Walking with wildlife in the Cotswolds

There are many places to explore on foot in the Cotswold, places which will get you closer to nature and out into the open air. We're created a list of a few favourites for you.

Please check the home page before visiting

This article was created before the coronavirus crisis, and may not reflect the current situation. Please make sure you check web pages for individual places before you travel, to see where is open and where you may need to book, as well as the most up to date information about visiting.

Rodborough Common, Duke of Burgundy butterfly, Gloucestershire
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Rodborough Common butterfly walk

Follow our trail through natural grassy tracks and hillsides to Swellshill and back for the opportunity to spot more than 30 species of butterfly and enjoy views over the Severn Estuary.

How many varieties can you spot?
Views from the Haresfield Beacon in Gloucestershire
Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood   Gloucestershire

Haresfield Beacon walk

Take in major archaeological features, woodlands, grasslands and beautiful views from the Cotswold scarp on this challenging walk.

Walk our trail
View of the Stroud Valley from Rodborough Common
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Rodborough woodlands and villages walk

On this walk you can discover some of Rodborough Commons' hidden treasures by exploring the woodlands on the lower slopes.

Find out more
Buttercups in foreground of meadow at Charlecote Park with blue skies
Charlecote Park   Warwickshire

A walk through the parkland at Charlecote near Stratford-upon-Avon

Take a stroll in the park with lovely views of the house in its riverside setting. This easy walk will take you up to an hour, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Enjoy a walk through the parkland
View from seat at Rodborough Common
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Rodborough Common views walk

If you're pushed for time you can still enjoy some of the best views the Cotswolds has to offer on this short self-led walk.

Plan your walk
It can be bleak on the summit
May Hill   Gloucestershire

May Hill views

An invigorating walk that will clear the lungs, with spectacular views from May Hill, one of the area's best known landmarks.

Discover the views for yourself
Woodchester Park boathouse, Gloucestershire
Woodchester Park   Gloucestershire

Woodchester Park boathouse walk

Follow our trail in the secluded valley of Woodchester Park, home to the remains of a landscape park, a Victorian mansion, and five lakes fringed by woodland and pasture.

Take a stroll in the Cotswolds
Ebworth Woods, Gloucestershire
Crickley Hill   Gloucestershire

Ebworth Centre Cotswolds walk

From breathtaking views to secluded woodlands, explore the best of the Cotswolds on this National Trust trail.

Discover the Cotswolds
Trig point at the top of the hill
May Hill   Gloucestershire

May Hill countryside walk

Experience an exhilarating walk over this prominent landmark starting on May Hill Common and returning via the woodlands on the Huntley Estate.

Enjoy the views from May Hill
Rodborough Common, grazing cattle, Gloucestershire
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Fort-ification walk

Enjoy spectacular views for miles around on this easy one-mile walk around Rodborough Fort and over limestone grassland.

See the dramatic panorama
Spring flowers and a county view
Upton House and Gardens   Warwickshire

‘What a view’ walk from Upton House and Gardens

Enjoy a short circular walk from Upton House car park to the Edge for arable ambling, panoramic vistas, big skies and the frisson of a historic battle.

Start your journey
Haresfield Beacon, Cotswold escarpment, Gloucestershire
Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood   Gloucestershire

Randwick ramble

Enjoy a short walk perfect for a quick stroll through lowland beech and yew woodlands with an excellent spot for seeing orchids and other special flowers of this area.

Take a stroll at Randwick Woods