Best Dog Walks in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are famous for quaint villages, incredible views and over 3,000 miles of public footpaths to explore. So whether you’re exploring the Cotswolds with your four-legged friend or simply seeking scenic routes through one of England’s most charming regions, these dog-friendly walks in the Cotswolds offer something for everyone.

Cotswolds Dog Walks

Each of our dog walk trails showcases the very best of the Cotswolds’ natural beauty and historic charm. These routes promise fresh air, local character, and plenty of spots to pause and take in the view with your dog. To make the most of the stunning scenery and enjoy many pub lunches with your pooch, plan a stay in our dog friendly accommodation.

Our Favourite Dog Walks in the Cotswolds

The Swinbrook Loop

A walk ending at a pub is always a good idea if you ask us. This walk is less than 10 minutes drive from Burford and the loop takes less than 1 hour (though likely more if you stop at the pub!). There are livestock in the fields, so we recommend keeping dogs on a lead.

The circular walk starting in Widford just past the river Windrush gives great views over the nearing countryside. Heading North-East, you’ll see the beautiful Church of St Oswald, often referred to as ‘The tiny church in the middle of nowhere’, this beautiful medieval building was found to have been built on the base of a roman house.

From there, head North-East across the fields until you come to the road and follow it East back into the village of Swinbrook. Continue to follow the road and you’ll walk past St Mary’s Church, then further down to The Swan Inn, a classic country pub with outside seating.

To finish, follow the road over the bridge past the cricket club until you reach the crossroads and turn right to head back to the start.

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Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe

Winchcombe is a stunning example of a quaint Cotswold village. With timbered inns, independent shops and a grand castle, the village has lots to offer visitors.

Starting the walk on Vineyard Street, head down the hill past the beautiful houses and over the bridge which overlooks the allotments. Continue to the bottom of the hill and enter the grounds to Sudeley Castle straight ahead. Follow the driveway past the gatehouse and over the bridge.

As you head back up the road you will notice the stoned path to the right which leads to open fields next to the castle which you can enjoy a loop of – just be aware that the gate to Sudeley Castle near the stoned wall is sometimes open, however walkers must not use this entrance without a ticket. When facing the large chestnut tree which is located in front of the staff parking, follow the fence on your right to the gate, where you will follow a pathway which runs next to Sudeley Castle’s playground with a bridge overhead.

The end of the pathway will lead you to the main entrance. Follow the road to the left and back up the path you entered on. From here, head back up Vineyard Street and onto the B4632 (High St), and explore the independent shops and restaurants.

Make sure you pop into Winchcombe Museum to see the Winchcombe meteorite – a rare meteorite that Fell on a local’s driveway in February 2021. Alternatively, for a challenging walk, join The Cotswold Way from Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill.

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Broadway Tower Loop

The Iconic Broadway Tower goes through The Cotswold Way, but there are many other walks around the landmark. One of our favourites which sees the tower from many points starts at Broadway Tower car park. This four-mile circular route allows you to really make the most of the spectacular views in the Cotswolds (see the National Trail for more details) The route is of a moderate difficulty, with some parts of the route being fairly steep and typically takes walkers around 2.5-3 hours to complete without stops.

From the car park, walk back towards the road past the ice cream hut and toilets and through the gate on the left. Follow this path directly to the tower where you can take some fantastic photos of the landmark and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Deer roam in this field so be sure to keep dogs on a lead.

From here you can purchase a ticket to go inside the tower and experience 360° views from the top of the tower. Behind the tower down the mound, you will find another gate to a footpath. From here you turn left to the next gate – however for a longer walk you can enter the field opposite to join the Cotswold Way.

When you approach the next gate, enter the field and follow the track to the left which then curves around to the right. Cross the road at the car park and you’ll find a shop, café and toilet – be sure to sample their cakes – we’ve found they’re best enjoyed with a brew!

From here, follow the road back up the hill then take the footpath which forks off to the right through the trees. You’ll spot a wooden swing bench at the end to your left which has stunning views in front, before coming back to the top of the road where you might spot more deer in the field behind the fence. There’s another café, toilet and a play area at the car park that can be enjoyed before you leave. This is a pay and display car park so do make sure you have purchased your ticket before you set off.

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For those of you preferring a shorter stroll, if you have parked in the pay and display car park at Broadway Tower you can enjoy a mile long circular walk around the parkland which includes agility obstacles (for the dogs!). For more information visit the Broadway Tower website.

The country park is also home to a herd of beautiful red deer including the majestic stag named ‘William’ and so we would remind owners to please keep your dog on a lead during your visit.

Cleeve Common to the Lone Beech Tree

This easy 1.5 mile loop starts at Cleeve Common car park and joins part of the Cotswold Way. Starting at the car park, enter the common via the gate at the end of the road and turn left past the radio masts. Head north-west towards the big hedges and follow the footpath towards the lone beech tree which should be visible in the distance.

Once you’ve reached the tree, which is the highest tree in the Cotswolds, take in the panoramic views and head left (when looking at the tree from the direction you’ve just walked) and follow the path towards the two benches overlooking the hills and breathtaking views below, and walk back following the dry stone wall on your right, towards the pylons.

To make this walk a little longer, go past the pylons and continue past the gate on your right where you started and reach the end of the field before turning back.

It’s worth noting that the weather can change very quickly on Cleeve Hill, so it’s best to pack for all weathers. Parking is free at the car park, however it’s limited and many cars do park in the laybys on the narrow approach to the car park, so take care.

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Stow-on-the-Wold to Maugersbury

Just a stone’s throw from Stow-on-the-Wold, Maugersbury is surrounded by glorious countryside with many walks and cycling routes on its doorstep. Starting at the square in Stow-on-the-wold, head down the hill on Digbeth Street past The Porch House before you join Park Street.

Continue going down the hill past the fish and chip shop until you notice the road fork off to the right. If you’re not already on the right side of the road, cross over where the post box should now be on your left. As you had down this road, The Bell should be on you left before taking the footpath on the right directly in front of the houses. Follow this uneven footpath to the bottom of the hill – you will pass some stunning properties on Maugersbury Pk before reaching a crossroads with Chapel Street.

Continue straight over and follow the road until you get to the bend where you need to keep left, from then, continue with the wall on your left and you will join a path with a field on your right.

Continue to follow this road up the hill and you’ll find yourself walking past Stow surgery, the main car park and The Bell back in front of you. Follow the hill to the top and you’re back in Stow-on-the-wold.

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The Rollright Stones, Chipping Norton

This 7.5-mile walk starts in the picturesque historic market town of Chipping Norton located at the highest point in Oxfordshire. From ‘Chippy’, as it is known to the locals, you then reach the village of Salford, before arriving at the ancient site of the famous Rollright Stones. Located on the borders of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire and close to the village of Long Compton the Rollright Stones comprises three Bronze Age and Neolithic megalithic monuments, known locally as ‘Whispering Knights’, ‘The King’s Men’ and ‘The King Stone’.

Starting from the Rollright stones behind you, the easy paths lead you to the pretty hamlet of Over Norton located on the edge of the wooded Over Norton Park.

From here you complete the final stage of the walk back to Chipping Norton where you will find a range of shops and cafes for you to enjoy as well as a number of great dog friendly pubs, one of our favourites is The Blue Boar.

This long walk can be chopped into many shorter walks for those who want something a little easier.

For more information about the Rollright Stones and the walk itself visit Chipping Norton and the Rollright Stones Walks

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River Windrush Walk Minster Lovell

This circular walk is a little over 3.5 miles and starts in the pretty village of Minster Lovell, not far from the historic market town of Witney. This trail offers you and your dog the opportunity to experience a number of different terrains including woodland, riverside meadows and farmland. On the homeward stretch you will find yourself walking alongside the River Windrush and have the opportunity to explore the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall.

Heading North-East from Mister Lovell, the trail follows many paths and kissing gates to the nearby town of Crawley. Once here, you can stop off for a drink and food at The Lamb Inn, or continue your journey.

From here, you want to head down Dry Lane, then take the bridal path signposted to Witney. Further down, your need to cross back over the main road and head West back towards Minster Lovell again.

The route which typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, crosses multiple terrains including woodland, riverside meadows and farmland, so be sure to pack the appropriate footwear. Along with a number of kissing gates, there are two stiles on this route including one with a dog gate. Some of the fields may contain livestock and therefore all dogs should be kept on a lead.

Upon your return to Minster Lovell there are some fantastic pubs for you to relax with your dog including the Old Swan and the White Hart.

For more information about this walk please visit: All Trails River Windrush Walk

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Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water

The beautiful villages of Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter aren’t to be missed if you want to experience true Cotswold charm. Starting at St Mary’s Church in Lower Slaughter, cross the road, making sure the river is on your left.

Follow the road up to The Slaughters Inn, following the road around to the left and across the bridge. Continue to follow the path down past the houses until you reach the stone bridge. Cross this and make your way back up the other side. Follow your last footsteps, but ensure you’re on the same side of the road as the river and it’s on your right. Follow the path around to the right and take the footpath down until you reach the gravel road at the end.

From here, you can turn right and follow the few minute drive up to Hawkstone, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing pint. Alternatively, to continue into up to Bourton-on-the-Water you should continue walking to the main road. Be aware this road is national speed limit and paths are sometimes obstructed by overgrown bushes, so always take care.

Turn right and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. Continue straight down station road until you find the right turning for Moore Road. Continue right to the bottom of this road and you will reach the iconic Cotswold town of Bourton-on-the-Water where dogs and humans alike can enjoy a paddle in the river, an ice cream and a refreshing drink in one of the many pubs.

For more information about the route for this walk please visit: River Windrush and The Slaughters Circular

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Cotswold Water Park at South Cerney

This easy walk takes you around one of the lakes at Cotswold Water Park in the beautiful village of South Cerney. Starting at the Gateway Centre, follow the path between the centre and Cotswold Outdoor towards the tow path.

When you arrive at the finger post marker, turn right and cross the wooden bridge. Cut across the field to the far left corner and go through the metal kissing gate. Turn right and continue to follow the footpath ensuring the river is on your right.

Cross over the river and walk through the hotel gate towards the hotel grounds. Turn left then follow the hotel car park back to the Gateway Centre. There is a paid car park at The Gateway Centre however it does get busy, so keep that in mind when planning your day.

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The Lake Walk at Miserden

This walk is just under 2km, and takes in some of the stunning views around Miserden. Starting at the Garden cark park, turn left round the large lime tree and follow the foot path to the sign pointing downhill next to the cattle grid.

As the road approaches a line of lime trees, fork to the right towards the wood. Cross the stone stile into the woods. Turn right after the stone bridge and follow the path that runs alongside the stream. Take care at the sluice gate at the head of the lake, especially when the water is high.

Turn right up the hill on the road. Turn left at the stone pillar and continue uphill. Turn right over a wooden stile opposite a small stone shed. Walk through the gate under an enormous sycamore tree and head back to the village for a cup of tea in the Garden Café, or something stronger in The Carpenters Arms after your climb back up the valley.

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These are just some of our favourite walks in the Cotswolds for you to share with your dog(s) and experience the wonderful scenery on your visit to the area as well as having the opportunity to enjoy local hospitality on the way. We think the Cotswolds is the best place for short breaks with dogs in the UK, so we hope you have an enjoyable time and these walks may encourage you to take the chance to explore even more of our wonderful trails and routes. Happy walking!!!