Family-Friendly Walks in The Cotswolds

The UK is blessed with seemingly endless swathes of natural lands to explore. No matter where you are in the country, there’s a beautiful path for you to enjoy, either by yourself or with family and friends!

There are many beautiful areas in the UK, but few are as timeless as the Cotswolds. Located between the Midlands and South-West England, the region is famous for its quaint villages and stunning architecture hidden between lush English countryside.

The Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of the UK’s biggest, meaning that there is plenty in the area to explore. Whether you’re searching for a long expedition with stunning scenery or a simple adventure for all ages, check out some of our favourite walks in and around the region!

The Cotswold Way

The region’s premier National Trail, the Cotswold Way covers over 100 miles, running from Bath in the south of the AONB to Chipping Campden in the north. Fully marked and accessible, it is the perfect path for any groups hoping to see lots of the Cotswold’s stunning natural beauty and charming villages.

Leckhampton

Of course, for families, it’s probably not the best idea to try and complete this entire journey! However, some notable sections are more manageable and definitely worth your time. If you’re after a historic Cotswold town, then visiting Broadway, through which the path runs, is a great way to spend your day.

If you want to experience as much of the Cotswold’s natural beauty as you can in a few hours, one of the best places is Leckhampton. A loop trail just outside this town, incorporating the Cotswold Way, takes about three hours, passing historical remains, woodlands, quarries and grasslands. It’s a walk that is relatively easy, making it perfect for families!

The Blossom Trail

Evesham is a picturesque town that sits just outside the northern section of the Cotswolds AONB. However, less than 20-minutes drive from the AONB’s northern border, it shares much of the region’s natural beauty.

The Vale of Evesham was once famous for its production of fruits and vegetables. A flood plain for the River Avon, the natural land is incredibly fertile, and this comes to life during the spring months. Flowering trees line the so-called Blossom Trail that circles the town, making for some picturesque views.

Cleeve Common

A beautiful, sparse oasis of natural peace and beauty, cleeve common is the perfect location for a day out with family. Located just outside Cheltenham, this common covers over 1,000 acres and is conserved for many purposes, including horse riding, livestock grazing and even geographical study.

The highlight of this location is Cleeve Hill, the tallest point in the Cotswolds, boasting stunning panoramic views of the region. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Wales!

Laurie Lee Wood

The Cotswolds is full of enchanting forests to explore, and this is one of the most popular. Once belonging to the famous author, Laurie Lee Wood is now open to the public and owned by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

The woodland sits in the Slad Valley, which is just north of Stroud. A path through the woods is the perfect way to discover the swathes of local flora and fauna, particularly during summertime when everything is full of colour.

Woodchester Park

Another quaint walk incorporating local forestland can be found south of Stroud, in Woodchester Park. While another excellent example of the Cotswold’s quiet beauty, this location also holds some historical landmarks that make the walk engaging for all ages.

The most popular journey here is known as the Boathouse Walk. This trail incorporates many of the park’s scenic hotspots while also visiting a charming 19th-century boathouse built on the side of a lake. It’s a beautiful place to unwind by yourself, but even better to share with family.

Of course, given this region’s breadth, this article does little more than scratch the surface when it comes to how much there’s to discover in the Cotswolds! If you need new walking boots before your next journey, we make a wide range of high-quality Gore-Tex walking boots that are perfect for these trails. Browse our range or get in contact with our specialist walking team for advice on finding the perfect pair for you!

What are your favourite adventures in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas? Let us know through our social media channels! #LOWAUK