The Winchcombe Way is a 42-mile figure-of-eight trail centred on Winchcombe. The waymarked trail is designed to show walkers the hidden gems of the northern Cotswolds. The landscape is constantly changing and reveals historic houses and provides spectacular views.
The trail has been featured on the Chris Baxter morning show on Radio Gloucestershire. Chris walked the 42-mile trail over a weekend. BBC TV (Midlands) has also featured the trail.
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The eastern loop climbs out of Winchcombe and follows the Farmcote valley before entering Guiting Wood. From here it passes through quiet valleys and the tranquil villages of Cutsdean, Taddington and Snowshill. The route turns and follows the Cotswold escarpment through the villages of Buckland, Laverton and Stanton nestling at the bottom of the hill. The trail passes Stanway House and the recently restored watermill before passing Hailes Abbey on the return to Winchcombe.
The western loop ascends Langley Hill with splendid views before dropping down into Gretton and across to Alderton. From here the trail skirts around Dumbleton Hill with ever changing views before heading to Alstone. From Alstone the views ahead of wooded hills inspires one to climb Nottingham Hill and onto Cleeve Common. The vast common has rare plants and spectacular views before you head to Belas Knap long barrow and descend towards Winchcombe with fine views of Sudeley Castle and the surrounding countryside.
An official guide is available to accompany the route. The guide has detailed maps showing paths and refreshment stops together with clear instructions on following the way marked route. The route is broken down into sections allowing many parts of the route to be walked as a circular walk.
The guide uses detailed Ordnance Survey maps. Each section lists the distance, ascent/descent and refreshment outlets along the route. We do advise you to check opening times as many pubs have altered their opening hours.
Please pay by internet banking and send an email with details of your order and delivery address.
Sort code: 30-91-87
Account: 00218844
Ref: your name
Alternatively, send a cheque for £6.30 (including P&P), payable to “Winchcombe Walkers are Welcome”, c/o
31 Delavale Road, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5YL
Broadway: Blandford Books, 39 High Street and Tourist Information Centre, Cotswold Court
Bishops Cleeve: Cleeve Bookshop, 2 Mill Parade
Chipping Campden: Tourist Information Centre, High Street
Ledbury: Courtyard Books, Homend Shopping Mall
Tewkesbury: Alison’s Bookshop, 138 High Street
Upton upon Severn: The Map Shop, High Street
Winchcombe: Tourist Information Centre,
Keelings Newsagents, High Street,
Williams of Winchcombe Delicatessen; North Street,
Just in Case, North Street,
To view some maps, aerial photography, pictures and elevations please click here to see the GPS Cycle & Walking Resources website
Two GPX files are available for the trail – one each for the Western and Eastern loops. Please click on the relevant link to download the free file.