Our favourite Cotswold Way circular walks

The Cotswolds are a beautiful range of hills in south western England, typified by unspoilt valleys and meadows, woodland and charming villages and market towns. This is England at its best and great country for exploring on foot: the Cotswolds Way is a 100 mile long National Trail that takes in the best of this fantastic Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trail doesn’t have to be walked in its entirety of course, so you can still relax at one of the great campsites in the Cotswolds, and here we pick our favourite Cotswolds Way Circular walks

Great Circular Walking Routes

For those looking to explore the Cotswolds Way in shorter section, a number of ideal walking routes to choose from. The Cleeve Hill Ring route takes in some wonderful scenery over the top of the hills and through some scenic woodland. At 6 miles long it is not too strenuous and you’ll have the chance to see some wild flowers and picturesque views.

The Leckhampton Loop is another good choice. It follows one of the most varied stretches of the Cotswold Way, taking you past Iron-Age remains and through tranquil woodland. You’ll also see a well-known local landmark ‘The Devil’s Chimney’ - an oddly shaped limestone rock formation. At 4.5 miles it is a moderate walk.

The Selsley Circuit is perhaps the most popular walks in the area. It is a moderately easy 5 miles and you’ll see old Victorian mills, peaceful streams and green open grassland on your way. You could also stop for a well-earned drink or bite to eat at one of the pubs enroute before heading back.

A good choice for a group of mixed abilities, the Chipping Campden circular walk is just 4.5 miles long and there are short cuts to avoid any steep sections for those who want them. This route takes you through the pretty market town noted for its terraced high street and around beautiful woodland area.

The Broadway Tower route a good choice for families, especially with younger children, as the walk is easy and just 4 miles long. You’ll walk along historic tracks and see the spectacular Broadway Tower which is open to visitors. The tower has an excellent viewing platform offering views of up to a 62 miles radius!

You can check out additional circular walks on the Cotswold Way here.

Points to bear in mind before setting off

Be sure everyone has suitable footwear that is sturdy and waterproof. Drink plenty of fluid as you walk no matter what the weather is like, dehydration will rapidly put an end to what should be an enjoyable walk and pay particular attention to young children who will tire easily. Be sure to take waterproof clothing if there is a chance of rain and ideally wear light layers of clothing so you can quickly cool down or warm up if the weather is too cold.

Attractions to visit before or after your walks

The Cotswolds has plenty of great family attractions to enjoy. The picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water makes for an excellent stop off. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this pretty village enjoys an enviable position on the banks of the River Windrush, with its gentle waters and pretty stone arched bridge. It has more than its fair share of visitor attractions too, you can enjoy a visit to the Model Village, Birdland, the Cotswold Motor Museum or the Dragonfly Maze as well as a number of specialist shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.

The Cotswolds is a place of outstanding natural beauty with plenty of inspiring walking routes to suit everybody no matter what you fitness levels or time constraints. There are plenty of great pubs to pop into for a spot of lunch after your walk and loads of attractions to visit if you want to make a day of it.