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Discover Countryside Walks in the Cotswolds
EXPLORE RURAL COTSWOLDS
If you’re keen to get out into the countryside you’ll be spoiled for choice in this neck of the woods, where you’re never far from a picturesque village, a historic site or the soft, sweeping landscape of the area.
Woodstock sits on the southern edge of the Cotswolds and whilst the walks featured here start within a 30-minute drive from The Bear, you can easily explore the wider Cotswolds area from your base at The Bear.
For a variety of simply described and easy to follow walks, download the Oxfordshire Walks app. Here are just few of our favourites.
Starting in Burford
First of all, take a good look at Burford, a beautiful old Cotswold town set beside the Windrush river.
Once a thriving and wealthy wool town, it’s full of the charm and character you’d expect: ancient cottages with perilously sloping rooves, narrow side streets that draw you in to explore, half-timbered antique shops that appear to be rooted in Tudor times – all set against a backdrop of gorgeous open countryside which you can’t help but admire.
There’s a lovely walk that starts in Burford and takes in the river, the surrounding meadows and along a valley.
Starting in Chipping Norton
If you’re a fan of the ancient and mystical, this walk from Chipping Norton across open countryside to the famous Rollright Stones will be right up your street.
The collection of Neolithic and Bronze Age stones varies in age but the oldest is between 3,800 and 3,500 BC. The location is also noteworthy in its own right, having been given the Dark Sky Discovery Award in recognition of its views of the Milky Way.
The walk continues on easy paths, passing through the attractive village of Over Norton and back to Chipping Norton where you can treat yourself to some well-earned sustenance!
Starting in Minster Lovell
Minster Lovell is idyllic, with pretty thatched cottages and the elegantly flowing River Windrush evoking an air of peace and tranquillity.
The walk is equally gentle, following the river through rolling countryside, past the atmospheric 15th century ruins of Minster Hall and past the village of Crawley before following the valley back to the start.
Starting in Woodstock
A trip to Blenheim Palace is a ‘must` when you visit The Bear but there’s some wonderful parkland around the Palace that you can explore for free – perfect for a sunny day when you fancy a beautiful walk without having to get into the car.
You'll also be close enough to The Bear to be back in time for a restorative Afternoon Tea, too!