Looking for Stow on the Wold walks?
We don’t blame you! A few years ago, when we were just getting started with our blog, Tom wrote a few posts about some beautiful Stow on the Wold walks he did while researching routes for our guided tours of the Cotswolds.
According to good old Google Analytics, they’re some of our most popular posts, so we are gradually updating them for you!
Why visit Stow-on-the-Wold?
Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds, which means that walks around this area offer some fantastic views. The town itself just oozes typical Cotswoldian charm, with its gorgeous Cotswold stone architecture, ancient history, literary links, quaint tea rooms and fabulous independent shopping.
Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the 6 beautiful places we visit on our ‘Cotswolds in a Day’ guided tour, and it’s always popular!
See more of the Cotswolds with friendly local experts
To see more of the Cotswolds on foot, then check out our new ‘Cotswolds Trails & Villages’ tour. Join one of our friendly local guides as we visit Broadway and its Tower, Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper and Lower Slaughter. Our tours are now up and running again post-COVID, and we’ve love you to join us!
Stow-on-the-Wold walks #2
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Time required: Allow at least 1 hour 30 minutes
Hills: Downhill start, uphill finish, but it’s pretty easy going
Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL45 “The Cotswolds”
Terrain: A mixture of footpath/bridleway/farm track and quiet country lanes. Two crosses of the busy Fosse Way.
Refreshments: The Golden Ball in Lower Swell is within the first mile. For a post-walk/post-hill treat, venture into The Bell Inn, at the top of the hill on the road out of Maugersbury.
Disclaimer:
The directions for this self-guided walk are provided in good faith, to be followed entirely at your own risk, and are not intended to replace use of a good map or common sense. Please take care and dress appropriately with appropriate footwear. Depending on the weather, time of year and other factors beyond our control, you may encounter puddles, mud, slip and trip hazards, thorns/nettles/overgrown vegetation, and traffic. Go Cotswolds shall not be held liable under any circumstances for any matter arising out of your participation in this walk. We accept no responsibility or liability for loss or injury (other than for matters for which we are not legally able to exclude or limit liability).
Route map for Stow On The Wold Walks 2 by Lisa Benjamin on plotaroute.com
Instructions for the second of our Stow on the Wold walks:
The walk starts from Stow-on-the-Wold’s Market Square. There is some parking here, but it’s best to park in the free car park adjacent to Tesco, just off the Fosse Way.
- With Lucy’s Tea Room and The Queen’s Head pub on your left, exit the Market Square on High Street. You’ll see a bus shelter and a sign for ‘Public Conveniences’ on the left. Head through the archway here, then follow the alleyway to the road at the other end.
- Cross the Fosse Way and continue straight on, down a gravel track immediately opposite you, heading into the grounds of Stow Cricket Club.
- Keep to the right of the cricket field, heading for the dry stone wall at the far end of the field. Check out the view over the wall before turning left through the gap in the wall running adjacent to the road.
Lower Swell
- Turn right and head down the hill into the village of Lower Swell, passing The Golden Ball pub on your left.
- Take the next left in the village, signposted to “The Slaughters”.
- Follow this road for a short while, passing the school on your right, before following the green signs down Mill Lane.
- Follow the bridleway, which takes you all the way to Hyde Mill, across open fields and through a few farm gates. If you look up to your left you can see Nether-Swell Manor.
- At the Mill, follow the path to the left hand side, up and over the wooden bridge. Then, follow the sealed road all the way back to the Fosse Way.
- Cross the Fosse Way and then head up the hill, as if you were going back to Stow-in-the-Wold. There’s a dry stone wall on your right.
Maugersbury
- In a short while, there’s a break in the wall. Follow this path, then past a big gate and you will emerge onto a lane. Follow the lane all the way to Maugersbury.
- From Maugersbury, keep to the left and follow the signs back to Stow-on-the-Wold. After climbing the hill, you might need a drink. Luckily, the The Bell Inn is there waiting for you!
- To get back to the Market Square, cross the road at the rear of The Bell and follow Digbeth Street back to your start point.
More Stow-on-the-Wold walks
If you follow this walk, then you’ll discover the Stow Well and the lovely village of Broadwell.
Enjoyed your walk?
Why not join a Go Cotswolds tour next time? If you take our ‘Cotswolds Trails & Villages’ tour, then you can explore more of the Cotswolds’ fabulous walking trails around Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water. What’s more, you won’t have the hassle of driving yourself or finding a parking space!
If you want to learn more about Stow-on-the-Wold, then try our ‘Cotswolds in a Day’ tour. On this tour, you’ll also visit beautiful Cotswold towns and villages, like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden.
On all our tours, you’ll have the added benefit of the expert knowledge of our friendly guides. As well as making sure you don’t get lost, they’ll fill you in on the history, culture and traditions of the Cotswolds, adding value to your day.
Ready to book your tour? Click here!
Prefer a private tour or need group transport? Then, check out our private tours and minibus hire options.
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