After a decadent festive period, many people will be begrudgingly restarting their gym memberships in an attempt to shed weight gained by Christmas’ excess. Beat the crowds and explore the natural beauty right on Cheltenham’s doorstep with these beautiful local walks...


Crickley Hill

Where: GL4 8JY. 10 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

Crickley Hill is easily accessible, with a car park and café at the top. With spectacular views, diverse habitats, and a wealth of historical significance to explore, there is a lot to be found just a short drive from Cheltenham.  With many different routes over the limestone quarries, and through the woodlands, there is something for everyone at Crickley Hill. There are both dog-friendly and child-friendly areas, which make it the perfect family visit, with areas to stop for a picnic and take in the breath-taking views.

Crickley Hill


The Leckhampton Loop

Where: GL53 9NG. 15 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

This walk is a great way to get acclimatised to the local area, with a beautifully varied stretch of the Cotswold Way. It includes woodland, grassland, Victorian quarries and Iron Age remains, all found within less than five miles! Only a short journey on the 51 bus, and with refreshments available from the Severn Springs pub, there is no excuse not to try this beautiful walk over Leckhampton Hill and the surrounding area.

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The Leckhampton Loop


Cleeve Hill

Where: GL52 3PW. 15 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

Located on the North-Eastern edge of Cheltenham, heading out toward Winchcombe, Cleeve Hill features stunning views of Cheltenham and its surroundings. Cleeve Hill is the highest point in Gloucestershire, and the highest peak of the Cotswold Hills. There are countless footpaths over the 1,000 acres of Cleeve, including a National Trail. On a clear day you can see the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains of Wales. There are many examples of rare wildflowers, and the land is maintained using traditional flock grazing. There are also historically significant areas including an Iron Age hill fort.

Cleeve Hill walk


Cranham, Cooper’s and the Beechwoods

Where: GL4 8HP. 20 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

Beech woodlands are one of England’s most recognisable habitats, and this walk features them in abundance. It also takes to you to the home of one of the Cotswold’s most bizarre, and world renowned traditions – cheese-rolling. This walk will take you through Buckholt Wood, through to the top of Cooper's Hill, where for hundreds of years, people have been rolling down from its dizzying heights at breakneck speed after a wheel of cheese for the annual Cheese Rolling Competition. This event, which attracts specatators and competitors from all over the world normally usually takes place on the second Bank Holiday Monday in May each year.

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Keep up to date with the latest Cheese Rolling news via the event Facebook group.

Cheese rolling at Cranham, Cooper’s and the Beechwoods


Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle

Where: GL54 5JD. 25 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

There are many beautiful walks near Sudeley Castle, but the “Miles Without Stiles” walk features opportunities to explore Winchcombe, find the River Isboure and to view the castle itself. It uses sections of the Cotswold Way National Trail and the Windrush Way and Warden’s Way. With a mixture of beautiful views, historical interest and the lovely village of Winchcombe, this walk contains a great mixture for a day’s activities.

Find out more here...

Sudeley Castle Cheltenham


Brockhampton

Where: GL54 5XQ. 25 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

This is a pleasant all-weather walk that runs through the village of Brockhampton on mostly lanes and tracks. Start your walk at the Craven Arms pub and find yourself walking around the picturesque villages of both Brockhampton and Sevenhampton, past old breweries, churches and streams on a relaxing circuit rich in history.

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Broadway

Where: WR12 7LB. 45 minute drive from Cheltenham town centre.

Located just outside of Cheltenham, Broadway tower boasts picturesque views and is one of the highest points in the Cotswolds. Starting in the quaint village of Broadway, you can explore a wide range of walks for different abilities, exploring the beautiful natural sights of the Cotswolds, from rolling hills, bridleways and more.

Broadway Tower


Further inspiration...

Things To Do Outdoors in Cheltenham

48 Hours in Cheltenham & the Cotswolds

Suggested Cheltenham Itineraries

Best Dog Walks in Cheltenham

Parks and Gardens in Cheltenham 

Best Bike Rides in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds

Best Picnic Spots in Cheltenham

Dog Friendly Places to Eat Cheltenham

Related

Crickley Hill Country Park
Natural Wildlife Site
Crickley Hill Cheltenham

Visit part of the beautiful Cotswold countryside at Crickley Hill Country Park.  Managed jointly by the National Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the park is a haven for nature and home to many birds, reptiles and mammals and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wonderful variety of wildflowers. Rising above the city of Gloucester, Crickley Hill it also boasts breath-taking views over the Severn Vale, the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain.

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common
Viewpoint
Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common in Cheltenham

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common lie within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The main aspect of the hill is visible from many parts of Cheltenham. It is a cherished landscape feature for residents and visitors.

Cleeve Hill
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Cleeve Hill overlooking Cheltenham

Cleeve Hill is located on Cheltenham’s North-Eastern edge, on the way to Winchcombe, affording breath-taking views of Cheltenham and the surrounding area...

Cooper's Hill Nature Reserve
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Coopers Hill

A local nature reserve, 2 miles south of Brockworth on A46, with nationally important beech woodlands and a waymarked trail. Superb Cotswold beech woodlands together with small areas of flower-rich limestone grassland.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens
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Sudeley Castle

Award-winning gardens surrounding Castle and medieval ruins. Exhibitions, rare-breeds pheasantry, restaurant & cafe, adventure play area.

Broadway
Village
Broadway

Picture perfect with the honey-coloured stone buildings of the Cotswold, Broadway is one of the most picturesque of the Cotswold villages.

Winchcombe
Town
Winchcombe

Winchcombe is an attractive market town in the Cotswolds with a long history. Located just 8 miles, approximately 20 minutes from Cheltenham town centre by car. The market place, boutique stores, and  centre streets are well worth a wander. Relax with a meal and drink in a timbered inn or enjoy afternoon tea in one of the many quaint coffee shops.

Best dog walks in Cheltenham
Walking
Best dog walks in Cheltenham

Our pick of the best dog walks in and around Cheltenham. You’re never far from green space in Cheltenham. Our Regency town is home to many spectacular parks and gardens offering endless opportunities for great dog walks. Spectacular countryside also surrounds the town, making Cheltenham a 'pawfect' base for long rambles in the Cotswolds, along the Cotswolds Way and in neighbouring Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

1 Comments

Comments

  1. Juan
    Very informative. Perfect for any visitor. Thank you

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