Gloucestershire is a county built for walking. High limestone edges drop away into quiet valleys, woodland closes in beneath tall canopies, and wide commons stretch out above market towns. It is a place where landscapes change quickly, often within the same walk, and where space and variety are easy to find if you know where to look.
These dog friendly walks explore Gloucestershire on foot, taking in escarpments, forest tracks, riverside paths, and open countryside. Each route offers something different, from exposed hilltop views to sheltered woodland, making this a county that rewards returning to again and again with a dog by your side.
Cotswold Way: Painswick to Sheepscombe Loop
This loop follows a quieter southern section of the Cotswold Way, linking the valley village of Painswick with the lesser visited hamlet of Sheepscombe. The route climbs steadily out of the valley, opening up expansive views across the Severn Vale before cutting back through woodland and rolling pasture. The change in elevation gives the walk a strong sense of movement, with each section feeling distinct rather than repetitive.
As the route drops back towards Sheepscombe, the landscape becomes more enclosed and peaceful, with narrow paths and hedged tracks replacing open escarpment. It is a classic Cotswold walk in character, but far calmer than many of the better known sections further north, making it a strong choice if you want scenery without crowds.
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Grassy paths, woodland trails, valley tracks
- Dog friendly highlights: Quiet routes and varied landscapes
- Facilities: Parking and pubs in Painswick
Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular
Woodchester Park sits within a steep sided valley and feels carefully layered, with woodland, open pasture, and a chain of lakes all woven into a single landscape. The route loops around the lower park, passing beneath the striking outline of Woodchester Mansion before continuing along water edged paths and through gentle woodland.
What makes this walk stand out is its sense of calm. The terrain is varied without being demanding, and the transitions between woodland, lakes, and open grassland feel natural rather than abrupt. It works well throughout the year and offers interest even on repeat visits, particularly as the seasons change.
- Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Gravel paths, woodland tracks, grassy parkland
- Dog friendly highlights: Variety without sustained climbs
- Facilities: Car park and seasonal café near the mansion
Selsley Common and the Cotswold Escarpment
Selsley Common delivers wide open escarpment walking with a strong sense of space. The route follows the edge of the common, where views stretch across the Severn Vale, before looping back across open grassland and well worn tracks. On clear days, the scale of the landscape becomes a defining feature of the walk.
Unlike valley routes, this walk feels exposed and expansive, with very little visual clutter. Navigation is straightforward, and the openness makes it especially well suited to relaxed walking. It is not the most varied route in terms of terrain, but the views more than compensate.
- Distance: 3.1 miles (5.0 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Open grassland and clear tracks
- Dog friendly highlights: Open space and long sightlines
- Facilities: Parking in Selsley village
Crickley Hill Country Park Loop
Crickley Hill offers some of the biggest views in Gloucestershire relative to its size. Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds, the route climbs onto limestone grassland before looping back through pockets of woodland and open hillside. The elevation adds a sense of drama that belies the short distance.
This is a walk that feels energetic without being overly demanding. The gradients are noticeable but manageable, and the changing terrain keeps the route engaging throughout. It is particularly good if you want a shorter walk that still feels purposeful and scenic.
- Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Hillside paths, woodland, open grassland
- Dog friendly highlights: Scenic variety in a compact loop
- Facilities: Car park and café
Winchcombe Way: Short Circular Section
This circular route takes a defined section of the Winchcombe Way, looping through gently rolling farmland and quiet lanes on the edge of the northern Cotswolds. Dry stone walls, pasture, and long views define the landscape, giving the walk a strong sense of place without relying on headline landmarks.
The pace here is unhurried. Paths are well established and the gradients are steady rather than steep, making it a comfortable walk that still feels substantial. It is a good option if you want traditional Cotswold countryside without busy village centres or popular honeypot routes.
- Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Field paths, tracks, gentle hills
- Dog friendly highlights: Quiet farmland and rural character
- Facilities: Parking and pubs in Winchcombe
Forest of Dean: Nagshead and Speech House Woods
This loop explores a central section of the Forest of Dean, linking Nagshead Nature Reserve with the woodland around Speech House. Tall trees, wide forestry tracks, and shaded paths create a completely different atmosphere to the open landscapes elsewhere in the county.
The walking is forgiving underfoot and well suited to all seasons. In summer, the shade is welcome, while in winter the forest provides shelter when exposed ground elsewhere becomes unpleasant. It is a reliable, repeatable walk that delivers consistency rather than spectacle.
- Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Forest tracks and woodland paths
- Dog friendly highlights: Shade, space, and year round usability
- Facilities: Parking and café at Speech House
Symonds Yat Rock Circular
This circular walk climbs through woodland to reach Symonds Yat Rock, one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Gloucestershire. The route then continues along elevated paths above the River Wye, offering repeated glimpses down into the winding gorge below.
The terrain is more demanding than many walks on this list, with steeper climbs and uneven sections that require care. The reward is a strong sense of scale and contrast, as dense woodland gives way to open viewpoints and long river views.
- Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths, rocky sections, steep climbs
- Dog friendly highlights: Woodland variety and river scenery
- Facilities: Parking and café near the viewpoint
Frampton Pools Nature Reserve Walk
Frampton Pools sits low in the Severn Vale and offers flat, open walking across wetlands and grazing land. The route follows clear paths between pools, ditches, and open fields, with wide skies and a strong sense of calm throughout.
This is a walk defined by space rather than elevation. It is particularly useful when conditions on higher ground are poor, or when a gentler outing is needed. Wildlife is a constant presence, adding interest without overwhelming the simplicity of the route.
- Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Flat paths and grassy tracks
- Dog friendly highlights: Minimal elevation and relaxed pacing
- Facilities: Parking nearby, limited facilities
Berkeley Deer Park and Castle Walk
This walk skirts the edge of Berkeley Deer Park, combining open parkland with long views towards the Severn Estuary. The landscape feels spacious and historic, with wide paths and minimal obstacles, creating a relaxed walking experience.
The lack of elevation makes this an accessible route in most conditions. It works well as a shorter walk or as part of a wider day out in the area, offering something very different to the hills and woodland elsewhere in the county.
- Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Parkland paths and open ground
- Dog friendly highlights: Flat terrain and open sightlines
- Facilities: Parking near Berkeley
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Loop
This loop links Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, creating a wide, open walk above Stroud. The commons are defined by grazing land, broad tracks, and long views, giving the route a windswept, expansive feel.
The openness makes navigation simple and creates a strong sense of freedom compared to more enclosed valley routes. It is a walk that feels honest and unforced, ideal for stretching legs without technical terrain or complicated navigation.
- Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Open grassland and clear tracks
- Dog friendly highlights: Space, visibility, and steady walking
- Facilities: Parking and pubs nearby
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Gloucestershire
The interactive map below shows the exact location of each walk, allowing you to plan routes and explore different parts of Gloucestershire with confidence.
This route starts at Rodborough Common Car Park and immediately opens out onto big, breezy commonland above Stroud. The walking is classic “commons” terrain, with broad tracks, open grassland, and long views that make the route feel airy and expansive.
It’s a simple, satisfying loop that delivers space more than complexity. The openness makes it easy to adjust the pace, extend sections, or keep things relaxed, and it’s ideal when you want steady walking without technical ground or navigation hassle.
Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Open grassland, clear tracks, occasional uneven ground
Dog friendly highlights: Big open space, straightforward walking, great visibility
Starting from Berkeley Castle Visitor Car Park, this walk gives you open parkland and Severn-side views with a strong historic backdrop. The landscape feels spacious and uncluttered, with wide paths and a gentler pace that suits an easy, low-effort outing.
It’s a great contrast to the escarpments and wooded valleys elsewhere in the county. The terrain is mostly straightforward and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it ideal for a shorter walk that still feels like a proper change of scene.
Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Parkland paths, open ground, short road crossings depending on route choice
Dog friendly highlights: Flat walking, open views, easy going terrain
This walk begins at Frampton Pools Car Park and takes you into the open, low-lying landscape of the Severn Vale. The terrain is flat and expansive, with wetlands, drainage channels, and wide skies shaping the experience more than elevation or woodland cover.
It’s a gentle, steady route that works especially well when you want easy mileage without climbs. The openness makes it feel calm and spacious, and it’s a solid option for quieter, slower outings where the scenery is subtle but distinctive.
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat tracks, grassy paths, potentially wet ground after rain
Dog friendly highlights: Flat and relaxed, wide open space, easy pacing
Starting from Symonds Yat Rock Car Park, this route climbs through woodland before breaking out at one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the region. The River Wye curves below in a deep green gorge, and the scale of the landscape makes the walk feel bigger than the distance suggests.
The return sections keep things varied, mixing elevated woodland paths with steeper, uneven stretches that demand a bit more attention underfoot. It’s a brilliant choice when you want something that feels adventurous and scenic, with a genuine payoff at the top.
Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland climbs, uneven rocky sections, steep gradients
Dog friendly highlights: Iconic viewpoint, woodland variety, big scenery
This walk starts at Nagshead Nature Reserve Car Park and drops you straight into tall, mature woodland, where the Forest of Dean feels dense and immersive. The route follows a mix of forestry tracks and quieter woodland paths, with long stretches of shade and a calm, enclosed atmosphere.
It’s a dependable, year-round option that suits days when you want shelter from wind or heat. The ground is generally forgiving, the navigation is straightforward, and the forest scenery does the heavy lifting, giving you a proper “lost in the trees” feel without needing a big mileage day.
Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Forestry tracks, woodland paths, occasional muddy sections
Dog friendly highlights: Shade, space, consistent terrain, strong year-round choice
Starting from Back Lane Car Park in Winchcombe, this loop rolls straight out into the quieter countryside beyond town. You’ll follow field paths and farm tracks through classic Cotswold farmland, where dry stone walls, gentle slopes, and open views give the route a steady, unforced rhythm.
This is the kind of walk that feels properly rural without needing dramatic elevation. It’s consistent underfoot, easy to follow, and still varied enough to stay interesting, making it a strong option for a dependable, repeatable local route.
Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Field paths, tracks, short lane sections, gentle hills
Dog friendly highlights: Quiet countryside, steady gradients, classic Cotswold feel
This walk begins at Crickley Hill Country Park Car Park and quickly earns its keep with elevated hillside walking and wide views. You’ll move between open limestone grassland and pockets of woodland, with the landscape feeling airy and exposed in the best possible way.
For a shorter route, it feels satisfyingly punchy. The climbs are noticeable but manageable, and the shifting terrain keeps it from becoming a simple viewpoint march. It’s ideal when you want a scenic leg-stretcher that still feels like an outing.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Hillside paths, woodland trails, uneven grassland
Dog friendly highlights: Big views, varied terrain, compact and rewarding
Selsley Common offers open escarpment walking with wide views across the Severn Vale. The route follows the edge of the common before looping back across open grassland, creating a simple but rewarding circuit.
This walk is defined by space and visibility rather than technical terrain. On clear days the views stretch for miles, giving this shorter route a strong sense of scale.
Distance: 3.1 miles (5.0 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Open grassland and clear tracks
Dog friendly highlights: Wide open space and excellent visibility
Woodchester Park sits within a steep sided valley and blends woodland, parkland, and a series of tranquil lakes into a single landscape. The route loops through the lower park, passing beneath Woodchester Mansion and following paths alongside the water.
The walking is steady and varied rather than challenging, making it suitable year round. Changes in scenery keep the route engaging, with open grassland giving way to shaded woodland and lakeside paths.
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Gravel paths, woodland tracks, grassy parkland
Dog friendly highlights: Calm walking with varied scenery
This loop follows a quieter southern stretch of the Cotswold Way, climbing out of the Painswick Valley onto open escarpment before dropping back into the secluded village of Sheepscombe. Long views across the Severn Vale contrast with wooded sections and rolling pasture, giving the walk a strong sense of progression.
The route feels rural and unhurried, with well defined paths and varied terrain throughout. It delivers classic Cotswold scenery without the heavy footfall found on busier sections further north.
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Grassy paths, woodland trails, valley tracks
Dog friendly highlights: Quiet escarpment paths and shaded woodland sections
Find exciting dog friendly walks like these ones across the UK on our Wildpack Map.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks in the Cotswolds
More limestone escarpments, rolling countryside, and village based routes. - Dog friendly walks in the Forest of Dean
Deep woodland trails and shaded forest tracks. - Dog friendly walks in and around Bristol
Elevated river walks and dramatic gorge scenery. - Dog friendly walks in Worcestershire
Rolling farmland and river valleys just beyond the county boundary.
Final Thoughts
Gloucestershire is best experienced through variety. By balancing Cotswold escarpments with forest, river valleys, wetlands, and open commons, this collection reflects the county as it actually feels on foot.
These are walks designed to be repeated, combined, and built into regular routines, not just ticked off once.