The Cotswolds really are outstanding. There is no denying that.

What better way to see the true Cotswolds and more ‘untouched’ villages than by foot!

Also personally I cannot think of any nicer way to exercise than marching along country lanes, clambering over ramshackle stiles and squeezing through the ever so romantic ‘kissing gates’.

As we all know Christmas is around the corner and if you are anything like me I love a good festive spread! I somehow manage to eat four good meals a day over the festive period rather than barely managing my supper on time which is normally the case for the rest of the year. This however can lead to some rather fickle ‘new year resolutions’.

So to all of you who may be looking to exercise more in the new year or to help shift some pounds or even simply chill you back out after a manic month I have put together a few favourite walks!

Guiting Power Woodland Walk- It’s just a short drive to Guiting Power from us and if you head for the ‘parkland’ there is some parking. Equally you could park In the centre of the village for an even longer walk. This walk will take you through magical woods and over streams and through fords. It would be pushchair friendly for the slightly more robust sorts! If you carry on through to the neighbouring villages of Temple Guiting and Kineton you could even stop off at a watering hole -‘The Halfway House’. This is a favourite of mine and great for running too!

Cleeve Hill – Just outside of Cheltenham lies this amazing hill. This walk would be a real fat burner and breath-taking in more ways than one. It provides you with fantastic views over the iconic racecourse. A wonderful place for keen kite flyers and dogs absolutely love it here too!

The Slaughters- From Notgrove there is a wonderful off-roading walk all the way to the idyllic villages ‘Upper and Lower Slaughters’. It is a fairly flat walk with minimal road/lane walking. You will pass through fields of cattle and rare breed sheep. A real eye-opener for countryside enthusiasts.

Bourton on the Water the lakes – Most of us know Bourton on the Water for its quaint little streets and independent shops and tea rooms. There is more to Bourton though than meets the eye. If you head further out you can enjoy walks all around the lakes which are on grass paths. It is tranquil and peaceful. A great escape and rather flat. You could also make your walk further by venturing on through to Wyck Rissington. This is a tiny traditional unspoilt village. A treat to see!

Dovers Hill Chipping Campden- This lies within the boundary of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Beauty. As it stands 230m above sea level you can only imagine the views. Dovers hill is also oozing in history with plenty of indication to Roman activity. The hill is the starting or finishing point to The Cotswold Way, so for all of you ramblers out there this is a great one to see/ tackle!

There are too many walks to mention. We have many footpaths on our doorstep too at Notgrove. Taking you through to Cold Aston and onto Turkdean and even further afield to Nortleach. It really does depend on what you feel like.

So maybe pop a pair of walking boots on your list to Santa this year and head off for a ramble in the Cotswolds!

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