Posted on October 10, 2024
In every season, a woodland walk offers solace; shade in summer, protection from the elements in winter and in autumn, a wonderous display of nature at its best. This week we thought we’d celebrate the change in the seasons with a round-up of the best woodland walks in The Cotswolds – whether you’re looking for a foraging trip, to expand your conker collection or to see the magic as the leaves turn, here are our favourite locations this autumn:
Chedworth Woods and Roman Villa
Nestled near the charming village of Chedworth, this woodland walk offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. As you meander through ancient woods, you'll encounter a tapestry of autumn colours, with vivid reds and golds painting the landscape. A highlight of this walk is the opportunity to explore the nearby Chedworth Roman Villa, one of the largest Roman villas in Britain. The villa's fascinating mosaics and ruins provide a glimpse into the area's rich history, making this walk both scenic and educational.
Siccaridge Wood, near Sapperton
An ancient coppiced woodland, renowned for its carpet of bluebells in spring, come autumn it has an equally impressive display as the beech trees turn to fiery ochre. Situated in the Frome Valley, alongside the Thames and Severn Canal, you can combine your woodland walk with a towpath stroll and finish up with a restorative pub lunch at The Bell in Sapperton (read more of our favourite country pubs on the journal here).
Laurie Lee Wood
Covering three hectares of unspoilt, heritage woodland, Laurie Lee Woods in the Slad Valley is so called after the 'Cider with Rosie' author, who set his semi-autobiographical coming-of-age novel in the village of Slad. The woods themselves form part of the Laurie Lee Wildlife Way, a circular walk through a number of Gloucestershire Nature Reserves, making for a great autumnal spectacular. Nearby Painswick is worth a visit; steeped in Arts and Crafts history and some beautiful properties to lust after, too.
Woodchester Park
The Boat House Walk through the National Trusts's Woodchester Park is a well signposted, 3.5 mile loop through the house's 18th century landscaped parkland, woods and along a chain of five interconnecting lakes that reflect the autumn foliage beautifully. Take in ruined Italianate temples, as well as resident wildlife including kingfishers, bats and herons. A peaceful walk for explorers of all ages.
Wychwood Forest, Chalbury
Whether you take on the full 37-mile 'Wychwood Way' circular route, or opt for a leisurely Sunday stroll, Wychwood Forest in Chalbury is a great autumn walk, with hundred of acres of woodland, streams, lakes and ponds to explore. The area is also a protected nature reserve, so keep your eyes peeled for local flora and fauna as you kick up the autumn leaves. In need of warming up? The Swan at Ascot is another great country pub for some autumn comfort grub.
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum puts on a riotous display of colour in Autumn, thanks to the collection of Japanese maples, sorbus and ornamental cherries dotted around the 56-acre site. Visit from mid-October for the best display.
Blenheim Palace
Take in the Great Lake, Grand Bridge and Water Terraces in 2,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland at Blenheim Palace. A joy to explore with the house as your backdrop, the landscape is home to many species of trees that show their colours in all their glory through the autumn months.
Guiting Power and Castlett Wood
A great easy family route from the village of Guiting Power, this circular amble follows drovers' trails through woodland and along the Guiting Stream. The Cotswold Farm Park is nearby if you're looking to make a day of it, or squeeze in a last picnic with supplies from the Temple Guiting Pantry shop.
Coopers Hill and Cranham Common
Known for the annual cheese-rolling event, Coopers Hill offers more than just thrills in springtime. In autumn, the hill and surrounding Cranham Common transform into a picturesque haven of russet and amber leaves. This walk provides panoramic views of the Severn Vale and the distant Welsh hills. The area is crisscrossed with trails that lead through beech woodlands and open meadows, perfect for a leisurely hike or a more adventurous exploration. The combination of stunning vistas and vibrant foliage makes this an ideal spot for autumnal reflection and escape.
Coombe Hill & Coombe Farm Woodland
Tucked between the pretty villages of Broadway and Snowshill, Coombe Hill offers one of the most rewarding autumn walks in the northern Cotswolds. Paths weave through beech and oak woodland before climbing to reveal views that stretch across the Vale of Evesham. As the trees turn amber and gold, the light filters softly through the canopy, a perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon stroll. The nearby village of Snowshill is the ideal spot to unwind after your walk.
Highbury Wood & Wotton Hill
For a walk that combines ancient woodland with far-reaching views, head to Highbury Wood and Wotton Hill. Begin your route beneath a canopy of tall beech trees before following winding paths that open out to sweeping views across the Severn Vale. In autumn, the forest floor glows with russet leaves and the air feels hushed and crisp. It’s a beautiful spot for a morning walk before exploring Cheltenham’s cafés and shops nearby.
Belas Knap to Cleeve Hill
Starting in the historic market town of Winchcombe, this walk offers a wonderful blend of woodland, open countryside and ancient history. The path climbs gently through golden-hued woodland to the Neolithic burial mound of Belas Knap before leading on to Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds. On clear autumn days, the views stretch for miles, and the surrounding beech trees are ablaze with seasonal colour. It’s a walk that perfectly captures the character of the Cotswold landscape.
Haresfield Beacon via Brimpsfield and the Stroud Valleys
Haresfield Beacon is known for its sweeping views, but the woodland below is just as enchanting. Begin your walk through Brimpsfield’s winding lanes before entering a patchwork of beech and oak woodland that bursts into shades of copper and scarlet in autumn. Emerging at the top, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views across the Severn and beyond, the perfect reward for your climb. Bring a flask and find a quiet spot to take in the scenery.
Edge Hill & Shenington Woods
A lesser-known gem on the western edge of the Cotswolds, Edge Hill Wood and the neighbouring Shenington Woods offer a peaceful escape from busier trails. These woodlands are rich with wildlife and filled with the soft crunch of fallen leaves in autumn. Walk beneath towering beeches as the sunlight filters through amber branches, then follow the ridge for views over rolling farmland and historic villages. Quiet, secluded and undeniably beautiful, this is autumn walking at its most tranquil.