4.5
(966)
6,368
hikers
13
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Coln St. Dennis are set within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and traditional agricultural landscapes. The region features undulating terrain with gentle ascents and descents, making it suitable for various fitness levels. The River Coln meanders through the valley, offering tranquil riverside paths and picturesque views. Hikers can explore diverse landscapes, from open countryside to quiet woodlands, often connecting historic villages.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
4.7
(17)
120
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
36
hikers
11.3km
03:06
180m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(6)
25
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
20
hikers
17.3km
04:45
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
15
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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At the General Audience on June 21, 2006, the then Holy Father briefly summarized two biblical accounts that illustrate the special position of James the Greater, the patron saint of this church, among the disciples: "He was privileged, along with Peter and John, to participate in the hour of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the event of Jesus' transfiguration. (...) In the first instance, James, together with the other two apostles, experienced the glory of the Lord; he saw him speaking with Moses and Elijah; he saw the radiance of divine glory shine forth in Jesus; in the second instance, he stood before suffering and humiliation; he saw with his own eyes how the Son of God humbled himself and was obedient unto death. The second experience was certainly an opportunity for him to mature in faith and to correct the one-sided, triumphalistic interpretation of the first experience: He had to recognize that the Messiah, whom the Jewish people expected to be a triumphant figure, was in reality not only surrounded by honor and glory, but also of suffering and weakness. The glory of Christ is realized precisely on the cross, in sharing in our sufferings.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
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Yes Northleach and particularly for Lynwood Cafe in the square, the church - the cathedral of the cotswolds, and if a meal is required the Wheatsheaf Pub.
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Winson is a delightful village/hamlet with narrow, winding paths around it's traditional and beautiful cottages. The Mansion House and the church of St Michael are points of interest on this route through the hamlet to cross the River Coln. You can find out more here; https://thecotswoldexplorer.co.uk/winson/
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"The Anglican Church of St James at Coln St. Dennis in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire, England, was built in the 12th century. It is a grade I listed building. The Church of England parish church is dedicated to Saint James the Great. The church was dedicated to Saint Katherine in the 13th century, Saint Dennis in the 18th century, and is believed to have once been dedicated to Saint Kenelm.[2] During the 18th century it may have briefly been dedicated to St Dennis. The central tower had a belfry added in the 15th century. This was rebuilt in 1904 as part of a wider restoration by William Weir the architect for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The parish is part of the Chedworth Yanworth and Stowell Coln Rogers and Coln St Dennis benefice within the Diocese of Gloucester." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_James,_Coln_St._Dennis
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Beautiful piece where we saw many pheasants.
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The interior of St George's church is well worth investigating. The church itself is Norman, but in the 19th century the interior was painted by the local vicar.
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Situated to the west of the Fosse Way, Hampnett is a charming and scenic Cotswold village. It boasts several natural springs that converge to create the River Leach, adding to its serene beauty. The village is rich in history, with a 12th century Norman church and remnants of ancient Roman settlements.
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Chedworth Wood is an ancient woodland overlooking the village of Chedworth in the Cotswolds. The woodland features oak, ash, beech and hazel trees as well as a beautiful display of seasonal wildflowers.
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There are over 10 family-friendly hiking trails around Coln St. Dennis, offering a variety of distances and experiences suitable for families. These routes are generally easy to moderate, perfect for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds countryside with children.
The trails in this area are ideal for families due to their generally gentle ascents and descents, often following tranquil riverside paths along the River Coln or meandering through charming villages and open countryside. Many routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical interest, keeping all ages engaged.
Spring and summer are particularly lovely for family hikes, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is generally mild. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be magical, though paths might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the View of the River Coln Valley – Winson Village and the River Coln loop is a moderate 8.2 km circular hike that offers picturesque views and riverside paths.
Most trails in the Cotswolds are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through fields with livestock or nature reserves. Remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the countryside beautiful for everyone.
You'll encounter classic Cotswolds landscapes, including rolling hills, river valleys, and ancient woodlands. Keep an eye out for the picturesque River Coln, and enjoy expansive views like the View of the Cotswolds Valley. Some routes also pass by interesting geological features like the Daglingworth Gravel Track.
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families with very young children. The Northleach Town Centre – Lynwood & Co Northleach loop is an easy 6.8 km hike with minimal elevation, offering a gentle introduction to the area's beauty.
Parking is often available in or near the villages where trails begin. For routes starting directly from Coln St. Dennis, you can usually find roadside parking. For trails further afield, look for designated car parks in nearby villages like Northleach or Yanworth.
Public transport options to Coln St. Dennis itself can be limited. However, some larger nearby towns like Cirencester are better connected by bus, and from there, local services or a short taxi ride might be necessary to reach specific trailheads. Planning ahead is recommended.
Yes, many routes pass through or near charming Cotswolds villages where you can find traditional pubs and cafes. For instance, the Chedworth Roman Villa – The Seven Tuns loop includes a stop at The Seven Tuns, a well-regarded pub, perfect for a family refreshment break.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.49 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful countryside, the charming village scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable family outings. The blend of natural beauty and historical points of interest is also frequently highlighted.
Absolutely! The region is rich in history. You can explore the fascinating Chedworth Roman Villa, one of the largest Roman villas in Britain, or visit the iconic Arlington Row in Bibury, often called the most beautiful village in England. The Cirencester Amphitheatre also offers a glimpse into Roman history.


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