Cotswolds
Autumn Walks in the Cotswolds: Golden Trails Through Timeless Countryside

Autumn Walks in the Cotswolds: Golden Trails Through Timeless Countryside
As summer slips away, the Cotswolds transform into a painter’s palette of golds, crimsons, and ambers. Mist drifts through the valleys, sunlight flickers through amber leaves, and the crisp autumn air carries the earthy scent of fallen foliage. It is a season that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and wander, letting the gentle rhythm of nature guide you along timeless trails. Every path tells a story, every view reveals a secret, and every step feels like a discovery.
Broadway Tower & The Cotswold Way
Lose yourself in beech woodlands and panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The iconic Broadway Tower rises dramatically above the hills, offering a perfect perch to watch the autumnal palette unfold. From fiery leaves beneath your feet to golden sunlight illuminating the undulating landscape, this walk is pure seasonal magic.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Step into a kaleidoscope of colour among more than 2,500 tree species. Fiery reds, buttery yellows, and rich oranges form a canopy that feels almost otherworldly. Meander through quiet glades, pause on the Treetop Walkway for a bird’s-eye view, and let the warmth of the woods envelop you in serenity.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum
Bibury & The River Coln
Wander along the gentle river past honey stone cottages, their ivy climbing in shades of crimson and gold. Bibury is quintessential Cotswold charm, a village seemingly lifted from a storybook, where every corner, every reflection in the water, captures the essence of autumn.
https://www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Bibury-River-Coln-MWS-FINAL.pdf
“Each path tells a story, every view reveals a secret, and every step feels like a discovery.”

Painswick Rococo Garden & The Beacon
Explore the intricate blooms and wandering paths of Painswick Rococo Garden before ascending to The Beacon. Here, sweeping views over the Severn Vale reward every step, and the vibrant autumnal colours of the gardens below make the climb unforgettable.
https://www.rococogarden.org.uk/
Chipping Campden to Dover’s Hill
Follow the golden stone streets of Chipping Campden out into the open countryside and ascend to Dover’s Hill for far-reaching views over rolling hills and sleepy villages. The crisp air, gentle undulations, and open vistas make this one of the most rewarding autumn walks in the region.
Slad Valley, Laurie Lee Country
Step into the poetically unspoiled landscapes immortalised by Laurie Lee. The Slad Valley is a haven of tranquil lanes and hidden corners, where copper leaves crunch underfoot and time seems to slow. Perfect for reflective wanderings, this walk offers an intimate connection to the Cotswolds’ quieter, contemplative side.
https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/blog/sue-bradley/laurie-lee-wildlife-way
Fewer crowds, cooler air, landscapes ablaze with colour, and the promise of a cosy pub at the end of the trail make autumn the ideal season to explore the Cotswolds on foot. Each path is a golden invitation, each view a reminder that this countryside is timeless, waiting to be discovered anew with every fallen leaf.
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