For many, particularly visitors from abroad, the Cotswolds is England in the summertime. Watching sunlight glisten on picture-postcard, honey-stoned villages, such as Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold, is an iconic, lovely sight. As is the surrounding countryside. Exploring the Cotswold Hills makes for perfect cycling holidays in the UK with picturesque views of beautiful villages, historic sites, and rolling green countryside. Or you can take a longer, more leisurely approach on these scenic walks through this beautiful part of southwest England.
Wychavon Way
The Wychavon Way passes through the pretty Worcestershire district of Wychavon. The trail covers approximately 64km, starting from the town of Droitwich Spa in the north of the Cotswolds. The walking is moderately difficult, with gentle ascents and descents, and takes you through meadows, woodlands, orchards, and riverside pastures. The undulating route takes you up hilltops with views over the Vale of Evesham. The trail is well-maintained and signposted and will guide you to its finish in the Cotswold village of Broadway where you’ll find its famous Tower.
Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower is an iconic folly (a building with no definable purpose) on top of a beautiful Cotswolds escarpment, the second highest in the area. The Tower was devised by the great 18th-century landscape designer, Capability Brown. He was tasked by Lady Coventry who wanted to know if a burning beacon could be seen on the hill 22 miles from her estate in Worcester. The circular 6km walk, starting and ending in Broadway, takes you up to and around the Tower. The climb to the Tower is fairly steep but the views are worth it. On a clear day, you can see up to 16 English and Welsh counties! Children will love the red deer park below the Tower.
Winchcombe To Sudeley Castle
Enjoy a medieval castle and historic pilgrimage site on this 5.9km moderately challenging walk. Start in the centre of Winchcombe, a quaint market town, and pass through the grounds of 15th-century Sudeley Castle which is open to visitors. The castle is the resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. The walk follows the Warden’s Way route, and you ascend through farmland to enjoy views over Winchcombe before passing St Kenelm’s Well which has attracted pilgrims since the 9th century. Then head back to Winchcombe where there are pubs and cafes for refreshment.
Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a long-distance walking trail that runs between the market town of Chipping Campden in the north and the historic city of Bath in the south. The trail is 164km long and runs along the Cotswold escarpment. En route, you’ll see picture-postcard villages and pass close to historic sites, such as the Roman baths at Bath, the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Hailes Abbey, and beautiful churches and historic houses. It’s unlikely you’ll finish the whole route on one trip so dip in and out and make return journeys.
Cotswold Lavender Farm
Cotswold Lavender is a family farm that has been growing lavender since 1999. The fragrant plant flourishes in the hilltop limestone soils of the Cotswolds, creating a vivid purple display every summer. The farm grows 35 different varieties with 140 miles of rows and half a million plants! Visit between 14 June and 4 August when the fields are in full bloom. An on-site distillery lets you see how steam is used to extract lavender oil. You can drive to the farm which is two miles south of Broadway. If you’re not driving, you’ll need to catch a cab from Broadway as there is no public transport to the farm. Or if you have visited Broadway Tower, the farm is a three-mile walk from there. If you can’t make it to the Cotswolds, there are other lavender fields to visit in England.