Tinkley Gate to the lakes - purple trail
Gloucestershire & the Cotswolds
Explore acres of safe green space perfect for the family, an orchard and café facilities at Tinkley Gate before taking an adventure into the hidden wooded valley at Woodchester Park.
Near to
Woodchester ParkStart point
Tinkley Gate Café, grid ref: SO81397Trail information
Walking poles are available to borrow
The paths down into the valley can be a bit steep in places, but shouldn't be slippery thanks to their new surface. Paths around the lakes may be muddy after rain. Walking poles are free to borrow for anyone and are available outside the second-hand bookstore.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Tinkley Gate Café, grid ref: SO81397
Stage 1
From Tinkley Gate Café, with the café on your left, follow the signs down towards Woodchester Park.
Stage 2
At the fork in the path, with a wooden building slightly up the hill, continue down the hill towards the trees.
Stage 3
Descend through the trees, bending round to the left and then the right as you continue towards the purple route at Woodchester Park.
Stage 4
As you reach the bottom of this hill, you will find a picnic bench which overlooks the view. From this point, follow the path to the right. Partway down this route you will spot a kissing gate on your left - this is the route you will return up on your way back
Stage 5
Once you reach the end of this long path, you will reach a fork in the path. Turn left here and head downhill towards a building known as The Kennels. This building dates to the early 1700s and was used for agricultural purposes and storage connected to cattle grazing the park. There are picnic benches if you need a rest.
Stage 6
After the Kennels, cross over the dam in front of you, with Middle Pond lake on your left. After you have crossed the dam, turn left to follow the other side of the lake, keeping the water on your left. Keep an eye out for wildlife and the great views across the valley.
Stage 7
At the end of this path, bear left and pass the small Honeywell pond on your right, bear left again and you'll see the Boathouse sat beneath the dam. It is believed this building was redesigned the Boathouse for the Ducie family in the early 19th century. This building is not regularly open to the public as bats have been known to stop-off on their nightly feeding forays
Stage 8
Pass through the gate on the other side of the Dam, and head to the far left corner of the field, where you find the gate mentioned previously. From here, turn left and back up the hill - taking plenty of rest and enjoying the benches on offer to you. You will return to Tinkley Gate cafe.
End point
Tinkley Gate Car Park, grid ref: SO81326
Trail map
Woodchester Park purple route | © Crown Copyright and database right 2024 Ordnance Survey AC0000813445 | © GIS Browser
More near here
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 walk.
Buckholt to the Mansion and boathouse - orange trail
Follow a trail through 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.
Get in touch
Tinkley Lane, near Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UH