Best dog walks in Cheltenham

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Here’s 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 Cotswold Way and in neighbouring Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. 

 

Pittville Park

The largest ornamental park in Cheltenham features the magnificent Pittville Pump Room, duck pond and boating lake.

Pittville Park is divided in two by Evesham Road and is popular with dog walkers due to the vast Pittville Lawn to let dogs run free, and the playing field and wildflower fields on the boating lake side of the park. Enjoy takeaway refreshments from the Pittville Pump Room Heritage Cafe, The Boathouse Cafe, and Central Cross Cafe whilst your dog gets some exercise. 

The only parts of the park where dogs are not allowed are the kid's playgrounds, tennis courts and skateboard park. 

Find out more here.

 

Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse may not be the first place to jump to mind when thinking about where to walk your dog in Cheltenham, but the well-maintained paths and open green spaces that surround the venue are perfect for an easy evening stroll. Wandering over the fields you'll get brilliant views of the iconic jump course with a backdrop of the Malvern Hills. The land is private, but dog walkers are welcome (professional dog walks will need to apply for a permit) and there's lots of parking available in the main car park.

 

Please note cattle graze on many of the following hills. Look out for signs and gates before you reach the areas of grazing and make sure your pooch is on a lead and under control whilst walking through.

 

Crickley Hill Country Park

Easily accessible by car, with a car park and café at the top, Crickley Hill offers breathtaking views of the valley below. There is a choice of routes to take which are clearly marked offering shorter or longer walks depending on how far you’d like to go. Woodland, rich grassland, views and the remains of an Iron Age Fort make this a very unique stroll with the pup.

Find out more here, download a helpful dog walking guide by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust here.

 

Leckhampton Hill

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common lie within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With the ability to see the main aspect of the hill from many parts of Cheltenham, it has become cherished by the town and is a frequent recreational area for its residents, visitors and their furry friends!

The Hill and Common boast many paths and tracks that can be explored, as well as being a point to join the Cotswold Way. Take in beautiful views across Cheltenham as well as spot the great display of wildflowers and a wealth of wildlife including small mammals, reptiles, butterflies and extensive birdlife with buzzards and kestrels regularly spotted here.

At the summit, you will find The Devil's Chimney, a local Cheltenham gem, and a large cliff face offering unparalleled views across the town. The drop here is steep, so you are advised to keep your dog close.

Find out more here.

 

Cleeve Hill loop

This incredible walk on Cleeve Hill takes you over hills, across streams and weaves through woodland; offering stunning views of Cheltenham. A relatively easy walking route, you’ll have the choice of 4 or 6-mile hikes through beautiful limestone grassland. Please note that sheep often graze on Cleeve Hill and dogs are asked to be kept on a lead. 

Find out more here.

 

Cotswold Way – Winchcombe to Belas Knap route

This beautifully scenic route takes you from the lovely town of Winchcombe up into the hills of the Cotswold Way walking trail. Sections of steep inclines take you high up to look over Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle. The endpoint is Belas Knap, a long barrow used in Neolithic times, and a visit in late spring will offer a stunning display of bluebells in the woods beside the barrow. The longest walk is just over 5 miles, or it can be shortened to 3.5 miles.

Find out more here.

 

Coombe Hill Nature Reserve

Run by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, this reserve is ideal for nature lovers. A special site for wetland birds and with 17 species of dragonflies and damselflies, this is a wonderful place to visit. An easy walking route which is up to 3 miles also offers the chance to stop off for refreshments afterwards, with dog-friendly The Gloucester Old Spot just a short drive away. Dogs must be kept on the lead.

Find out more here.

 

Cranham, Coopers and the Beechwoods

A 4-mile route takes you through beech woodland eventually bringing you to one of Cheltenham’s most famous sites, Coopers Hill, known for its annual cheese-rolling. But don’t worry, you don’t have to try out this dangerous pastime on your walk!

For more information, click here.

 

Alternatively…if you’re looking for a quick stroll with the pooch in Cheltenham then there’s plenty of choice. Check out our list of parks and gardens which are perfect for a dog walk in Cheltenham, featuring Sandford Park, Imperial Gardens and Montpellier Gardens (dogs need to be kept on their leads in the town centre gardens).