Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire

The one with a tower and a nuclear bunker



<a href="https://broadwaytower.co.uk/">Broadway Tower</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="960" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/3-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21269" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/3-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/3-3-300x288.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/3-3-521x500.jpg 521w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/3-3-150x144.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/3-3-547x525.jpg 547w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The second highest point in the Cotswolds has spectacular views across the Severn Vale, make it up to the fabulous Victorian folly that is Broadway Tower and they&#8217;ll have worked off all the steam and then some. Getting there is a gorgeous half-hour (ish!) hill walk from the lovely village of Broadway. Kids love the nuclear bunker here that you can explore, the famous Tower, and pick up some delicious cake and hot chocolates at Browns café before you leave.



The arty one



<a href="https://www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/">Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-6.jpg" alt="best walks with kids" class="wp-image-46845" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-6-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The Forest of Dean is a brilliant place to take little free-rangers, from lush green trails (used as a film set for Star Wars) to simple flat walkways. Perk up your usual stroll with this two mile adventure through 17 stunning contemporary sculptures. Highlights include Kevin Atherton’s stained glass window &#8216;Cathedral’ and Neville Gabie’s ‘Raw’. Park in the Speech House car park, near Cannop, for great access.



The one with cool shipwrecks



Purton Ship Graveyard Walk



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-7.jpg" alt="best walks in for half term" class="wp-image-46846" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-7-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Known as the Purton Ship Graveyard or Purton Hulks this great place for a fascinating walk is the largest boat graveyard in the UK. There are a large number of abandoned boats and ships that were beached on this area of the River Severn with the aim of reinforcing the river bank. A lovely, peaceful, scenic walk which has well formed and trodden paths which generally make accessibility good. Plenty to see and bits of information dotted&nbsp;around.



For high-up thrills and horsebox hot chocs



Painswick Beacon



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/5-12.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/5-12.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/5-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/5-12-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/5-12-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/5-12-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



This stunner of a stroll is where I head when I need to blast the cobwebs into next week. Start from the pretty village of Painswick and follow the Cotswold Way National Trail north to the Beacon (or cheat a bit and follow signs for the beacon from the A46 to park further up!) It’s quite a long walk, but oh lordy the view from the top is incredible. Walk through the aptly named Paradise Valley and past an Iron Age Fort with views over the Severn Vale, Forest of Dean and the Welsh Mountains. Get them top cookies and drinks at the Horse Box trailer. Drop into the Roccoco Garden next door to see the showdrops.



<a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/painswick-beacon-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walk the route</a>



The one with world famous ice-cream en-route



<a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/the-bear-of-rodborough-in-gloucestershire/">Rodborough Common</a>, Stroud



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="696" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-46850" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-8-800x557.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-8-400x278.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-8-754x525.jpg 754w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Rodborough &amp; Minchinhampton Commons are one of Muddy’s favourite fresh air go-tos with or without the kiddos. With more than 300 acres of rolling National Trust land to explore this place has stunning 360 degree panoramas over the famous Five Valleys. You really will feel like you’re blowing off the carb-webs. Refuel at the&nbsp;<a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-bear-of-rodborough/">Bear of Rodborough</a>. But the local hero is <a href="https://www.winstonesicecream.co.uk/our-story/">Winstone&#8217;s ice-cream parlour</a> &#8211; the most amazing place for ice-cream, in the middle of the Common, a family-run parlour serving up more than 20 different flavours &#8211; the perfect walk bribe.



The one with a great playground



<a href="https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/350/pittville_park">Pittville Park</a>, Cheltenham



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/6-6.jpg" alt="best walks for kids" class="wp-image-46837" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/6-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/6-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/6-6-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/6-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The largest park in Cheltenham, located in the north of the spa town is a great place for younger kids, as it has one of the best adventure playgrounds in the county, as well as a pretty lake with ducks, and a glass-fronted café to keep their energy up (try the sausage rolls here they are so good). This Grade II listed historic park, which opened in 1825, is also buggy friendly and home to the iconic Pittville Pump Room.



The really really high one



Cleeve Hill Loop



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/2-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21490" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/2-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/2-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/2-6-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/2-6-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/2-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If they love feeling like they&#8217;re on top of the world, try Cleeve Hill &#8211; at 1.083 feet it&#8217;s&nbsp;the highest point in the Glos Cotswolds. Head here for its famous limestone grasslands, abundant wildflowers and unending views across the Malverns and into Wales.&nbsp;If you want a long walk starting just behind the car park at the Cleeve Hill Golf Club, this 10.5km&nbsp;circular walk will take you over open hilltops, across streams and through woodlands. See Cheltenham laid out like a teeny tiny model town below.



<a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/cleeve-hill-circular-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walk the route</a>



The one for thrilling views of Worcs and Wales!



The Malvern Beacon



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/7-6.jpg" alt="malvern beacon" class="wp-image-46861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/7-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/7-6-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/7-6-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/7-6-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The stunning Malvern Hills are teaming with great walks but for the ultimate views head straight to the highest point in Worcs – the Malvern Beacon. The Hills are a string of rounded summits stretching 10k. The good news is there is a path that takes you to the top and once you get there on a clear day you’ll be able to see over Worcester, Gloucester, the Cotswolds to the east and Wales to the west. a good destination for walkers of all ages and abilities, whether you are interested in a gentle stroll along a tree-lined path or an energetic trek along the ridge. Try one of these <a href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/things-to-do/walking/walk-finder/">downloadable walk maps</a> to plot your route.



The one in the prettiest village in England 



Bibury to Coln St Aldwyns



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="686" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-9.jpg" alt="sausage rolls at the twig" class="wp-image-46852" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-9-800x549.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-9-400x274.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/9-9-765x525.jpg 765w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Bibury&#8217;s a great place for a walk, top and tail it with a visit to Bibury Trout Farm where they can feed the fish. Either take a gentle loop around the village, or if you want to go further, follow the winding River Coln over to Coln St Aldwyns (Bibury to Coln is about a 45 minutes walk) before returning to Bibury through the open countryside on wide footpaths and bridleways. One of our all time, fresh-air faves. Refuel at The Trout Farm where they have a warm, outside gazebo area, serving hot drinks and snacks, or The Twig (above), which sells great artisan coffee and cake and snacks, or refuel at the other end at the New Inn in Coln.



The one with a mini Stonehenge



Rollright Stones, near Moreton-in-Marsh



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/8-4.jpg" alt="rollright stones" class="wp-image-46859" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/8-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/8-4-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/8-4-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/02/8-4-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Take them to Stonehenge’s smaller, kookier cousin, the Rollright Stones, a group of Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments – and they’re just over the border, minutes from Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Walk it or jump on the bike, but the brilliant mid-point are these scenic stones. Top tip: the King’s Stone and Whispering Knights have the best views.

Take a hike: 11 Top trails for walking with kids

You may also like