Guided walks
Many of the walks listed below are led by our Cotswold Voluntary Wardens who organise a year-round programme of walks that take place across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These walks vary in distance and difficulty and offer an interesting and often entertaining way of discovering more about our countryside and landscape.
Unless otherwise indicated, all walks by the Voluntary Wardens are free of charge however donations are very much appreciated and are usually collected at the end of the walk. No need to book in advance, just turn up and enjoy!
PLEASE: always remember to wear appropriate footwear because some walks may be steep and muddy in places. Sorry but only assistance dogs are allowed on walks.
It is also advisable to check the website or call the Cotswolds Conservation Board (01451 862000) beforehand for details of any changes, particularly during bad weather.
Key:
EASY - length may vary, but terrain is mainly flat (level)
MODERATE - includes some hills and some rough ground
STRENUOUS - may be rough underfoot and ascents and descents may be steep
As well as the guided walks programme below, our voluntary wardens organise the following regular walks and tailor-made walks in parts of the Cotswolds:
Chipping Campden Town Walks
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens offer a town walk with an audio visual show followed by tea in Chipping Campden for organised parties. Contact Ann Colcomb on 01386 832131
Walk The Cotswold Way
Join a group led by the Voluntary Wardens walking 10 miles of the Cotswold Way National Trail on the first Wednesday of every month. Travel by coach. For information and to reserve a place contact Bob Cox on 01242 820192
Walk The Diamond Way
Join a group led by the Voluntary Wardens walking 8/10 miles of the North Cotswolds Diamond Way on the fourth Tuesday of every month from April to September. For further information and to reserve a place contact John Medlyn on 01386 438060
Tuesday Tramp
Once a month there will be an opportunity to explore in and around Colerne including a visit to a community supported agricultural farm with Voluntary Wardens Russell Harding & Judith Slee. The Tuesday Tramp starts from the Fox and Hounds car park in Colerne at 10.00 am and normally is no longer than 3 hours walking. Parking is where ever there is a space. For further information please telephone 01225 742182
Upcoming Guided Walks
Saturday 19 May 2012 - 10.00
Moderate
6 hours
10 miles
Cranham
Car Park at Royal William Inn, Cranham. (With permission)
A figure of Eight Walk - 5mls morning and 5mls afternoon centred on the Royal William Inn, Cranham. (Parking by permission). Some steep ascents and descents. Pub lunch available or bring a picnic.
Sunday 20 May 2012 - 10.00
Moderate
4 hours
7 miles
Bath
Nr. Cross Keys, South Stoke Road, Combe Down
A walk along part of the Fosse Way south of Bath and through the villages of Combe Hay and South Stoke. Please bring a packed lunch.
Tuesday 22 May 2012 - 10.00
Moderate
4.5 hours
8 miles
Winchcombe
Winchcombe Back Lane (pay & display) car park
First in a series of four circular walks designed to cover the whole of the Wardens & Windrush Ways in sequence. We follow the Windrush Way from Winchcombe to Roel Hill returning via the Wardens Way.
Please bring a picnic lunch.
Wednesday 23 May 2012 - 10:30
Moderate
5.5 hours
7.5 miles
Box, Wiltshire
Car park at Selwyn Hall, Box, off A4
For this linear walk from Castle Combe to Box, there will be transport to convey walkers to the start of the walk at Castle Combe. Please book by calling 01453 836221. Pub lunch available. Note later starting time.
Friday 25 May 2012 - 10am
Moderate
3 hours
6 miles
Beech Pike, Elkstone
The Highwayman Inn (with prior permission)
Some woods, a park, a lake, a lodge and then back to the Inn.
Saturday 26 May 2012 - 10.00
Easy
3 hours
4 miles
Dowdeswell
South of A40 1 mile East of Charlton Kings
Ancient Woodland and Limestone Grassland
Saturday 26 May 2012 - 10.00
Moderate
4 hours
7 miles
Marshfield
Marshfield, near Almshouses
Marshfield to St. Catherine's brook and the Limestone Link, an ascent to Oakford Lane, and passing under Dick Nick & Mottcombe woods.
Sunday 27 May 2012 - 14.00
Easy
2 hours
3 miles
Upper Slaughter nr Bourton-on-Water
Upper Slaughter Church
This lovely walk starts by exploring Upper Slaughter before climbing gently to Copse Hill where there are great views of Upper Slaughter, the Dikler Valley and Stow. The return is via Lower Slaughter,the old flour mill and lovely River Eye.
Sunday 27 May 2012 - 13.30
Easy
3.5 hours
5 miles
Wilcote
Bridewell Organic Gardens
A walk in rural West Oxfordshire, looking at trees, woodland and historical, natural and geological features. An easy walk of about five miles centred on one of Englands smallest parishes, Wilcote.
Sunday 27 May 2012 - 10.30
Moderate
2.5 hours
4.5 miles
Dyrham
Visitor Reception, Dyrham Park
A walk from Dyrham Park (National Trust) through nearby farmland and on part of the Cotswold Way, passing historical points of interest along the way. No park admission fees to those participating in the walk.
Tuesday 29 May 2012 - 14.30
Easy
1.5 hours
1.5 miles
Chipping Campden Market Hall
The Cotswold Wardens have conducted tours of this ancient town since 1975. Walk with us along 'the most beautiful village street now left in the Island' for an explanation of how history has shaped the town.
We suggest a donation of £2.00 per person.
Tuesday 29 May 2012 - 10:00
Moderate
3 hours
5.5 miles
Minchinhampton
Car park on Common by Golf Club House
A walk typical of high Cotswold country with good views from the Common and returning via the area known as the Park and the Bulwarks iron age fortifications.
Wednesday 30 May 2012 - 10.00
Moderate
4.5 hours
7 miles
5 miles SE Winchcombe
Guiting Power Village Hall car park
A walk from Guiting Power across to the Windrush Way and on to the delightful elongated village of Naunton where a pub lunch will be available at the Black Horse. The return is along the Wardens Way to Guiting Power.
The car park is a 'Trust the Motorist' with a £1 fee.
Thursday 31 May 2012 - 10.00
Easy
1.5 hours
1.5 miles
Chipping Campden Market Hall
The Cotswold Wardens have conducted tours of this ancient town since 1975. Walk with us along 'the most beautiful village street now left in the Island' for an explanation of how history has shaped the town.
We suggest a donation of £2.00 per person.
Sunday 03 June 2012 - 10:00
Moderate
4.5 hours
7 miles
Kings Stanley
Recreation Ground, Kings Stanley
A walk to Woodchester via Selsley, returning via Dingle Wood and the Cotswold Way. A rare opportunity to see craft on the recently restored canal. Pub stop - drink only.
Tuesday 05 June 2012 - 14.30
Easy
1.5 hours
1.5 miles
Chipping Campden Market Hall
The Cotswold Wardens have conducted tours of this ancient town since 1975. Walk with us along 'the most beautiful village street now left in the Island' for an explanation of how history has shaped the town.
We suggest a donation of £2.00 per person.
Tuesday 05 June 2012 - 10.00
Moderate
3 hours
5 miles
Colerne
Fox & Hounds, Colerne
A walk around the various footpaths of Colerne Parish. Lunch available at the Fox & Hounds. Bring a mid morning munchie. Parking at Pub or adjacent Constitutional Club.
Wednesday 06 June 2012 - 10.30
Easy
2.5 hours
3.5 miles
Combe nr Woodstock
Combe Village Green
A gentle family walk from Combe to the river and the Roman Villa with a difference. There will be a quiz to test observational skills for young people aged 7 to 70! Please bring a pencil. Optional pub lunch afterwards.
Thursday 07 June 2012 - 10.00
Easy
1.5 hours
1.5 miles
Chipping Campden Market Hall
The Cotswold Wardens have conducted tours of this ancient town since 1975. Walk with us along 'the most beautiful village street now left in the Island' for an explanation of how history has shaped the town.
We suggest a donation of £2.00 per person.
Friday 08 June 2012 - 10am
Easy
2.5 hours
3.5 miles
Kingham nr Chipping Norton
Car Park, Churchill Road, Kingham
North, South, East or West? How do you know where you are or where you are going? Use a map and features in the landscape to understand how to navigate your way in the countryside. Design for accompanied children 5 upwards.
