Cotswold Way: Painswick Section
Opening hours
Open access, generally from dawn to dusk. Check local access, conditions and any seasonal restrictions before travelling.
Location: Cotswold Way: Painswick Section, Cotswolds, UK
A little more time
The Painswick section of the Cotswold Way climbs from the town to open limestone grassland, with wide views over the Severn Vale.
What to expect
Treat it as a real hill walk rather than a stroll: allow three to four hours for a circular variation, carry water and use the waymarkers at fields and gates. Start near Painswick, pause at the Beacon and return via the town's historic lanes.
Opening hours
Public trail with no fixed opening hours. Ground can be slippery and exposed in poor weather; check the national trail advisory page.
Reading the route
Cotswold Way: Painswick Section is most rewarding when you treat it as a small piece of the landscape rather than a race to a viewpoint. Notice the changes in surface, light and sound as the route moves between streets, field edges, woodland or open ground.
Planning notes
Check the route length, weather and ground conditions before setting out. Download directions, wear shoes with grip and leave time for a stop at a village pub, café or viewpoint along the way.