Walking in the Cotswold Lakes
There are many kilometres of picturesque and peaceful footpaths around the Cotswold Lakes, with the added bonus of it all being very flat!
Dogs are allowed on all public footpaths and bridleways, but please keep them on a lead at all times. Letting your dog swim in the lakes has an impact on wildlife at all times of the year.
Suggested walks
There are many great circular walks around the Cotswold Lakes, varying in distances from 2km to 18km, and even longer! Most routes are well marked with Public Rights of Way signage, and are well maintained by the local councils and the Cotswold Lakes Trust ranger team.
The six circular walks will give you plenty of choice and opportunity to explore the area, and to experience the huge variety of landscapes, from winding river trails, canal tow paths, vast lakes, woodland walks, and flower rich meadows.
All six routes are available to download as a full colour A2 leaflet Walks Guide or can be purchased at the Visitor Centre for £1.
Walks in the Eastern Cotswold Lakes
Lechlade Seven Stile & St Johns Lock ( pdf 387kb)
Two beautiful walks along the Thames Path National Trail, starting from Riverside Park in Lechlade (3km/3km)
***Please note that on Walk 6A at point E, please turn left to Roundhouse within 50 yards of joining the lane. The signpost to Roundhouse and River Thames and Canal is broken and therefore not visible on the route. ***
Image: David Hall
Cotswold Lakes Leisure Map
Available free in many outlets around the Cotswold Lakes, the Leisure Map identifies the main attractions and facilities, along with footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways.
Call in to the Visitor Centre to collect your copy anytime between 10am – 3pm on weekends and every day during school holidays between March and October.
Cotswold Canals Towpath
The Thames and Severn canal, along with the Stroudwater Navigation, was built to join the Rivers Thames and Severn in 1789. The disused canal runs alongside The Gateway.
Abandoned by 1933, the canal is now undergoing a phased restoration, beginning with a 7 mile length between Stonehouse and Brimscombe, near Stroud.
You can explore the towpath heading North for 3 miles from The Gateway to Siddington, or for 2 miles South from The Gateway to Latton. With care, you can reach Eysey Manor, just over a mile beyond Latton. These tow paths give excellent opportunities for seeing some stunning wildlife such as bats, Water Voles, dragonflies, butterflies, glow worms, and various songbirds such as Reed Bunting, Reed Warblers and Blackcap.
Image: David Hall
Thames Path
Approximately twenty three miles of the iconic River Thames flows through the Cotswold Lakes, with opportunities for walking alongside the river for much of the distance, along the Thames Path National Trail which is one of only thirteen National Trails in England. It follows the River Thames as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds along 184 miles (294 km) of well managed paths through some of Britain’s finest countryside, finishing at the Thames Barrier in London.
Easy to reach by public transport, the Thames Path can be enjoyed in many ways, whether for an afternoon’s stroll, a weekend break or a full scale, but relatively gentle, trek of its whole length.
Thames Path website is at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath
Image: David Hall