Walks in Gloucestershire

In the heart of the English countryside, Gloucestershire offers some of the most rewarding walking in Britain. From the limestone ridges of the Cotswold escarpment to the ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean, this county’s landscapes are remarkably diverse, with a walk for every pace and interest. For those wanting more than exercise, walking in Gloucestershire provides history, geology, and tradition.

Whether you’re seeking long-distance trails such as the Cotswold Way or shorter circuits through deer parks or sculpture trails, these walks in Gloucestershire vary widely in character and ambition.

The Cotswold Way

Stretching over 100 miles from the market town of Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath, the Cotswold Way is a walk of national significance. Although completing the entire route is a worthy challenge for even the most experienced hiker, this walk consists of shorter sections, making it equally suitable for casual walkers who are looking for day excursions. Examples of such are the stretches between Broadway Tower and Stanton, and Birdlip to Painswick, which is often described as the “Queen of the Cotswolds”. There are clearly marked paths throughout, with plenty of welcoming tearooms and pubs en route, ensuring that The Cotswold Way remains largely accessible. Durable footwear is advisable, but no specialist equipment is required here. For those craving greater exertion, a series of escarpment climbs provides expansive views over the Severn Vale towards Wales.

The appeal of The Cotswold Way lies not only in its landscapes of ancient woodlands, sheep-dotted fields, and quaint villages, but also in the culture and history that lie beneath. Along the way, expect to encounter medieval churches, Iron Age hill forts, and stately homes situated in their picturesque parklands. Whilst the full walk is a considerable undertaking, whether pursued in its entirety or sampled in parts, the Cotswold Way is sure to exemplify England’s pastoral charm.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail can be found within a unique corner of Gloucestershire and offers a walk that blends artistic imagination with natural beauty. The trail extends for roughly 4.5 miles and can be enjoyed comfortably within two to three hours, however many visitors tend to linger for longer to contemplate the artworks found along the way. What makes this walk unique is the interplay between contemporary art and the landscape. Artists are invited to respond to the forest’s character and history, which has provided the route with approximately 18 permanent sculptures to be admired. Pieces include a vast stained-glass window suspended amongst the trees, and moulds of rock creating large interlocking walls that visitors can walk through and immerse themselves within.

The path itself is relatively gentle and accessible, making it a suitable outing for casual walkers, families with children, and those with only modest fitness. There are options here for more intrepid walkers to extend their experience by linking with adjoining forest trails. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail feels more of a curated journey than a vigorous hike, and provides visitors with an invitation to slow down, observe and experience the forest as both gallery and sanctuary.

Painswick Beacon Loop

Rising proudly above the aforementioned village of Painswick, the Beacon Loop offers one of the most rewarding short walks in the “Queen of the Cotswolds”. It’s an ideal half-day excursion at just under 3 miles and can be completed at a gentle pace in around 90 minutes. The route begins near the village of Painswick, famed for its 99 Yew trees and known for being a well-preserved wool town, before climbing steadily to the summit ridge. Though the ascent is brief, walkers are rewarded with a panoramic view across the Severn Vale towards the Malvern Hills and, on clear days, the Black Mountains of Wales. The terrain is a mix of grassy paths and open land, and although an accessible path, sturdy shoes are recommended, particularly in wet weather.

Once the site of an Iron Age Hill fort, The Beacon itself is steeped in history and lends itself to a sense of continuity between modern leisure and ancient settlement. Ideal for a morning jaunt, an afternoon with family, or a sunset walk, the Painswick Beacon Loop is the essence of the Cotswolds: a blend of natural beauty, historic resonance, and spectacular views.

Cleeve Hill Circular via the Cotswold Way

Beginning and ending at the Cleeve Hill Golf Club, the Cleeve Hill Circular offers an invigorating 6-mile walk to the highest point in the Cotswolds. Cleeve Hill rises to approximately 330 metres and is renowned for its wide limestone escarpment, which affords some of the most expansive views in southern England. The walk can be completed in three to four hours at a relaxed pace, and whilst the ascents are moderate, the ground can be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The route is best suited to walkers of reasonable fitness, though its open spaces and well-marked paths make it accessible for most.

Once reaching the summit, the views are nothing short of spectacular, stretching across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and beyond. Whilst the climb is steady, the exposed hilltop can be windy, so layers are advisable. For those willing to detour, the prehistoric site of Belas Knap Long Barrow is situated on the hill itself and is a fine example of a Neolithic long barrow, with a false entrance and side chambers. Concluding back at the golf club, this is a walk that offers not only physical refreshment, but a sense of connection to the natural drama and historic resonance of the Cotswolds’ loftiest height.

Dyrham Park Terraces Walk

Set within the grounds of a 17th-century baroque mansion, this gentle 1.5-mile walk at Dyrham Park is a stately alternative to the wilder Cotswold trails. Although the grandeur of the surroundings encourages a slower pace, the circular route can be completed in under an hour. Beginning near the Visitor Centre, walkers can expect to see formal gardens, water features, wildlife and characteristics of seventeenth-century garden aesthetics en route. Herds of fallow deer roam in the open parkland, reminding the visitor of the estate’s aristocratic past. Dyrham Park is managed by the National Trust, the paths are well-kept, and the terrain is undemanding, making the walk suitable for families and casual strollers alike. Although the walk is accessible in most seasons, good walking shoes are recommended for those wanting to explore the views over the house and its formal gardens.

Whether visited as an interlude on a journey through Gloucestershire or savoured as the focal point of a day immersed in the house and gardens, the Terraces Walk is a short, classic circuit that embodies the essence of the English country house experience.

Gloucestershire is a haven for the discerning walker. Whether you prefer the grandeur of hilltop views, the elegance of estate gardens, or the imaginative dialogue between sculpture and the ancient forest, these five walks offer experiences of place, presence, and poetic landscape.

So lace up your walking boots and let Gloucestershire’s landscapes unfold beneath your feet. Each walk is more than a route – it’s a chapter in a living story, written in limestone, woodland quiet, and timeless English beauty.