Walkers
As keen walkers ourselves, we’re always delighted to welcome fellow ramblers to Pond Cottage—whether you’re kicking off your boots after a long, challenging trek or unwinding from a gentler countryside stroll. Guests are welcome to share our collection of favourite tried-and-tested circular walks annotated with points of interest and refreshment stops – ideal for those taking a break from a National Trail or arriving by car with walking in mind. From our doorstep, a variety of local footpaths and tracks lead to Berkeley and/or the banks of the River Severn, while favourite routes further afield meander through the hills, vales, and villages of the Southern Cotswolds. We can provide GPS route links and route instructions for all our walks.
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way National Trail is a real treat, winding through rolling hills, wooded valleys, and delightful honey-coloured stone villages. But as walkers look out over the Berkeley Vale and the River Severn from the edge of the limestone escarpment of the Southern Cotswolds, many may be unaware that they are passing one of the area’s true historical gems: the 11th-century Berkeley Castle, which predates even the medieval villages of the Cotswolds. It’s also a wonderful place to contrast the raw, untamed beauty of the River Severn—a Site of Special Scientific Interest—with the picture-perfect charm of the Cotswolds. Taking a day or two away from the trail offers a chance to soak up the contrasting, but equally fascinating, delights of the Berkeley Vale.
Just a 3.5-mile detour from the Cotswold Way at Stinchcombe Hill, Pond Cottage offers comfortable, characterful accommodation for the discerning walker—an inviting haven on a stretch of the trail where good-quality places to stay become surprisingly scarce once you’ve left the delights of Painswick behind. We will provide a GPS route link showing the way from Stinchcombe Hill to Pond Cottage.
Walkers can enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dinner and be dropped back at the Cotswolds Way after breakfast the next morning to continue on their journey. Alternatively there is the option to spend a day (or two) enjoying our suggested circular walks from Pond Cottage taking in the Saxon market town of Berkeley and its famous castle or experiencing the intriguing Purton Ships Graveyard along the banks of the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Maybe returning in time for an Afternoon Cream Tea before dinner!
Circular Walks from Pond Cottage
Berkeley and the River Severn (8.5 miles or 5.5 miles short version)
A gentle two-mile stretch across farmland brings you to the historic town of Berkeley, where you can step back in time among its period buildings and world-famous castle. After exploring the town, follow the Severn Way north along the riverbank to the old port of Sharpness, then turn inland to return to Breadstone through peaceful agricultural land. Along the way you’ll catch views of 15th-century Wanswell Court, a moated Grade I listed manor house. A shorter 5.5-mile version is available by skipping the Severn Way section and rejoining the main route just beyond Wanswell Court.
River Severn and Purton Ships Graveyard (9 miles)
This varied route crosses open farmland with wide, double-aspect views over the River Severn toward the Forest of Dean before descending into the hamlet of Purton. From here, join the Severn Way along the riverbank and wander through the evocative Purton Ships Graveyard. The walk then meets the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, following it towards Sharpness Docks—one of the most inland docks in Britain—before returning to Breadstone via a mix of farmland footpaths and quiet B roads.
WWT Slimbridge and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal (10 miles)
Public footpaths across farmland and quiet lanes lead to the world-famous Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge, just 3.5 miles from Pond Cottage. After your visit, head west to join the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, following it to the village of Purton before turning south to return to Breadstone. If you choose to skip the WWT visit, the route shortens to 9 miles.
Circular Walks in the Southern Cotswolds
Minchinhampton Circuit (4 miles)
A short but wonderfully varied walk from the hidden Cotswold gem of Minchinhampton, taking in the sweeping grasslands of the Common, a wooded valley, and the site of a former fulling mill before climbing back up to the village with its historic marketplace and church.
Selsley Common & Stroudwater Canal (5 miles)
A beautifully mixed route that combines tranquil woodlands and a climb onto Selsley Common—known for its open grasslands and far-reaching views—with a glimpse into the area’s industrial heritage along the Stroudwater Canal and its old mill buildings.
Painswick & Sheepscombe (5 miles)
This circular walk from Painswick, the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds,’ leads through gently undulating countryside to the charming village of Sheepscombe—perfect for a lunch stop at the Butchers Arms—before returning to Painswick. Don’t miss the chance to count the famous yew trees in St Mary’s churchyard (spoiler alert – there are 99!).
Wotton-under-Edge & Newark Park (6.5 miles or 5 miles short version)
A delightful and varied circuit around one of the Cotswolds’ lesser-known market towns, Wotton-under-Edge. The route winds through rolling farmland with excellent views and includes a visit to the fascinating National Trust property Newark Park, with its beautiful grounds and even more beautiful panoramas. Skipping Newark Park shortens the walk to 5 miles.
Tresham & Ozleworth Park (9 miles)
Starting in the peaceful hamlet of Tresham, this undulating walk (with some rewarding climbs) features a mix of woodland, steep-sided valleys, the elegant Ozleworth Park and Estate, meandering streams, and some truly spectacular views.
Sapperton, Thames & Severn Canal, and Bisley (10 miles)
A real gem of a walk, taking in Bisley—one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswolds—the impressive Gothic entrance to the Daneway Tunnel on the Thames & Severn Canal, and a wonderful blend of woodland paths, quiet tracks, and secluded valleys.
