#WALKINGINPC In the Cotswolds
“I always find the most rooting and poetic inspiration at home, in the lush beauty of the Gloucestershire countryside. Our family home at Cotswolds Store is in this pocket of rural heaven, and I absolutely adore our way of life here - wet rambles, mucky dogs, long soaks, toasty firesides. steamy cups of tea, pub walks and a little fizz here and there.”
Penelope Chilvers
Penelope’s favourite walks are those that end with a lovely pub meal, or well-deserved drinks. To celebrate the magic of country life, our new Cotswolds store and our boots that are perfect for long country walks in all sorts of weather, we thought we would share a few of our favourite rambles in the area…
Sezincote House to St James' Church Loop from Bourton-on-the-Hill
Distance: 4.6 miles
Duration: 2 hours
This is a lovely walk, straightforward, not too far, and the path is very easy—suitable for all. Along the way, you'll enjoy some lovely vistas and beautiful buildings. Use The Horse and Groom as your start/finish line.
Stanton Loop from Stanton – Snowshill Arms, via The Mount Inn
Distance: 9 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Stanton is a beautiful Cotswolds village, and The Mount Inn offers stunning views of the rolling hills. This route is easily accessible but is more of an intermediate level. Worth every minute, and if you start and end at The Mount Inn, you'll have a treat at the finish line. Just keep an eye on their opening hours so you don’t miss out!
Circular Walks from The Kings Head Inn, Bledington
The Kings Head Inn is a favourite for good reason – it’s in the most beautiful setting, the rooms are lovely, the food and drink are brilliant, and the company even more so. They have created three brilliantly detailed walks of different levels that we’ve tried and loved:
Evenlode Circular (2.5 miles, 1.5 hours)
Foxholes Nature Reserve (4 miles, 2.5 hours)
Westcote and Icomb (6.5 miles, 4 hours)
You can find extensive directions here – do say a big hello from us when you get there!
The Thames Path Walk
Distance: 11.3 miles
Duration: 4.5 hours
This walk is so picturesque – and at just over 11 miles, it warrants a lovely stop-off. It’s not a challenging route, though the distance might be a challenge for some, but it’s well worth it. We suggest doing the first part of the Thames Path to Cricklade, ending at The Red Lion Pub.
Sezincote House to St James' Church Loop from Bourton-on-the-Hill
Distance: 4.6 miles
Duration: 2 hours
This is a lovely walk, straightforward, not too far, and the path is very easy—suitable for all. Along the way, you'll enjoy some lovely vistas and beautiful buildings. Use The Horse and Groom as your start/finish line.
Stanton Loop from Stanton – Snowshill Arms, via The Mount Inn
Distance: 9 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Stanton is a beautiful Cotswolds village, and The Mount Inn offers stunning views of the rolling hills. This route is easily accessible but is more of an intermediate level. Worth every minute, and if you start and end at The Mount Inn, you'll have a treat at the finish line. Just keep an eye on their opening hours so you don’t miss out!
Circular Walks from The Kings Head Inn, Bledington
The Kings Head Inn is a favourite for good reason – it’s in the most beautiful setting, the rooms are lovely, the food and drink are brilliant, and the company even more so. They have created three brilliantly detailed walks of different levels that we’ve tried and loved:
Evenlode Circular (2.5 miles, 1.5 hours)
Foxholes Nature Reserve (4 miles, 2.5 hours)
Westcote and Icomb (6.5 miles, 4 hours)
You can find extensive directions here – do say a big hello from us when you get there!
The Thames Path Walk
Distance: 11.3 miles
Duration: 4.5 hours
This walk is so picturesque – and at just over 11 miles, it warrants a lovely stop-off. It’s not a challenging route, though the distance might be a challenge for some, but it’s well worth it. We suggest doing the first part of the Thames Path to Cricklade, ending at The Red Lion Pub.
WHAT TO WEAR
It would be rude not to share a few of our most essential pieces for a proper countryside walk, especially when we have boots specially made for the occasion...
The Rambla Suede Boot
Best For: Dry days
Description: Unbelievably comfortable and light, these boots add a little extra style to your steps.
The Inclement Tassel Boots
Best For: Wet conditions
Description: Available in long or cropped styles, these boots will keep you dry, warm, and effortlessly elegant.
The Jump Boots
Best For: All-around countryside wear
Description: Waterproof leather boots that are light, comfortable, and keep you totally dry—a countryside essential like no other!
The Oscar Boot
Best For: Versatile style
Description: A boot for all elements, blending buttery soft leather Chelsea Boot with a hardy rubber Goodyear welted tread sole and a flash of metallic pink—perfect for arriving at the pub in effortless style.
The Incredible Boot
Best For: Snow and Ice
Description: A family favourite, this boot lives up to its name with the glorious feel of the shearling lining and the incredible warmth of the hide.
Pro Tip: If the cowhide gets dirty or muddy, just wait until the mud dries, then brush it off with our Beech Mud Brush.
Lined Boots
Best For: Winter chills
Description: When winter sets in and the walks become even more invigorating, wrap up from head to toe—literally—with our lined boots.
Don’t Forget Your Socks!
Explore our range to ensure your feet stay comfortable and warm.
That ‘go anywhere do anything’ mantra of ours really comes to life here - kicking the mud off your boots and getting stuck in, really proving the quality of our pieces - those dependable old best friends, the ones you know will be able to handle the adventures afoot.
It (almost) goes without saying, but please come and see us at our new local Cotswolds store, we can’t wait to show you around. If you forget any of the walking essentials, we’re here with a cup of tea and everything you need to for a walk to treasure.
Nothing quite matches the boost of getting out in the fresh country air, being in touch with one’s senses, of the noises and smells, the simple pleasure of breathing all that goodness in. Get grounding in nature, it’s amazing what a difference it makes.
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