LOCATION: A waymarked long‑distance trail centred on Winchcombe, exploring the hidden valleys, escarpment villages and historic sites of the northern Cotswolds.

DISTANCE: 42 miles / 68 km

SUMMARY: The Winchcombe Way is one of the most rewarding long‑distance routes in the Cotswolds — a figure‑of‑eight trail designed to reveal the quieter corners of the northern hills.

Where the Wardens Way gives you a purposeful line between two villages, the Winchcombe Way offers two contrasting loops: one east into beechwoods and limestone villages, one west across high commons and ancient monuments.

It’s a route with constant variety: valley folds, escarpment climbs, historic houses, medieval abbey ruins, and wide views from Cleeve Common.

The trail is fully waymarked with a yellow‑and‑black bootprint logo, making it one of the most accessible longer walks.

Escarpment, Abbeys & Ancient Monuments

The Winchcombe Way is essentially a curated tour of northern Cotswold identity.

The eastern loop showcases the Farmcote valley, Guiting Wood, and the quiet limestone villages of Cutsdean, Taddington and Snowshill — places shaped by centuries of farming and woodland management.

The western loop is more dramatic: Langley Hill, Dumbleton Hill, Nottingham Hill, and the vast openness of Cleeve Common, the highest point in the Cotswolds. Here you encounter Belas Knap, a Neolithic long barrow and one of the most important ancient monuments in the region.

Together, the two loops give you a sense of deep time — from prehistoric burial chambers to medieval abbeys and Jacobean manor houses.

ROUTE OVERVIEW (Figure-of-Eight from Winchcombe)

Eastern Loop — Winchcombe → Farmcote → Guiting Wood → Snowshill → Buckland → Stanton → Stanway → Hailes → Winchcombe

Climb out of Winchcombe into the Farmcote valley, enter the atmospheric beechwoods of Guiting Wood, then pass through a chain of quiet villages — Cutsdean, Taddington, Snowshill — before following the escarpment through Buckland, Laverton and Stanton.

The route passes Stanway House and its restored watermill, then returns via Hailes Abbey, one of the most evocative monastic ruins in the Cotswolds.

Western Loop — Winchcombe → Langley Hill → Gretton → Alderton → Dumbleton Hill → Alstone → Nottingham Hill → Cleeve Common → Belas Knap → Winchcombe

Ascend Langley Hill for wide views, drop into Gretton and Alderton, then skirt Dumbleton Hill before heading to Alstone. From here, the trail climbs Nottingham Hill and crosses Cleeve Common, a vast area of rare plants and panoramic views.

The loop finishes with a visit to Belas Knap long barrow, then descends towards Winchcombe with fine views of Sudeley Castle.

PUBS: 

Winchcombe: The Lion Inn — central, welcoming, and ideal for a pre‑ or post‑walk pint. The White Hart — traditional, with a more of a local feel. The Plaisterers Arms — friendly, tucked away, and popular with walkers.

Snowshill: Snowshill Arms — a classic village pub on the eastern loop. Highly recommended.

Stanton: The Mount Inn — superb views across the Vale of Evesham; one of the most scenic pub terraces in the Cotswolds.

Gretton/Alderton: The Gardeners Arms (Alderton) — a reliable village pub on the western loop.

Cleeve Hill/Common: Rising Sun Hotel — not a pub in the strict sense, but a well‑placed hilltop stop with big views.