Cheltenham Walks

If you're looking for the best Cheltenham walks, we've put together a range of great walks and route maps that showcase the best of this beautiful area. Whether you're after panoramic views from the highest points in the Cotswolds or a peaceful walk through wonderful woodlands, these Cheltenham walks offer something for everyone. Lace up your walking boots and discover the stunning landscapes that make Cheltenham and its surroundings a walker’s paradise.

Download the app to get these walks and see your position on the route map as you walk.

Cheltenham walk 1 - Leckhampton Hill
1 mile to 3.5 miles

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.

You can find a route map for this Leckhampton Hill, Cheltenham walk here

Here is an example of a route map you will find on the app. This map is for one of the Leckhampton Hill walks.

Cheltenham walks Leckhampton Hill Map — © OpenStreetMap contributors
Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2021

Cheltenham walk 2 - Crickley Hill
1 mile to 1.5 miles

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.

You can find a route map for this Crickley Hill, Cheltenham walk here

Cheltenham walk 3 - Cleeve Hill
2.25 miles to 4.5 miles

Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswold Hills at 1,080 feet, offers walkers unparalleled views across Cheltenham, the Malvern Hills, and even into Wales on clear days. Starting from Cleeve Hill Common Car Park, you can choose from three different routes that vary in length and difficulty. The first walk is a 2.25 mile loop that's perfect for those looking to enjoy the stunning scenery with minimal effort, crossing the open common and passing the Memorial Tree, the highest Beech tree in the Cotswolds. For a more challenging hike, the 4.5 mile route takes you deeper into the common with steeper sections and even more expansive views. If you are looking for a long Cheltenham walks, this 6-mile trek follows part of the Cotswold Way and takes you through a diverse landscape, including limestone grasslands, streams, and the shaded Breakheart Plantation. Each route provides a unique perspective of the Cotswold countryside, making Cleeve Hill a must-visit for any walking enthusiast.

You can find a route map for this Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham walk here

Cheltenham walk 4 - Pitville Park
1.75 miles

If you are looking for a short easy walk, this delightful walk in the heart of Cheltenham takes you through the beautiful Pittville Park, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of town life. Starting near a convenient café with ample roadside parking, the route first leads you past Pittville Pond, where you can relax and enjoy the local wildlife. The walk then takes you past the impressive Pittville Pump Room, a Grade 1 listed building and Cheltenham's largest spa structure, rich with historical architecture. After taking in the views, the path continues past the play area and aviaries, perfect for those with children, before reaching Pittville Park Lake. This larger lake is surrounded by trees and open spaces, with the Boathouse café nearby for refreshments. The walk finishes by retracing your steps through the park, making it a nice and easy option for all, whether you're in the mood for a brief stroll or a more extended exploration.

You can find a route map for this Pitville Park, Cheltenham walk here

Here are a few more walks near Cheltenham on the Gloucestershire Walks app.

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