England’s top location for walking enthusiasts has been revealed, and surprisingly, it’s not the renowned Lake District or the picturesque Peak District. While both the Lake District and Peak District are popular destinations for scenic walks, offering breathtaking landscapes, they have been overshadowed by a new contender.
The Cotswolds has been crowned as the ultimate walking destination in England by Responsible Travel. This stunning region boasts ancient woodlands, tranquil river valleys, rolling hills, and charming honey-colored cottages, making it a paradise for walkers. Covering 800 square miles and stretching approximately 90 miles in length and 25 miles in width, the Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, providing a plethora of walking trails to explore.
According to Responsible Travel, the Cotswolds has been a muse for great writers like Shelley and Waugh. Walking through historic towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water offers a serene and nostalgic experience. The region is also renowned for its slow food culture, ensuring walkers have access to delightful inns and cuisine as they wander through the picturesque villages and valleys.
Spanning six counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, and Somerset – the Cotswolds offers a variety of charming towns and villages to visit along its numerous routes. Additionally, there are plenty of cozy country pubs and scenic beer gardens to provide a refreshing break during walks.
One of the prominent walking routes in the Cotswolds is the Cotswolds Way, a 102-mile trail from Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to Bath in Somerset. This trail showcases the beauty of the region, passing by grand manor homes, historic sites, Neolithic burial barrows, and charming villages with honey-hued cottages.
Among the must-visit villages in the Cotswolds is Bibury, famous for its picturesque Arlington Row, which has garnered global acclaim for its beauty. Another gem is Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ with its crystal-clear river and quaint stone bridges. Castle Combe, resembling a fairy tale setting, features preserved medieval cottages that have stood the test of time, maintaining their historic charm.
The Cotswolds truly stands out as a top destination for walkers in England, offering a mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and picturesque villages that captivate visitors from around the world.
