Tuesday, 24th February, 2026 – Start: 10:00 am

A Winter Bird Walk

A walk across fields from Hailes Church with a climb up the Cotswold Escarpment to search out wintering birds.

A Winter Bird Walk

Redwing.  Photo: Roger wasley

Distance

5 miles / 8.05 km

Duration

3 hours

Difficulty

May be steep slopes, moderate fitness

Shape

Circular

Route description

The main purpose of this walk is to search for wintering birds. From the small Norman church at Hailes we will cross fields to the village of Wood Stanway where we ascend to the scarp using the Cotswold Way up to an old drovers trail. The exact route is dependent on what we find. There are steep slopes and paths which are very likely to be muddy and slippery. Bring a snack and drink. To get the most from this walk,  BINOCULARS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Organised by: Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

Led by: Ali Clifton Barnard, Sheila Wasley

Start

Address

Hailes Church, Hailes, Cheltenham GL54 5PB, UK
View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SP 052 301

What3Words

Staining.doing.polar

Refreshments

Refreshments are available after the walk at nearby Hayles Fruit Farm.

Travel Info

Park at car park adjacent to Hailes Church (opposite Hailes Abbey).