Painswick Circular - Choice of about 7.5 or 12.5 miles.

Join us for a fabulous walk that begins in the picturesque village of Painswick, once famed for its wool trade and now better known for its magnificent yew trees and the delightful Rococo Gardens beside the parish church.

From the village, we join the Cotswold Way and begin a steady climb through woodland and up onto the west-facing escarpment. Almost immediately, the walk feels uplifting, with the sounds of birdsong all around and, in season, the woodland floor alive with wonderful ferns, drifts of Wild Garlic and Bluebells. In clear weather, the views open magnificently to the west, looking out across the landscape towards Edge. On the way, we pass the great stone seat known as Cromwell’s Stone.

The route then twists and winds in and out of woodland, following the edge of the escarpment. At times the trees part to reveal wide open views, while elsewhere the path feels enclosed and peaceful beneath the canopy.

Eventually we reach Haresfield Beacon, a fine high point on the walk.

From here, we turn south-east and, after a while, leave the Cotswold Way to continue southwards, with Whiteshill over to our right, before passing through the hamlet of Pitchcombe.

By this stage we have been descending gradually, before the route drops more sharply after crossing the main road.
We then turn sharply left and the walk eases for a while as we head northwards back towards Painswick, following a meandering stream, including sluice gates and ponds, whilst passing wonderful old stone buildings many of which have been converted to homes, then beginning to climb again and sweep round with the village to our left.

There is an option for those who wish to curtail the walk at 7.5 m to walk back down to the car park.

To our right are far-reaching views across the Cotswold National Landscape, stretching towards Slad and Sheepscombe. The path then drops once more, following a small wooded stream, its banks shaded and tranquil, before the final climb towards Painswick Beacon. For anyone with energy to spare, there is an optional ten-minute diversion to the top, where the views in every direction are truly outstanding.

We then rejoin the Cotswold Way to the north of Painswick and continue along the escarpment before descending back into the village, with the Rococo Gardens on our right.

This is a hilly walk so you should be reasonably fit and able to walk 12.5 miles (or 7.5 miles) comfortably. But do it if you can! On a clear day the beauty of the route, the birdsong in the woods, the fresh scent of wild garlic, the softness of the ferns and the grandeur of the views make the effort more than worthwhile!

There will be rest breaks and it is suggested you bring a packed lunch, especially if intending to do the full 12.5 miles.

The end time can only be an estimate.

If you join the walk we ask for a £2.50 donation for foodbanks or other good causes; please pay be bank transfer: Kevin Beamish 31827226 09-01-26, Ref “12 April 26”.

Disclaimer: If you join the walk it is on the understanding that we walk together as a group of friends, with each on of us responsible for our own safety.