Cotswolds pub walks

Start/finish: The Lion, Winchcombe (thelionwinchcombe.co.uk)

Explorer map OL45: OS Grid Reference SP024285

Surrounded by steep escarpments and with its own eponymous walking trail, Winchcombe is a magnet for walkers for good reason. Historic Sudeley Castle is a mile to the south-east but the stars of this walk are the Neolithic chambered tomb of Belas Knap and bleak, moody and magnificent Cleeve Common. Potentially a tough walk in winter, its also one youll never forget.

Follow the Cotswold Way through fields south-west of town and briefly along a lane before starting the 600ft climb to Belas Knap. Then head west to Cleeve Common with its famous Single Beech and Iron Age hill fort perched on the Cotswold Edge with epic views reaching into Wales. Follow the path back down to Postlip and back into Winchcombe.

Read more: Cotswolds travel guide

Cleeve Common affords magnificent views over the Cotswolds. Photo: AP

2. Stanton, Snowshill & Stanway: 8 miles

Start/finish: Mount Inn, Stanton (themountinn.co.uk)

Explorer map OL45: Grid Reference SP071342

Arguably the most beautiful Cotswold village of them all, Stanton is refreshingly free of gift shops. This delightful highland yomp includes Snowshill (nationaltrust.org.uk) and Stanway (stanwayfountain.co.uk), both famous for their exquisite manor houses. The latter, with its superb water garden and 300ft fountain, was a favourite of Peter Pan author, JM Barrie. Along the way youll also see Neolithic Shenberrow Hill Fort.

Read the original:
Cotswolds pub walks