Winchcombe

 “A town with ‘Walkers are Welcome’ written through it as though it was a stick of rock”. Country Walking magazine

Winchcombe is set in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds. It has a timeless quality about it which makes it an attractive centre for walkers. A walled town in Saxon times, the town became prosperous as a result of the wool trade.

The historic town is a great walking centre and offers a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities. There are town walks, historical walks or walks across the unspoilt Cotswold landscape. The variety is diverse, including a Roman villa, a Neolithic burial mound, a steam railway, common land and impressive views across to the Malvern Hills and Wales.

Alternatively there are walks where you can discover the beautiful views of the Cotswolds and the flora and fauna of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There is so much history attached to Winchcombe, a Roman villa discovered and excavated in 1882, pilgrims once visited the now destroyed Winchcombe Abbey, the notable St Peter’s Church, Sudeley Castle where the only English Queen is buried in private grounds.

Strolling along picturesque streets surrounded by cottages of golden yellow stone and hidden courtyard gardens it’s easy to allow yourself to daydream that you’ve stepped back in time. The town is served by many footpaths coming off the hills, including the Cotswold Way National Trail.

You can base yourself in Winchcombe to walk these, and several other long distance routes such as the Winchcombe Way, Wardens Way, Windrush Way and Isbourne Way. The circular Gloucestershire Way also passes through finishing at Tewkesbury.

Since Winchcombe WaW started in 2009, each year we set ourselves new initiatives to promote walking in the Cotswolds, especially in Winchcombe and the message has reached the other side of the world. Our website is now a must for walkers visiting the area and our website is listed in national papers and magazines, guide books and dedicated walking websites.

We are proud we get no financial assistance from any local authorities and generate our own income from our supporters and publications.