The Cotswolds is renowned for its beauty. An abundance of rolling hills, dense woodlands, lakes, and plenty of grazing livestock, make it the perfect place for walkers.

The breathtaking landscape is crisscrossed by 3,000 miles of historic footpaths, bridleways, and trails to explore.  Beautiful villages of characteristic honey-coloured stone houses nestle between rare grassland habitats, ancient woodlands, and wildflower meadows, with 4,000 miles of historic stone walls dividing the landscape.

Rob Lewis, the founder of Cotswold Trails, knows that the ‘real Cotswolds’ is away from the well-trodden tracks and popular tourist destinations. Often overlooked, the Southern Cotswolds is rich in undiscovered gems and has a special tranquillity of its own. If you’re looking for a walking trail, with a unique side, then Rob’s guided Cotswold Trails are for you.

“I have been walking for pleasure all my life and all over the world.  I have shaken sand from my boots along the Italian coast, the Empty Quarter of the UAE, and in the mountains of the Musandam peninsula in Oman.  Closer to home, I have roamed all over the southwest of England for decades, and particularly in the Cotswolds which I love.”

Rob’s routes will take you on an adventure through places that few people know about and is inaccessible by car or minibus tour groups. It’s a real ‘walk on the wild side’ of the Cotswolds, with hidden valleys, panoramic views, and ancient woodlands with a deep yet surprising history. Every path, track, and road has its own history. Each step tells a story of ancient Roman legions, cattle drovers, salt mules trod, and more.

A typical walk/hike in the southern Cotswold region is between 2 and 6 hours.  You can walk at a relaxed easy pace, or at a brisker speed if you prefer. Choose from a selection of guide tours, established by Rob; the Five Peaks, Slad Valley and Beyond, Hillforts and Hills, Sapperton and Edgeworth, or Kingscote and Ozleworth. Each varying in ability (from moderate to strenuous), and ranging from 6 miles to 13 miles. To see the Cotswold Trails prices per walk, click here.

The walks will always go ahead unless the weather is particularly bad and walking would be unsafe (in which case, they rearrange). It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast on the morning of your walk. It’s important to dress appropriately, particularly if rain is forecast – make sure you have your raincoat and waterproof walking boots to hand!

If you’re after something a little different, or interested in a particular location, walks can be tailored specifically to your needs, with an itinerary and route exclusively for you. Prices range from the group size.

Don’t hesitate to contact Cotswold Trails if you’re looking to discover the Cotswolds from a real local.