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
The Painswick Beacon on the Cotswolds Way – Photo Credit: Gordon Tozer
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
Parkmill Lake at Woodchester Park – Photo Credit: Philip Halling
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 – Photo Credit: Celuici
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 – Photo Credit: Brian Robert Marshall
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
Winchcombe Way – Photo Credit: Colin Park
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
Speech House Woods – Photo Credit: M J Richardson
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
Symonds Yat Rock – Photo Credit: Phil Brandon Hunter
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
Roe’s Pool, Frampton-on-Severn – Photo Credit: Carroll Pierce
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
Berkeley Castle – Photo Credit: Philip Halling
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
Rodborough Commons – Photo Credit: don cload
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
- Cotswold Way: Painswick to Sheepscombe Loop
- Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular
- Selsley Common and the Cotswold Escarpment
- Crickley Hill Country Park Loop
- Winchcombe Way: Short Circular Section
- Forest of Dean: Nagshead and Speech House Woods
- Symonds Yat Rock Circular
- Frampton Pools Nature Reserve Walk
- Berkeley Deer Park and Castle Walk
- Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Loop
- Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular
The interactive map below shows the exact location of each walk, allowing you to plan routes and explore different parts of Gloucestershire with confidence.
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. - Dog friendly walks in Herefordshire
Symonds Yat, Hergest Ridge, and the Golden Valley to explore.
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.