Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular
Gloucestershire
Woodchester Park sits within a steep-sided Cotswold valley near Nympsfield in Gloucestershire, where the National Trust manages a landscape blending mature woodland, open parkland and a chain of tranquil lakes along the valley floor. The 6.8 km circuit loops through the lower park, passing beneath the extraordinary unfinished Woodchester Mansion — a Victorian Gothic house abandoned mid-construction with its scaffolding marks still visible in the stonework — before following paths alongside the lakes and climbing through mixed woodland on the valley sides. The 141 metres of climbing comes in gentle stages as the path undulates between the valley floor and the upper woods, and the enclosed valley creates a sheltered, intimate atmosphere quite different from the exposed Cotswold wold above.
This dog friendly walk has limited off-lead potential due to moderate livestock presence in the parkland sections, so leads are needed through grazing areas and near the lakes where wildfowl nest. The woodland sections offer better freedom, with enclosed paths and good sightlines through mature beech and oak. The lakeside stretches carry rich scent from waterside vegetation, damp earth and the cool mineral air rising off still water, while the woodland floor shifts between leaf litter and exposed Cotswold stone. The sheltered valley makes this a good wet-weather option when the exposed hills above are bleak. Parking is available at the Woodchester Park car park on the B4066.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.8 km (4.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route
- Parking
- Free National Trust car park at Tinkley Gate
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular dog friendly?
Yes, Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular is a well-suited walk for dogs and earns a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The 6.8 km National Trust circuit offers a good mix of woodland paths, open parkland and lakeside stretches, with the sheltered valley making it a particularly appealing option on grey or wet days when more exposed walks feel less inviting.
Can dogs be off lead at Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular?
Off-lead potential is limited in parts , dogs will need to be kept on the lead through the parkland sections where livestock graze and near the lakes where wildfowl nest. The woodland stretches are a better bet for a little more freedom, with enclosed paths and good sightlines through mature beech and oak giving you more confidence to let them roam a bit.
What should I know before visiting Woodchester Park & Lakes Circular with my dog?
There are no facilities on the route itself, so come prepared with water and anything else you might need , the free National Trust car park at Tinkley Gate on the B4066 is your starting point. The 141 metres of climbing comes in gentle stages, which suits most dogs well, but do keep leads handy for the grazing areas and lakeside sections throughout the walk.
Tinkley Gate Car Park, Tinkley Lane, Nympsfield, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UH
51.7048, -2.2715
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
Walk1.5 mi awaySelsley Common and the Cotswold Escarpment
Gloucestershire
A common and escarpment walk above the Stroud Valleys with the distinctive All Saints Church and wide views across the vale.
Walk3.1 mi awayMinchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Loop
Gloucestershire
A Cotswold Commons walk with free-roaming cattle, big views down the Stroud valleys and a proper open feel year round.
Walk5.5 mi awayFrampton Pools Nature Reserve Walk
Gloucestershire
A Severn Vale nature reserve walk around shallow lakes with excellent birdwatching and big skies over the Vale.
Walk6.3 mi awayPainswick Beacon
Gloucestershire
Genuine off-lead running space on the open grassland summit with excellent dog-friendly pubs in Painswick; a rewarding short walk with Iron Age atmosphere.
Walk6.3 mi awayCotswold Way: Painswick to Sheepscombe Loop
Gloucestershire
A Cotswold Way loop from the Queen of the Cotswolds through hidden valleys and escarpment views, with Painswick Beacon above.
Walk8 mi awayBerkeley Deer Park and Castle Walk
Gloucestershire
A park walk around the grounds of Berkeley Castle with deer and a sense of ancient landscape.
