7 Beautiful Circular Walks in the Cotswolds with Pubs & Maps Included

The Cotswolds is classic English countryside and the best way to explore the area is on foot. Here are our 7 favourite circular walks. Each has a pub and comes with maps and instructions.

The English countryside is often imagined as a patchwork of rolling green hills and chocolate-box cottages—and nowhere captures that vision quite like the Cotswolds.

In this enchanting corner of central England, babbling brooks weave through honey-coloured villages, past wooded glens and sheep-dotted meadows.

There’s no better way to experience it all than on foot. Lace up your boots, set off across scenic trails, wander from one postcard-perfect village to the next, pause for a pint at a welcoming country pub, and soak up rural life.

With hundreds of public footpaths crisscrossing the region, its hard to select which walks are best. But after many arguments, we have chosen our favourite walks in the Cotswolds.

Whether you’re after a gentle family stroll or a longer, more invigorating hike with sweeping views, hopefully, there’s a route here for you.

All walks are circular—so no backtracking—and come with easy-to-follow maps and instructions which you can download straight to your phone. And to top it all off, almost every walk begins or ends at a great local pub.

For more hiking inspiration, read our guide to the best country walks near London.

COTSWOLDS WALKING MAP

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a large area stretching from Stratford upon Avon in the north to Bath in the south.

To help you get your bearings we have marked each of the individual walks on the map below.

Each walk has a custom-made Google Map with instructions embedded. These maps will also show the locations of nearby pubs and other attractions.

You also have the option of an OS Map. This shows the walking trail in finer definition, including the contours of the land and changes in elevation. The links to these maps are under the description of each walk lower in the post.

BEST WALKS IN THE COTSWOLDS

1. BROADWAY TOWER CIRCULAR WALK

• Difficulty – Easy to Medium
• Distance – 3.9 miles
• Time – 2 hours
• Elevation – +/- 700 feet
• Start – Broadway Village Leamington Car Park
• Map – Google Map | OS Map

On the western edge of the Cotswolds, a dramatic escarpment rises roughly 200 metres above the Severn Valley, forming a natural boundary for the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For much of its 102-mile route, the Cotswold Way traces this high ridge, offering sweeping views that reward even the weariest of hikers.

Three of our top walks make the most of this dramatic feature—and this one is a standout.

Starting and ending in the charming village of Broadway, the trail climbs up the escarpment to Broadway Tower, the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. From its lofty perch, the views stretch for miles—across wave after wave of ridgelines shimmering in the distance.

The return leg descends gently through a patchwork of country lanes, open meadows, and shaded woodland paths, leading you back into town.

At just under 4 miles, this circular walk is relatively short, with two brief but steep sections as you ascend and descend the escarpment. The path is well-marked and takes about 2 hours—though it’s well worth lingering longer to explore Broadway’s art galleries, boutiques, and beautiful architecture.

For a post-walk treat, The Lygon Arms offers a historic setting for a pint, while No. 32 Broadway is perfect for a coffee and slice of cake to refuel.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

The walk combines one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds with one of its best viewpoints. Broadway Tower is also a great place for a picnic. Bring your own or grab supplies from one of the two cafes on the summit.

Paul and I often do this walk in the evening and love being at Broadway Tower for sunset.

2. CASTLE COMBE & SURROUNDS

• Difficulty – Easy to Medium
• Distance – 6.1 miles
• Time – 2 hours, 50 minutes
• Elevation – +/- 740 feet
• Start – Castle Combe Car Park
• Map – Google Map | OS Map

There are many picturesque spots in the Cotswolds, but Castle Combe might just be our favourite.

Tucked into a lush green valley, it has all the charm you’d hope for in a Cotswold village—an ancient pub, a grand manor house, a quaint church, and a babbling brook winding through it all.

Best of all, the village remains largely car-free, preserving the peaceful, pre-industrial beauty that makes it feel like a step back in time. It’s a picture-perfect setting, and the surrounding countryside is ideal for a leisurely walk.

This circular route begins and ends in Castle Combe, but in between, it takes you through classic English countryside.

The trail gently follows a meandering river, gradually climbing into woodland before reaching the quiet hamlet of Long Dean. From there, it curves right, ascending a leafy, banked path before crossing open fields and winding through a tranquil, wooded glen.

As you near the end of the walk, the path skirts a manicured golf course—offering fantastic views of the manor house, church, and the village tucked below.

It’s a scenic and peaceful walk, made even better with a well-earned drink at The Castle Inn or The White Hart, both nestled in Castle Combe’s historic market square.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

Castle Combe is the prettiest village in the Cotswolds and possibly in England. Sunk into the bottom of a valley, this walk allows you to not only see the best of the village but also appreciate its wonderful setting. Combine it with high tea in the manor house for a great day out.

3. CLEEVE HILL VIA BELAS KNAP

• Difficulty – Strenuous
• Distance – 9.1 miles
• Time – 4 hours, 30 minutes
• Elevation – +/- 1,300 feet
• Start – Stockwell Lane Car Park in Cleeve Hill
• Map – Google Map | OS Map

While much of the Cotswolds is known for gentle hills and postcard-perfect villages, this walk offers something a little wilder and more varied.

Its centrepiece is Cleeve Hill—the highest point in the Cotswolds at 330 metres. Unlike the neatly manicured landscapes elsewhere, this hill feels raw, open, and almost desolate in places—more wild moorland than tidy farmland.

From the top, you can see the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains, Cheltenham, and even the Severn Bridge on a clear day.

Along the way, the trail takes in some fascinating highlights: the ancient Neolithic burial mound of Belas Knap, the dramatic ramparts of Sudeley Castle, and the charming town of Winchcombe.

At times, the route dips into the rolling, pastoral scenery typical of the Cotswolds; at others, it evokes the rugged feel of the Lake District.

This is the most demanding walk on our list. Plan for about 5 hours, allowing time for a picnic and to soak up the expansive views.

For a pint on the way round, perch on the wooden stools at the Plaisterers Arms in Winchcombe.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

This walk is the most rugged and wild on the list, yet it also has many interesting sights. It’s a great way to expend some energy and get away from the crowds.

4. BOURTON, SLAUGHTERS & NAUNTON

• Difficulty – Medium to Strenuous
• Distance – 10.8 miles
• Time – 4 hours, 50 minutes
• Elevation – +/- 770 feet
• Start – Bourton-on-the-Water Car Park
• Map – Google Map | OS Map

This is one of the classic walks in the Cotswolds.

The route winds through gently rolling hills, two picturesque river valleys, and four of the most charming villages you’ll find anywhere in England. If you’re looking for a walk that captures the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds, this is the one.

It begins in Bourton-on-the-Water, where the River Windrush flows past a blend of old-world tea rooms and contemporary cafés.

From there, the trail picks up the Warden’s Way, leading you to Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter—two villages so perfectly preserved they feel frozen in time.

With no new buildings since 1906, the River Eye meanders through a storybook landscape of honey-hued cottages, quaint churches, and charming footbridges.

After passing through the Slaughters, the trail climbs gently over open fields before descending into Naunton, another picture-perfect Cotswold village.

It’s an ideal spot for a break—pop into the Black Horse Inn for a drink and take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful stone houses and manicured gardens clustered near the village church.

From here, the route leaves the Warden’s Way and picks up the Windrush Way, tracing the gentle curves of the River Windrush as it winds its way back toward Bourton-on-the-Water.

Finally, take time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water, where a gently babbling river winds through the village, earning it the nickname “The Venice of the Cotswolds.”

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

In our view, this walk perfectly captures the essence of the Cotswolds—a collection of postcard villages tucked along meandering rivers, set against a backdrop of rolling countryside.

It doesn’t get more quintessential English countryside than this.

5. MINSTER LOVELL WALK

• Difficulty – Easy
• Distance – 3.8 miles
• Time – 1 hour, 40 minutes
• Elevation – +/- 210 feet
• Start – Car Park by cricket pitch near Old Swan
• Map – Google Map | OS Map

While the western escarpment of the Cotswolds offers some of the region’s most rugged trails, the eastern side is all about riverside charm and a gentler, slower pace of life.

This easy-going walk begins in the historic village of Minster Lovell, where the Old Swan pub looks out over the River Windrush as it curves gracefully around the village cricket pitch.

The trail meanders along the river to a picturesque church nestled beside the atmospheric ruins of a medieval manor house. From there, it follows one side of the Windrush Valley, crosses a small bridge, and loops back on a slightly elevated path on the opposite bank.

There are two lovely picnic spots by the water—one tucked beneath the ancient ruins and another further downstream in a peaceful meadow.

Along the way, you’ll also find two excellent wild swimming spots. The first, beside the ruined manor, is shallow and calm—perfect for younger children.

The second, a reed-fringed pool just past the weir, offers deeper water and a stronger current for a refreshing, more vigorous dip. (Both spots are marked on the Google map.)

All in all, it’s the perfect way to spend a few leisurely hours on a warm summer day—capped off, of course, with a well-earned pint at the Old Swan.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

This is a great family stroll in a beautiful setting with an excellent spot for a picnic by the river and some safe but fun wild swimming.

6. STANTON & SNOWSHILL WALK

• Difficulty – Medium
• Distance – 6.9 miles
• Time – 3 hours, 30 minutes
• Elevation – +/- 1,110 feet
• Start – Stanton Car Park
• Map – Google Map | OS Map

This circular walk explores the top and the bottom of the Cotswold escarpment, making for a truly memorable day out in the countryside.

Like many of our favourite routes, it offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape—but what sets it apart is its path through two postcard-worthy villages, each home to a welcoming pub perfect for a mid-walk break or a celebratory pint at the end.

The trail begins in the charming village of Stanton, climbing steadily up the Cotswold Way to the top of the escarpment. It’s a 600 foot ascent, but the toughest part is over early, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the views.

From the summit, the village of Snowshill comes into view, perched gracefully on the opposite hillside. Clustered around a church and village green, it’s a small but striking place. The local pub serves ale from the Donnington Brewery—a worthy reason to pause and soak it all in.

An optional detour brings you to Snowshill Manor & Gardens. This National Trust-run manor house contains a strange mix of treasures that its owner has collected over the years. Outside, are enchanting terraced gardens, laid out in a series of connected ‘rooms’ with topiary, herb borders, and quiet spots for reflection. It’s well worth taking a look.

From there, the path ascends back to the top of the escarpment, treating you to more panoramic vistas. It then drops to Laverton before heading across fields to Stanton.

Make sure to end the walk at The Mount Inn, where hikers gather over pints, legs stretched out, basking in the glow of a day well spent.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

This is the best Cotswolds walk for an energetic hike with a pint in a perfectly positioned pub at the end. The outdoor terrace by the Mount Inn is Paul and mine’s favourite spot to wind down after a day walking.

7. BURFORD & WINDRUSH VALLEY

• Difficulty – Easy to Medium
• Distance – 8.2 miles
• Time – 3 hours, 40 minutes
• Elevation – +/- 590 feet
• Start – Asthall
• Map – OS Map

This circular walk blends one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque towns—Burford—with two charming, tranquil villages nestled along the banks of the River Windrush.

The route begins in the quiet village of Asthall, where parking is available beneath a long, leafy row of trees. From here, a peaceful lane leads you out of the village before meandering across open meadows to meet the River Windrush.

Following the river’s left bank, the path gently guides you toward Burford, with its honey-colored stone buildings, quirky antique shops, lovely church, and several excellent delis. If you’re ready for a break, grab one of the two outdoor tables at Lynwood & Co. and enjoy their top-notch coffee and sandwiches.

Leaving Burford, the trail heads north across a striking stone bridge. There’s a brief, slightly uninspiring stretch along the road, but after about 15 minutes, the path returns to the countryside, crossing fields and passing through the peaceful woodland of Widley Copse.

The next section is particularly scenic. Expansive views over the Windrush Valley unfold as the trail undulates toward the evocative remains of Widford, a deserted medieval village. Today, all that remains are a manor house and St. Oswald’s—a beautiful 13th-century English Gothic church.

From Widford, the path continues across fields to Swinbrook, another idyllic village. Here you’ll find the Swan Inn, the perfect spot to pause for a pint—either by the river or in their welcoming beer garden.

Just 15 minutes more and you’re back in Asthall, where The Three Horseshoes—now run by the team behind Daylesford—offers a well-earned pint or a hearty pub dinner to round off a perfect day in the Cotswolds.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WALK?

This walk offers the perfect blend of a classic Cotswold town and two charming, uncrowded villages—each ideal for a pint or a relaxed meal, turning a simple three-hour stroll into a leisurely day of exploration.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE COTSWOLDS

If you’re planning to stay overnight in the Cotswolds to make the most of your hiking time, there are a couple of great places we recommend as a base.

Broadway is ideal for exploring the dramatic escarpment. The Broadway Tower Walk and Stanton & Snowshill Walk are right on your doorstep, and Cleeve Hill is just a short drive away.

If you’re more interested in charming villages and babbling brooks, then stay in Bourton-on-the-Water and the surrounding central Cotswolds.

You can find all our accommodation suggestions on our where to stay in the Cotswolds.

MORE COTSWOLDS GUIDES

• Read our guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds.
• Enjoy the romantic city with our guide to the best things to do in Bath.
• Enjoy a classic country walk with our top Cotswolds hikes.
• Find your perfect hotel with our guide to staying in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford vs Cambridge which is better for tourists to visit.
• Enjoy a spa break at Heythrop Park Hotel.
• Check out the best day trips to the Cotswolds from London.
• Swoom over the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.
• Find our favourite secret swimming spots in the Cotswolds.
• Read our the best things to do in Oxford.