The historic wool town of Painswick, known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’, is one of the finest and best-preserved Cotswold settlements, nestling quietly in the hills and surrounded by some of the Cotswolds’ most delightful countryside. Painswick is at the mid-point of the Cotswold Way and surrounded by marvellous walking country. The world famous Rococo Gardens, Painswick Beacon, church of St. Mary (sitting amongst 99 yew trees) are all within easy access. Award winning hotels and inns and some specialist craft and antique shops are all situated in the centre of the village.
There are 12 routes to explore the Cotswolds from Painswick
Step back in time: Oakridge to Bisley Spring circular walk.
Cheltenham
| Length | 5.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Surface | 20260519 |
Blow away the Yuletide cobwebs! Painswick Beacon walk with views across the Vale of Severn.
The ‘walker’s car park’ above the Painswick Rococo Garden marks the start and finish of this short but invigorating romp across the Painswick Golf Course. The aim is to admire the views from the Beacon and utilise the footpaths through the golf course, Pope’s Wood and Kites’ Hill.
Cheltenham
| Length | 4 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Mobility aid rating | Stile free |
| Surface | 20260120 |
Bisley Stroll
Cirencester
| Length | 6.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Basic fitness, unsurfaced paths |
| Surface | 20251112 |
Up Hill Down Dale
The outward leg gently rises to 700 feet with wide ranging views to the East and West. The route then descends to Brockhampton and follows the Colne valley via Sevenhampton to return to Andoversford
Cheltenham
| Length | 5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Surface | 20250212 |
Cotswolds from Coaley Peak - A Stonehouse Walking Festival Walk
Cheltenham
| Length | 7 miles |
| Difficulty | Good fitness, uneven, steep slopes |
| Surface | 20250909 |
Across Painswick valley to Sheepscombe
Cheltenham
| Length | 5.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Surface | 20251111 |
Along the Frome Valley and its nature reserves.
Cheltenham
| Length | 6 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Surface | 20251014 |
Around Stroud – Connecting College, Canal and Countryside
Cheltenham
| Length | 6 miles |
| Difficulty | Good fitness, uneven, steep slopes |
| Surface | 20250924 |
Spoonbed not Spoonfed
Cheltenham
| Length | 5.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Basic fitness, unsurfaced paths |
| Surface | 20250827 |
Daglingworth Dawdle
Bourton-on-the-water
| Length | 5.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Basic fitness, unsurfaced paths |
| Surface | 20250910 |
Two commons, a farm and lots of beechwoods
Cheltenham
| Length | 5.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Surface | 20250813 |
From Cranham School through the Woods to Ebworth
Cheltenham
| Length | 5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate fitness, may be steep slopes |
| Mobility aid rating | Stile free |
| Surface | 20250805 |