Cotswolds.
While in Broadway, take a short walk to Broadway Tower for beautiful panoramic views of the English Countryside.
Our Guided Tour of the Cotswolds takes you through both Broadway and the Slaughters, among other quintessential Cotswold attractions like Hidcote Gardens and Chipping Campden, all with the expert insight of our local expert guides.
8. Sherborne Woods Estate (2.5 miles/4 km)
The Sherborne Woods Estate gardens are one of the best-kept secrets of the Cotswolds and can be found around 3.5 miles east of the gorgeous town of Northleach. Owned by The National Trust this area of beautiful winding pathways is popular with everyone from families to dog walkers and keen hikers. The circular walks here are not long and strenuous and so are perfect for all ability levels and can be nicely coupled up with a visit to Northleach for some well-earned lunch in one of the beautiful pubs and restaurants after your walk.
The three different circular walks start from the estate and meander through the gorgeous Cotswold countryside.
9. The Winchcombe Way (42 miles/ 67.5 km)
Winchcombe is a real jewel of the Cotswolds; a beautiful historic village surrounded by stunning countryside in all directions, it really is a rambler’s paradise. The Winchcombe Way is a long-distance figure-of-eight trail with Winchcombe located at the heart of the loop meaning you can use Winchcombe as your base for ending the walk and having some refreshments at one of the gorgeous pubs in the town.
The Eastern side of the loop follows Farmcote Valley before taking you through the quiet country lanes of Guiting Wood, the Cotswold escarpment, and on to Stanway House, past Hailes Abbey. The Western loop takes you down Langley Hill before continuing to Gretton, Alderton, Alstone, and onto Cleeve Common. Both routes are equally beautiful and we would advise doing both if you have the time!
Our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds on Foot visits all the Cotswold greats including Winchombe, Broadway, and Cheltenham.
10. Tetbury to Westonbirt (3.6 miles/5.8 km)
Westonbirt Arboretum is a beautiful spot for all of the family and really does need to feature in our top most beautiful walks in the Cotswolds. This walk from the gorgeous Cotswold town of Tetbury is perfect for discovering the picturesque villages of Tetbury and Westonbirt. The route itself is flat and gentle and easy enough for kids and adults alike, and is certainly buggy and wheelchair friendly.
The 600-acre National Arboretum is home to more than 15 thousand different tree types from all over the world, and teaming a walk with a mooch around Tetbury and some lunch in one of the gorgeous beer gardens makes for a really beautiful day out.
11. Leckhampton Hill (4 miles/6.4 km)
If you love a walk with a view then we couldn’t recommend the Leckhampton Hill loop more. This circular walk that is attached to the long-distance Cotswold Way features some of the most breathtaking views and varied landscapes in the Cotswolds, with views out over the valleys of Cheltenham and Gloucester. The loop is about a 4-mile walk and passes Iron Age remains and disused quarries established in the Victorian era, making for a really interesting hike.
Passing through grasslands and peaceful woodlands you’ll cover a couple of steep sections but nothing too strenuous and on average, this walk will take you two and a half hours to complete, but don’t forget to leave time to sit and chill and soak up the views! Lots of people pack picnics on a sunny day and find a spot with a view for lunch once they have completed their walk.
12. Chipping Campden Trail (4.5 miles/7.2 km)
If you are visiting the Cotswolds then you will certainly want to check out Chipping Campden, one of the gorgeous market towns with boutique shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels, tearooms, and many gorgeous walks. The Chipping Campden Trail is around 4.5 miles long and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.
The walk starts and finishes in Cipping Campden and early on in the walk, you will get to Dover’s Hill, a National Trust area that gives way to beautiful views of the Vale of Evesham. After leaving Dover’s Hill you will pass through leafy woodland into Lynches Wood, a very picturesque spot, and eventually lead back into Chipping Campden.
Whether you’re drawn to long-distance hikes or short, scenic rambles, the Cotswolds offers something truly special for every kind of walker. These handpicked routes showcase the region’s timeless villages, sweeping landscapes, and rich heritage, each one a reminder of why the Cotswolds is such a beloved walking destination. With peaceful river paths, hilltop vistas, and hidden gems around every bend, these walks aren’t just journeys through the countryside, they’re experiences that stay with you long after your boots are off. We hope this guide inspires you to lace up and discover your own favourite trail.