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Step into a world where time slows, villages glow in honey-hued stone, and every path leads to something beautiful. The Cotswolds is England at its most magical—a landscape of rolling green hills, thatched cottages, and centuries-old footpaths that invite you to wander. Just an hour from London or Birmingham, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is best explored on foot. A Cotswolds walking tour isn’t just a journey—it’s an experience.
Walk through meadows and pastures, past ancient churches and cozy pubs, across stone bridges and winding lanes. Follow the historic public footpaths, a unique tradition of the English countryside, and see the land as generations before have—unhurried, breathtaking, and full of charm.
The route from Chadlington to Charlbury, where a train connects to Oxford, is just an hour’s walk, but the memories will stay far longer. In the Cotswolds, every step tells a story—come find yours.
Exploring the Cotswolds on public footpaths
Unlike Canada and many other countries, where hiking trails exist only on designated public land, the UK is crisscrossed with historic footpaths that pass through private property, protected by law for centuries. These trails weave through fields, pastures, and even backyards, connecting some of England’s most picturesque villages.
The walk from Chadlington to Charlbury, part of a self-guided Cotswolds walking tour, starts in someone’s backyard, marked by a hand-painted sign reading, “We have cats, so please keep your dogs on a lead.” From garden to garden, across farms and meadows, the trails are loosely marked by arrows pointing toward the next stile, gate, or well-trodden path. The result? A journey straight out of a Romantic poem, with rolling green landscapes and charming stone cottages around every bend.
The short walk: Bourton-on-the-Water and beyond
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. Its idyllic riverside setting, honey-colored stone cottages, and charming footbridges make it a must-visit. That charm, however, comes at a price—summer crowds.
For a peaceful escape, take the 10 km walk north to Stow-on-the-Wold, passing through the postcard-worthy villages of Wyck Rissington and Icomb. Stow is famous for its medieval market square, the 12th-century St. Edward’s Church, and a selection of high-end antique shops.
Prefer fewer antiques and more cozy pubs? Head 10 km south from Bourton-on-the-Water to Burford. This stunning town offers a mix of affordable antique stores and inviting pubs with open courtyards. It’s an excellent place to end a walk, especially with the local tradition of a “pint-and-pie” special at many pubs. Alternatively, start in Burford, where weekend full English breakfasts fuel a full day of wandering.
The long walk: the Cotswold Way
For those ready to embrace the full Cotswolds experience, the Cotswold Way stretches 100 miles (160 km) from Chipping Campden to the historic spa town of Bath. This well-marked national trail follows the rolling escarpment, offering sweeping views, picturesque villages, and plenty of cozy B&Bs along the way.
Look for the acorn symbol marking the route, and take advantage of online resources like the National Trails website for maps, side trips, and accommodation options.
More to see in the Cotswolds
- Bibury – Home to Arlington Row, one of England’s most photographed streets.
- Castle Combe – A storybook village with a historic market cross.
- Broadway Tower – A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking countryside views.
- Sudeley Castle – The final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr.
- Painswick Rococo Garden – A hidden gem with whimsical 18th-century landscaping.
