The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the south of England. Covering parts of six counties, including Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, it is characterised by rolling hills, picturesque medieval villages and grand stately homes, making it a wonderful place for a countryside walk. Discover the best dog walks in the Cotswolds with these top 5 circular trails. 

The Cotswold Way walking trail follows the Cotswold Edge escarpment from Bath in the south to Chipping Campden in the north for 102 miles. This is a selection of our favourite short and mid-length dog walks in the Cotswolds with the best views.

1. Cranham Coopers and the Beechwoods   

Ever wondered where the traditional cheese-rolling happens in the Cotswolds? This wonderful 4-mile walk through beech woods leads you to the iconic site of Cooper’s Hill, where for centuries the foolhardy have risked their necks chasing cheese down the hill to cheering crowds. This route also takes in the beauty and serenity of Buckholt Wood, which truly comes to life in May when carpeted in vibrant bluebells.

An easy walk with some moderately steep sections and no stiles that takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

2. Broadway and the Tower

For intriguing architecture and spectacular views across the Severn Vale into Wales, this 4-mile walk leads through the pretty Cotswold high street of Broadway and up to Broadway Tower, an iconic 18th-century landmark created by the famous historic landscape designer, ‘Capability’ Brown. Designed as ‘an eccentric amalgamation of architectural components ranging from turrets, battlements and gargoyles to balconies’ it’s most definitely worth a look.

This is a moderate walk that follows long historic tracks with some steep sections and stiles and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.

3. Winchcombe and Belas Knap

If you love history, then this 5.5-mile walk is for you. The trail takes you from the historic town of Winchcombe, along both old and new Cotswold Way routes, up to the ancient monument of Belas Knap Long Barrow, a Neolithic ancient burial ground with chambers that was estimated to have been built around 3,000 BC.

This is a moderate walk that takes 3 to 4 hours and has some steep sections and stiles. The short cut is 3.5 miles.

4. The Cleeve Hill Ring

Wildflowers and butterflies are aplenty on this beautiful walk that leads you across hilltops, through woodlands and over streams to limestone grassland.

This is a moderate 6-mile walk that lasts between 3.5 to 4.5 hours with some steep sections. The short cut is an easier 4 miles that is mostly level and takes 2 to 3 hours to complete with no stiles.

5. Chipping Campden Walk

For breathtaking views, this 4.5-mile walk leads you around partly shaded woodlands and through Chipping Campden, an archetypal Cotswold market town of characteristic limestone buildings surrounded by rolling hills.

This is a moderate walk with some steep sections that takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours to complete. The short cut is easier, avoids the climbs and reduces the walk to 3 miles which takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 

These life-affirming dog walks in the Cotswolds are, for many of us, a chance to get into the great outdoors and admire the natural beauty of the British countryside while learning a little of the history of this fascinating area.

When walking your dog, please do remember to respect the countryside code by keeping to public footpaths, protecting wildlife, plants and trees, keeping your pets under control and taking your litter home.

For detailed maps of these Cotswold walks with dogs and other walking routes and inspiration please visit National Trails.

Words by Kate Thompson.