Welcome to Winchcombe - Walking capital of the Cotswolds
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Silver award winner in the "Small Event of the Year" category of the Cotswolds Tourism Awards 2010

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Winchcombe Cotswolds Walking Festival 18-20 May 2012

The 3rd Annual Walking Festival is well advanced and details will appear on our website in late January. Brochures will be available in early February

Winchcombe is set in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds. It has a timeless quality which makes it an attractive centre for walkers. Winchcombe was a walled town in Saxon times, and subsequently became prosperous as a result of the wool trade. Winchcombe has "Walkers are Welcome" status so you can be sure that we are committed to making your experience enjoyable.

Last year's Walking Festival took place between Friday 20th May and Sunday 22nd May 2011, attracting 44% more walkers than in 2010.

The highlight was the official opening and inaugural walk of the Winchcombe Way. In front of a crowd of about 150 people, with the town's brass band playing Nick Hallissey, Deputy Editor of Country Walking magazine, cut the ribbon and opened the new 42 mile trail.

Once again, the organisers arranged walks to suit everyone and many of the walks were themed, such as Winchcombe's Military History during WWI and WWII, Butterflies and Flowers, a Steam Train walk and a Sunset walk. Local farmers and landowners became involved, explaining to groups of walkers about their Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and their fruit orchards. There were also opportunities to visit private buildings normally closed to the public, such as Postlip's Catholic Church, Wadfield Villa and Lord Wemyss of Stanway House surprised one group picnicking in his grounds, when he set off his world renowned gravity fed fountain.

Here are a few comments by some of the festival walkers:

  • "... I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 days of the walking festival. The staff at the headquarters were very polite and helpful. The leaders did an excellent job. The wardens as always very knowledgeable of the area and provide valuable information in relation to the history and details of any flora and fauna"
    G.H.

  • "... what a brilliant time we had at the festival; well done and thanks so much for all your hard work"
    M.P.

  • "I will definitely be back to take part in next year's festival. Many congratulations on a very well organised event"
    G.A.

To view more and leave your own comments about Winchcombe Welcomes Walkers, please click here

Click here to see some photographs taken at the festival, as you can see we all had a wonderful time and the weather was perfect.