Cotswold Little Explorers

Toddler and Pre- schooler friendly walking  route in the Cotswolds.

Distance: 1k

HIGHLIGHTS: High up on the Cotswold Escarpment lies Coaley Peak. Wander at your leisure through the expansive fields, flanked by woods to your right and with a backdrop of outstanding countryside views.

ACCESSIBILITY: Good. Car park with access to the grass directly on the hill. No gates or stiles.

FACILITIES: No public toilets

EAT/ DRINK: No cafe; bring your own.

DOGS: Yes

STEP BY STEP:

Park up and enter the field, and you are immediately met with glorious views. It is a steep drop-off, but it has been fenced off, so it is safe for your little ones. There are kissing gates at each end of the large field.

If you walk form the car park to your left you will soon come to the Nympfield Long Barrow. The long barrow is old remnants of a Neolithic tomb and provided my boys with great fun exploring and plying in its old rooms/ruins.

If you keep following the track to the left you will see signs for the Cotswolds Way that takes you through a kissing gate and in to Stanley Wood. Stanley Wood had a large pretty track through the woodland, it has masses of bluebells in the spring followed by fragrant white wild garlic flowers in May. However bear in mind there is a steep drop off on the side of this woodland path so its not so great for letting little ones roam freely, but we always managed fine with our toddlers under some closer supervision.

If you don’t want to take a stroll through the woods head back the way you came passing the car park once again and head right. You will see the stunning views of the Severn Valley stretching out before your eyes!

You can have a look a the map / topography information here and find out the hills and landmarks you are looking at.

If you carry on through the kissing gate you are again leaving the area where it is safest for toddlers to roam freely, as there are some nice gentle slopes and hills for little legs to explore but also a few steeper sections to watch out for. You will see the National Trust trig point for Coaley Peak, which makes for a lovely photo. Turn around and head back to the main meadow for a picnic, or if you are lucky, sometimes an ice cream truck in fine weather!

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