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Summer Walks and Hidden Villages in the Cotswolds
There’s a certain magic to summer in the Cotswolds. The fields turn golden, footpaths dry underfoot, and the air carries the scent of wildflowers and warm earth. It’s the perfect time to explore on foot, and for guests staying at The Cotswold Retreats, a network of trails, villages, and countryside gems lies right on your doorstep.
The region’s footpaths range from gentle circular walks to more ambitious hilltop treks, all criss-crossing landscapes that look unchanged by time. Early morning walks along lakeside paths feel calm and restorative, with only the sound of birdsong and the occasional fisherman quietly waiting by the water’s edge. This peaceful rhythm is part of what makes staying at The Cotswold Retreats so appealing. You can step straight from your lodge onto nature trails without needing to drive or plan—just open the door and go.
For those keen to explore classic Cotswold villages, walking is the best way to discover them. Take a route from Bourton-on-the-Water towards Lower Slaughter, where a stream winds past cottages with flower-filled gardens and little stone bridges. Children love spotting ducks along the riverbanks, while adults soak in the storybook atmosphere. Even in the height of summer, these paths often feel quiet and unhurried.
More adventurous walkers might want to pick up a stretch of the Cotswold Way, which runs for over 100 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. Of course, you don’t need to take on the full trail—short loops near Broadway, Winchcombe or Painswick give you the reward of wide views and hilltop breezes without the long commitment. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles, and every climb feels worth the effort.
Yet it’s not just the well-known towns and panoramic walks that make the Cotswolds special. Some of the most memorable summer strolls take you to villages that aren’t marked on every tourist map. Places like Naunton, Withington, and Guiting Power offer a slower pace and a deeper charm. You’ll find hidden churches, crooked stone walls, and quiet greens where time seems to pause. Stop for a drink in a tucked-away pub or sit under the shade of an old oak tree while the rest of the world carries on elsewhere.
After a long walk, returning to a beautiful retreat is all part of the pleasure. The Cotswold Retreats offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s a calm and elegant base where you can truly relax. Whether you’re staying in a lakeside lodge or a cosy cottage, you’ll find comfort, privacy, and space to stretch out. Prepare lunch on your own schedule, sip something cold on the deck, or soak in a hot tub as the sun begins to set behind the trees.
Part of what makes walking in the Cotswolds so rewarding is the sense of discovery. You can set off with a rough idea and let the day unfold, knowing that there’s beauty around every bend. The routes are well-marked, the scenery never disappoints, and with The Cotswold Retreats as your home base, you’re never far from a hot shower and a soft bed.
If you're craving a summer escape that blends light adventure with laid-back luxury, few places deliver like the Cotswolds. Let the lanes lead you through quiet valleys and sunlit hills, stop for scones or a pint in a village you’ve never heard of, and end each day in a space that feels entirely your own. That’s the kind of walking holiday that doesn’t just pass the time—it stays with you.