The best walks and hikes around Tewkesbury

Embark on the Cleeve Common & Belas Knap loop, a moderate hike that takes you through some of the Cotswolds' most scenic landscapes. This 8.2-mile (13.3 km) route, which typically takes 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete, features 899 feet (274 metres) of elevation gain, including several steep climbs. You will traverse picturesque pastures, peaceful woodlands, and open fields, with the terrain varying from clear paths to potentially boggy sections, especially in winter and spring. The highlight is Cleeve Common, the highest point in the Cotswolds, offering tremendous long-distance views across Cheltenham, the Severn Vale, and even to the Malvern Hills on a clear day. While the paths are mostly unambiguous, some sections on Cleeve Common can be a bit tricky to navigate, so keep an eye on your map.

This moderate trail presents a varied terrain, including several steep climbs, particularly up Cleeve Hill. You should wear proper walking footwear with good support to handle the diverse ground conditions. Be aware that the route can become quite boggy during the winter and spring months, so water-resistant footwear is highly recommended if you plan to hike then. While many paths are clear, Cleeve Common has numerous trodden paths, which might make navigation a bit challenging in certain areas. Always carry a good map to help you stay on track and enjoy the journey without detours.

Beyond the natural beauty, this trail is rich in history, featuring significant ancient sites. You will encounter Belas Knap Long Barrow, a restored Neolithic chambered burial site dating back approximately 5,500 years, known for its distinctive false entrance and burial chambers. The route also includes other historical points like ancient earthworks and an Iron Age hillfort on Cleeve Hill. Cleeve Common itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare plants and diverse wildlife, making it important to practice Leave No Trace principles throughout your visit.

Embark on the Cleeve Hill loop from Winchcombe, a moderate hiking route that spans 8.8 miles (14.2 km) with an elevation gain of 905 feet (276 metres). This journey, estimated to take 3 hours and 59 minutes, leads you from the charming Winchcombe Village through tranquil farmland and lush meadows. You will eventually reach the expansive Cleeve Common, culminating in panoramic views from the summit of Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, stretching across the River Severn and into Wales. The varied terrain offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a substantial walk.

To best enjoy this hike, be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after rain; sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. The climb up Cleeve Hill can be steep and slippery in wet conditions, so a moderate level of fitness is beneficial. Winchcombe is a designated "Walkers are Welcome" town, making it a convenient and accessible starting point for your adventure.

Cleeve Common is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, celebrated for its unique limestone grassland, diverse wildflowers, and grazing animals. This route provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Cotswolds. The trail's distinct features and the commanding views from Cleeve Hill make it a notable option for exploring the region.

Embark on the Cleeve Hill & Breakheart Plantation loop, a moderate hike spanning 6.3 miles (10.2 km) with an elevation gain of 752 feet (229 metres), typically completed in 2 hours and 54 minutes. This route takes you through varied terrain, from exposed limestone grasslands to the sheltered woodlands of Breakheart Plantation. You will experience steep ascents and descents, but your effort is rewarded with panoramic views from Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, stretching across Cheltenham, the Vale of Evesham, and even to the Malvern Hills and Black Mountains on a clear day. Look out for

Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Windrush and Warden's Way Loop through the Cotswolds, featuring rolling hills, farmland, and historical sights.

Hike the Leckhampton Hill loop via Devil's Chimney, an easy 3.7-mile (6.0 km) route with 593 feet (181 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 47 minutes. You will find a mix of well-made paths, dirt tracks, and some rougher, rocky sections as you explore peaceful woodlands and open areas. The trail offers panoramic views of Cheltenham, the Severn Valley, and the Malvern Hills. Look for the striking Devil's Chimney, a unique limestone pillar, as you make your way around the hill. You will also pass through rich grassland and areas showing remnants of old limestone quarries.

Be aware that the terrain includes steep climbs and uneven rocky sections, especially if you start from Daisy Bank Car Park. Sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly in wet conditions, as paths can become slippery. This route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to the steep and uneven ground. Plan your visit to enjoy the diverse landscapes and historical features.

This trail is notable for its prominent landmark, the Devil's Chimney, a limestone pillar left standing from 18th-century quarrying activities. The area is also a nature reserve, home to diverse wildflowers, butterflies, and birds like buzzards and kestrels. You can also discover remnants of historic limekilns and an Iron Age hillfort along the way. Sections of the long-distance Cotswold Way are incorporated into this loop.

Embark on an easy hike along the Cotswold Way: Crickley Hill Circular, a route that offers expansive views and a refreshing outdoor experience. This pleasant journey covers 2.3 miles (3.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 168 feet (51 metres), making it an ideal choice for a quick outing. You can expect to complete the loop in about 59 minutes, enjoying the open grassy areas and pockets of woodland that characterize this part of the Cotswolds.

When planning your visit, you will find Crickley Hill Country Park well-equipped for hikers. The park provides convenient amenities, including a café and toilets located near the car park. This makes it easy to grab a refreshment before you set off or relax after your walk. The trail is accessible year-round, offering different charms with each season, from vibrant spring wildflowers to crisp autumn air.

The route is particularly notable for its superb panoramic vistas from Crickley Hill itself. From this vantage point, you can gaze across the vast Severn Valley, with distant views extending to the Brecon Beacons and the Malvern Hills on a clear day. Beyond the scenic beauty, the park is also a site of archaeological interest, adding a layer of historical context to your outdoor adventure.

Embark on the Cleeve Hill loop, an easy hike that guides you through the varied landscapes of Cleeve Common. This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route involves a gentle ascent of 526 feet (160 metres), taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. As you traverse the open hilltops, you'll encounter blustery heathland and limestone grasslands, home to a vibrant array of wildflowers and butterflies. From the summit of Cleeve Hill, you can enjoy expansive panoramic views stretching over Cheltenham and, on clear days, even reaching the distant Black Mountains. Keep an eye out for the distinctive 'The Single Beech,' an iconic landmark standing proudly as the highest tree in the Cotswolds.

When planning your hike on the Cleeve Hill loop, be aware that certain sections of the trail can become very muddy, particularly after rain. For this reason, sturdy waterproof boots are highly advisable to ensure a comfortable experience. The trail is generally accessible throughout the year, but conditions will naturally vary with the prevailing weather. You will typically find parking available conveniently near the trailhead, making access straightforward for most visitors.

This trail offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The diverse terrain, from lush meadows to exposed common land, showcases the region's unique geology and ecosystems. It's a superb choice if you are looking for a relatively short and accessible outdoor adventure that still delivers impressive vistas and a true sense of the Cotswold landscape.