Looking for a walk suitable for the kids as well as the grown ups? Our selection of family- friendly walks are perfect for children, in and around the Cotswolds

Are you looking for walks in the Cotswolds that you can do with your kids?

We love to get the walking boots on and go for a child friendly hike in the Cotswold hills; we can really let the kids run wild and we all feel better for getting outdoors and connecting with nature.

We have been walking with the kids since they were babies and have lots of information to share for all; from walks that are pushchair and wheelchair friendly to walks for toddlers, older children and even the multi- day Cotswold Way National Trail.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite walks to do with the kids, along with some essential information, to give you some ideas of the great walks the Cotswolds has to offer.

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THE WALKS

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Broadway Tower Circular

1.2k / 1 mile

HIGHLIGHTS: An short and easy walk with stunning countryside views across 16 counties, historic castle and café. Spot the resident herd of deer who graze within the estate grounds.

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Cleeve Common Circular

3.5k / 2 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: Cleeve common is a great place to explore as a family with plenty of options for long and short trails on top of the common and the surrounding countryside. This is an easy walk for primary aged children that offers stunning views of the Cotswold countryside, Cheltenham and the Malvern Hills.

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Chipping Camden to Broadway

9.7 k/ 6 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: Walk from the picture-perfect town of Chipping Camden along the Cotswold way to the beautiful village of Broadway.

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Bourton on the Water to Wyck Rissington

4.6 miles/ 7.4 k

HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water, through countryside fields and woodlands. Walk along the River Windrush, through  Greystones Farm Nature Reserve and the tiny, pretty hamlet of Wyck Rissington on this circular walk.

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Leckhampton Hill (Devils Chimney)

3 miles /4.8 km

HIGHLIGHTS: This lovely walk with fantastic views of Cheltenham, Stroud and the surrounding countryside. Spot the limestone rock formation of the Devils Chimney.

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Cotswold Water Park Tow Path Walk

1 mile / 1.5k

HIGHLIGHTS: A gentle and easy short walk perfect for toddlers.

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Crickley Hill Circular

1 mile / 1.5 k

HIGHLIGHTS: Panoramic Views, flat terrain and toilet/ café facilities make this walk a firm favourite what ever the ages or abilities of your kids. A variety of walkways and trails to explore.

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Coaley Peak to Selsley Common

11.2km / 7 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: This gorgeous spot on a beautiful hill top has amazing panoramic views of the Severn valley to the Forest of Dean, lovely woodland and even the remains of the Nympsfield long barrow to explore.

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Snowshill to Laverton Hill Circular

5.6km / 3.5 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: Explore delightful Snowshill Village and experience a walk in the countryside around Snowhill, down the valley, through Pipers Wood grove, where the kids can stop for a play in the stream. Move up on to Laverton Hill, with sweeping views of the vale of Evesham towards the Malvern hills. Perhaps combine with a trip to National Trust Snowshill Manor, or the Snowshill Arms.

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Broadway Village and Tower Circular

6.4km/ 4 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: A moderate walk with some steep sections, highlights include the delightful high street and village of Broadway, picturesque cottages with thatched roofs and Eadburgha Church. Walk to the top of middle hill to see Broadway Tower, Resident deer and magnificent view of 16 counties and even wales on a clear day.

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Chipping Camden to Dover’s Hill

5 k / 3.1 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: See Chipping Camden Town, views from Dover’s Hill of the Vale of Evesham and beyond, walk through the lovely woodland of Lynches Wood. In spring the wood is carpeted in bluebells.

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Minchampton Common Loop

5 k / 3.1 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: This walk is a lovely circuit around the open grasslands of the Minchinhampton Common and golf course. The route is flat and has lovely views of the Gloucestershire countryside above the Severn vale and Stroud valley.

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Bourton-on-the-Water to The Slaughter’s (Circular)

8.6 k / 5.4 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: This lovely riverside circular walk takes in the beautiful villages of Bourton on the Water, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter. This easy route through rivers and fields is mainly flat with one short uphill climb, taking in the beautiful countryside surrounding Bourton-on-the-Water.

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Woodchester Park Boathouse Walk

5.6 k / 3.5 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: This walk through a secluded wooded valley, managed by the national trust, you will pass through the landscaped park, with views of Woodchester Manor, the old boathouse, lakes and ponds, woodland and pastures. The manor is privately owned (not National Trust) Check the website for details of opening times. There is also a café here and a natural play trail for the kids.

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Painswick Beacon Circular

2 k/ 1.2 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: This short walk following a section of the Cotswold Way, taking you from a small car park in the woods up to the Painswick Beacon. Breath-taking views of the Severn Vale, Forest of Dean and the Black Mountains at the top.

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Rodborough Common View Walk

1.6 k / 1 mile

HIGHLIGHTS: Spot wildflowers and butterflies on the beautiful Rodborough Common, perfect for younger children wit hits gently undulating terrain and wide grassy hillside, taking in lovely view over the Stroud valley and Severn estuary.

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Guiting Power and Guiting Wood

8 k / 5 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: Wander in the sweet little village of Guiting Power which has a charming and picturesque playground and sandpit (located behind the village hall). This walk offers lovely views of the rolling hills and Cotswolds countryside, and takes you through beautiful woodlands, where you can build dens under the giant trees of the forest, and leads you past rivers and streams that are great for splashing and playing.

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Bibury Court Estate Circular

6.6k / 4.1 miles

HIGHLIGHTS: A lovely walk through Bibury village taking in the famous Arlington Row, then through lush meadows, woodlands and views of the rolling hills surrounding Bibury.

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Newark Park Estate Circular

2 hours / 3.5 k (2.2 Miles)

HIGHLIGHTS: Walk through beautiful woodland with uninterrupted views of the Ozleworth valley and Cotswold countryside. Explore Newark House (depending on opening times check website here for details), and the beautiful gardens and pond of the estate set upon the hillside. This estate has a lovely children’s play field and woodland play area for little ones.

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Prospect Walk at Dyrham Park

1 hour / 4.8 k (3 miles)

HIGHLIGHTS: This short walk offers stunning views as far as the Welsh Black Mountains on a clear day. The walks takes you through a wide grassy meadow, and leads you to the edge of the hillside which opens up to gives you sweeping views of the Cotswolds hills, the Bristol channel and the black mountains. The walk ends at the Old Lodge Play area where you can visit the café, where there is fabulous new play equipment for the children. Continue your visit by walking a short way down the hill to explore the rest of the estate, including the stately home, formal gardens and several other walks through the terraced gardens.

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