Best places for sledding & magical winter walks in the Cotswolds

In the last week or so, it has very much felt like Winter has arrived ahead of schedule as The Cotswolds was treated to the cold snap which gripped much of the UK. As the seasons turn, it has made our minds focused on everything The Cotswolds has to offer to enjoy during the Winter months, including magical winter walks and, if the forecast allows, the best places locally to have fun with the family and go sledding on our wonderful hills.

Our properties are all perfectly placed for you to sample the local area and enjoy the best of what The Cotswolds has to offer. You can head out and enjoy your day, knowing that once you arrive back to your chosen cottage, you have a beautiful, cosy place to relax in, to create wonderful Winter memories.

It makes sense to start with a place which boasts the highest point in The Cotswold Hills, Cleeve Hill. Horse racing fans will know Cleeve Hill for the imposing backdrop it provides to Prestbury Park, but it also offers a wonderful vantage point to take in much of The Cotswolds and Gloucestershire. Put on your walking boots, coat and scarf and head out for a winter walk on Cleeve Hill and take in the wonder of nature on one of the many circular routes you can take.

You'll also see why Cleeve Hill is one of the best places for sledding in The Cotswolds, so if we do get further snow towards the end of 2025, get out there with the family and enjoy some laughs whilst speeding down the slopes!

Next up is Crickley Hill in Birdlip which is enjoyed by walkers, hikers and cyclists alike. This is another beautiful area of The Cotswolds which is jointly managed by The Wildlife Trust and The National Trust and provides some fantastic views of the local area.

You're spoiled for choice a little here as there are many routes you can take for your walk or ramble, some of which form part of the The Cotswolds Way. Crickley Hill is located around 5 miles south of Cheltenham so is easily accessible from our cosy cottages so you'll be perfectly located to explore the 2nd of our recommended hills.

And, last but not least is a place where you can again take in the beauty of The Cotswolds and also the Severn Estuary, and this is Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common. Located in Stroud, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the valleys of Stroud and the wider area and the rolling hills provide a great setting for a leisurely walk, or sledding if we are treated to further snow.

You can picture the scene: a cold, crisp winter morning, but with the sun beaming down, strolling through the Common, taking in the local area from your higher vantage point. An incredible way to make memories with family or friends before heading back to your cottage for a hearty meal or further entertaining to round off your day.

Naturally these areas are quieter during the week, so if it is enhanced peace and quiet that you require, then why not book one of our cottages during the week and enjoy the increased isolation a midweek stay with us can offer.