Cheltenham Walks

Leckhampton Hill, a stunning nature reserve on the outskirts of Cheltenham, offers walkers steep woodland paths, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views stretching across the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills. For those seeking an energetic walk near Cheltenham, there are three distinct routes available.

The first walk is a 1 mile circular route that takes you up Leckhampton Hill through dense woods, eventually joining the Cotswold Way, where you'll be rewarded with glorious views over Cheltenham.

The second, a 2.25 mile trek, guides you along the main track up the hill, leading to the fascinating Devil's Chimney rock formation and more spectacular views. The third and longest route is 3.5 miles, offering a more extensive exploration of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common, with challenging climbs and panoramic views over Cheltenham.

Each walk provides a unique experience, but all share the common thread of stunning scenery and a connection to nature.

Crickley Hill Country Park, located on the outskirts of Cheltenham, offers breathtaking views over the Severn Vale, extending to the Forest of Dean, Brecon Beacons, and Black Mountain.

This 140-acre site, managed by the National Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, features a diverse landscape of limestone grasslands, beechwoods, and abundant wildlife.

For those looking for a short walk near Cheltenham, the first Crickley Hill walk is a 1 mile circular route that takes you through well-maintained woodland tracks with beautiful views of Cheltenham and the Malvern Hills.

The second, slightly longer 1.5 mile walk offers a mix of panoramic views, scenic woodland paths, and moderately steep climbs, providing a more robust walking experience. Both walks start near the car park, where you can also enjoy refreshments at the on-site café, making it an ideal spot for a quick nature escape.

This is the shortest of three walks from Cleeve Hill Common Car Park.

There are a few slopes but this walk is the easiest way to see the beautiful views across Cheltenham, the Malvern Hills and into Wales on a clear day.

The walk crosses the open common, taking you past the Memorial Tree, a single Beech tree which is the highest tree in the Cotswolds.

This pretty walk in the heart of Cheltenham allows you to explore Pittville Park. There is plenty of roadside parking and a cafe at the start of the walk to satisfy any caffeine cravings!

Even in rush hour, the park is not that busy, a few people on the school run, some runners and dog walkers but overall Pittville park has a calm tranquil feel.

The walk starts by taking you up past Pittville Pond where you can take a seat and watch the wildlife on the water and then proceed up to the Pittville pump rooms where you can appreciate the majestic architecture of this Grade 1 listed building overlooking the park. The pump room is the largest spa building in Cheltenham and was designed by John Forbes and built between 1825 and 1830. There are refreshments to be had here too and maybe a spot of lunch if you are walking around that time.

The walk continues past the Pittville Park Play area and avaries, a perfect distraction if you have children with you and then follows the underpass taking you to the other side of the road. Here, you are presented with Pittville Park Lake, a larger version of the first, abundant with wildlife and surrounded by trees and open spaces. The Boathouse cafe is also here on the edge of the boating lake and provides snacks and refreshments whilst you take in the lovely views!

When you have finished wandering around the paths around the lake, the walk takes you back across the road via the underpass to the start. This is the perfect walk for everyone with the ability to do as much or as little around the park as you wish. Perfect when the sun is shining and you fancy some time outdoors.