Tinkley Gate to the Mansion
Gloucestershire & the Cotswolds
This family-friendly route leads you from Tinkley Gate down to Woodchester Mansion in the middle of the Park. You'll encounter beautiful views, lakes and boathouse on this 4.5-mile round trip.
Near to
Woodchester ParkStart point
Tinkley Gate Café, grid ref: SO81397Trail information
*Although many of the pathways have recently been resurfaced, there can be uneven and undulating terrain, which means that suitable footwear is advised. Some sections are steep. Currently unsuitable for wheelchair users. There is limited mobile phone signal at the bottom of the valley at Woodchester Park. Accessible toilet Fully accessible toilet facilities are available at Tinkley Gate café Toilets also available at Woodchester Mansion on Open Days. Steps/uneven terrain There can be uneven terrain and paths on the purple route, reflecting its position as a natural path through the woodland. Powered mobility vehicle There is a powered mobility tramper vehicle available to borrow at Tinkley Gate café. This is currently suitable for the immediate Tinkley Gate area, but there are plans to extend this to the larger Woodchester Park spaces.
**Dogs on leads welcome in the parkland. Please note if visiting the Mansion, dogs are not welcome on the visitor tour, but are welcome in the Mansion’s café. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Tinkley Gate Café, grid ref: SO81397
Stage 1
Begin at the map outside the Tinkley Gate Café. Head onto the gravel path and turn left in the fork in the path, following the purple route arrows – follow this route downhill via the zig-zag shaped path.
Stage 2
At the next fork in the path, take the left, following the purple route arrows. Continue to follow the purple arrows on this path as it takes you into the woodland and down the hill.
Stage 3
At the bottom of the hill, you will come to a picnic bench with a map beside it. The view here opens up to give you your first opportunity to take in Woodchester Park’s landscape. Head right, following the gravel path until you reach a fork at the end. This is a long path in the shade of woodland. To your left you will be able to enjoy views of the landscape, lakes and perhaps even spot a cow at certain times of year.
Stage 4
At the end of the path, where it forks, follow the path to the left, following the purple arrows down the gravel path. As this path winds around the corner, a building will come into view. This is the kennels building – the remnants of a worker’s cottage in the landscape. This building would have kept animals (potentially cows) and was previously attached to a cottage before it was carefully demolished earlier in the 20th century. You’re welcome to head inside to enjoy some shelter.
Stage 5
Continue your walk past the kennels and cross over the dam. You’ll notice the dam from the lake on your left (this is Middle Pond) and the steep drop on your right. At the end of the dam, the path forks again – turn left here and follow this path which follows near to the edge of the lake, with plenty of benches along the way.
Stage 6
At the end of this path, turn right, uphill. At the top of this short hill, turn left onto the path. Follow this path, passing through the wide gate (closing it behind you) as it winds through the valley. Pay attention to steps on your left, which you’ll head down on the way back.
Stage 7
Once you reach these steps (don’t go down them), carry on straight, following arrows for the orange route. Follow this path, taking in the ancient woodland on your right (a good place to spot bluebells in early spring). Keep an eye out on your left on this path, as there is a stone bench – a feature from Woodchester Park’s Georgian (18th century) parkland design.
Stage 8
You will soon come to another fork in the path. Stay left, going straight here. As you carry on walking, the neo-gothic passion will come into view. Pass through the gate (closing it behind you) and head to the Mansion.
Stage 9
If it is an open day, head through the door, which is located near to the path, to enjoy a tour with Woodchester Mansion Trust (admission prices apply). After you have taken in the Mansion, head back the way you came.
Stage 10
When you get back to the steps we mentioned earlier (they’ll be on your right now), head down them. Follow this path and pass through the gate (closing it behind you). At the end of the path, turn right and you will have arrived at the Boathouse, built in the early 19th century (before the Mansion).
The Boathouse at Woodchester Park | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler Stage 11
Once you have taken in the view of the boathouse, cross over the dam and through the gate at the end of it, entering a field. Favour a diagonal left in this field, following arrows for the purple route, until you reach a kissing gate in the top left corner. Cross through it and turn right onto the path.
Stage 12
Follow the path back up to Tinkley Gate. As you head up the hill, you will find benches along the way, so take a break when you need it. Head back up the zig-zag shaped path and head back to the start point.
End point
End Point - Tinkley Gate café, grid ref SO81397
Trail map
Tinkley Gate to Mansion trail map | © NT
Get in touch
Tinkley Gate, Tinkley Lane, near Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UH