Cotswolds Dog Walks
The Cotswolds, famous for quaint villages, incredible views and over 3,000 miles of public footpaths to explore. There is only thing that can make a holiday in the Cotswolds even better, and that is being able to share the experience with your favourite four-legged friend. 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
Broadway Tower
One of the most popular circular walks for dog owners is located in the Broadway Tower Country Park, close to the village of Broadway often described as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ with its many fine buildings of ‘honey’ Cotswold stone. The walk itself can be picked up in Broadway and 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. However, having reached the tower, you may wish to stop for refreshments at the Morris and Brown café with its dog friendly seating areas or at the Expresso Bar Restaurant located at the Tower Barn.
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.
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’.
Having left the Stones behind you, 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 the most dog friendly pubs we know in Chippy is The Blue Boar. They even have a special gallery on Instagram which features their ‘fluffy pals’ who are always made very welcome. For more information about the Rollright Stones and the walk itself visit Oxfordshire walks – Chipping Norton and the Rollright Stones — Local Walks
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 in Oxfordshire. 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.
The route which typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on conditions, is relatively gentle with one fairly steep but short descent into woodland. In wet conditions the fields and unmade tracks can get muddy and suitable footwear is a must. 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: www.alltrails.com/trail/england/oxfordshire/minster-lovell-and-crawley-circular
Cleeve Hill Circular
This is another circular walk that provides the walker with outstanding views of the Cotswold countryside and the opportunity to experience its natural beauty. Taking in part of the historic Cotswold Way, this route offer walkers the option of a 6 mile trail or a shorter 4 mile route. The trail which is described as moderate with some steep sections, takes the walker through a variety of habitats including woodlands, limestone grasslands and hilltops culminating in some of the most stunning scenery the Cotswolds has to offer. For more details see the National Trail.
Having completed this spectacular walk and wearing out the most energetic of dogs, the availability of a well-earned drink at the Rising Sun Hotel at Cleeve Hill is most welcome.
Eye of the Windrush and the Slaughters
This circular walk starts in the popular and beautiful Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the Water. A favourite visitor destination (so you may want to plan the timing of your visit carefully), the tranquil River Windrush flows through the village centre, crisscrossed by low stone bridges. This walk of almost 7 miles is described as moderate and includes some of the Cotswolds finest scenery whatever time of year you visit. The route takes you through picturesque and often photographed villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter and the River Eye. Don’t be put off by the name as the origins can be found in the Old English term of ‘slothre’ or ‘slough’ meaning wetland upon which the villages were built.
For those of you feeling more energetic or if your dog needs to work off a bit more excitement, you may wish to extend your walk by using one of the other walking trails to the village of Naunton. Once you return to Bourton we love the Mousetrap Inn which is both children and dog friendly… not necessarily in that order!
For more information about the route for this work please visit: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/oxfordshire/minster-lovell-and-crawley-circular
Explore River Windrush and The Slaughters Circular
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 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!!!
