Five Walks in Gloucestershire

This county’s stunning countryside is a patchwork of pastures, honey-hued villages, rolling wolds and ancient woodlands, making walks in Gloucestershire some of the most alluring in England. Castles, ruins, stately homes and acre upon acre of inviting parkland... it’s where you, your tent and hiking boots want to be. 

So, here’s Pitchup’s list of five walks in Gloucestershire to get you thinking about where in this scenic county you fancy hitting the trail. You can add even more magic to your alfresco adventure by pitching up outdoors as well; we have a fantastic collection of camping and glamping options in the area.

Browse Pitchup’s campsites in Gloucestershire

The Cotswold Way National Trail

The Cotswolds National Landscape takes in some of England’s most adored and spectacular landscapes, which you can see along the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile National Trail running from the 14th-century stone village of Chipping Campden to ever-popular Bath in Somerset. It’s also one of Gloucestershire’s most complete hiking experiences. 

Explore abbey ruins and medieval churches along the way, then wander the many centuries-old market towns for eateries serving up food and drink made with local ingredients. Those interested in Gloucestershire castles can take a quick detour from Winchcombe to 15th-century Sudeley Castle and Gardens (the burial grounds of Catherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s queens).   

You don’t need to go the full distance, of course. As the Cotswold Trail is divided into segments (seven miles on average), it’s easy to pace yourself along the Cotswold escarpment while taking in stunning views across Cheltenham and the Severn Vale. 

Long trails and circular walks in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The ancient Forest of Dean and nearby Wye Valley give the Cotswold Way a good run for its money. Gear up for days of exciting exploration through the medieval forest’s many trails and circular walks. And be sure to get on top of Symonds Yat Rock for one of the most spectacular views of the River Wye. Birdwatchers will appreciate it as a vantage point for sighting peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, goshawks and buzzards.  

Want more views and fresh air? Further beyond the forest is the greater Wye Valley, with even more of a dramatic expanse of leafy landscape. It’s also an area of outstanding natural beauty with something for all hikers: circular walks, riverside strolls, woodland rambles and long-distance treks. 

The truly intrepid can take on 177 miles of the Offa’s Dyke Path or the slightly shorter Wye Valley Walk at 136 miles.  

Walks around Tewkesbury 

With an abundance of riverside wanders and country trails, the handsome and historic town of Tewkesbury is a brilliant base for memorable walks in Gloucestershire. 

Start with an easy stroll along the Avon and into the centre of town via the Severn Ham and Riverside Walk. Stroll an hour or two around this peaceful water meadow; it’s a listed Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also the original home of horse racing’s Gold Cup, now run in Cheltenham. Crossing the Quay Bridge over the River Avon brings you into the historic town itself and the Heritage and Alleyways Trail, taking in some of Tewkesbury’s local history while admiring its countless Tudor facades – there are antiquarian bookshops and galleries hiding behind many of these, as well as pubs, should you feel peckish or thirsty. 

The history buff who’s up for a longer march can join the Battle Trail to venture in and around the site where the Battle of Tewkesbury was fought in 1471 – a deciding stand-off during the Wars of the Roses. For the hardcore hiker, there’s also Shakespeare’s Avon Way and its 92 miles of footpath, bridleways and minor roads that flank one of England’s most scenic and significant rivers, and passing through Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham – you can find more information about these towns in Pitchup’s guides to Central England. 

Circular Walk at May Hill

Rising above the border with Herefordshire, May Hill is a well-known landmark that’s popular for scenic strolls. Though a shorter circular walk, it’s a winner for a slow day of ambling, picnicking and soaking up your Gloucestershire surroundings with the kids.

‘Hill’ usually means ‘view’ and on the May Hill Countryside Walk (three miles) there are panoramas aplenty. Ascend from May Common and admire the vistas across the Severn Estuary and plain, the Forest of Dean, the Cotswolds and the Black Mountains. You might struggle to pull yourself away… 

 

A gentle descent over heathland into Huntley Estate is just the cue for spreading a blanket and installing yourself for a few hours lazing, grazing and chatting. After Huntley Estate, another mile’s walk returns you to May Common, where you just might consider doing it all over again.

Whichever of these five walks you choose, you’re sure to find a campsite close by. Pitchup has a superb selection of the best Gloucestershire camping options.

Browse campsites in Gloucestershire