A beauty spot just 50 minutes away from Bristol has ranked among the UK's most stunning places for a winter walk. There are few things more invigorating in the colder months than stepping out into the countryside for a stroll, especially if the sun is shining, and there are plenty of places to explore in the South West.
This month Country Living shared its guide to the top 10 most scenic winter walks, with a trail through London's Richmond Park coming out on top. Closer to home, the stunning Cotswolds of course made the list with one route near Stroud coming in at number seven.
The seven-mile circular route takes in the pretty town of Painswick and the village of Slad, featuring a stream, fields and the hamlet of Elcombe. There is an option diversion to The Woolpack pub, said to have been a favourite of Laurie Lee, whose 1959 book Cider with Rosie was inspired by the area's countryside.
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According to an inviting description on the pub's website, it dates back 300 years and is located on the edge of the Slad Valley. The page adds: "It still holds the magic and simplicity of an untouched treasure.
"This tiny pub and its vine covered terrace provides an intimate backdrop for people to come together, enjoy good local beers and beautiful food." Its menu features dishes like confit duck leg and cider-infused mussels, with one recent reviewer hailing it "an incredible little find" and advising visitors to book ahead.
If that's not enough to inspire a visit, the invitation from Cotswolds Tourism may sway you. Its guide to Painswick enthuses: "The historic wool town, known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’, is one of the finest and best-preserved Cotswold towns and surrounded by some of the Cotswolds' most delightful countryside.
"Beautiful buildings line the town’s narrow streets. New Street contains the oldest building in England to house a Post Office, the country’s oldest bowling green and the famous parish church of St. Mary sitting amongst 99 yew trees - one of the most memorable churchyards in the country.
"Painswick is at the mid-point of the Cotswold Way and surrounded by marvellous walking country. The world famous Rococo Gardens, Painswick Beacon and the picturesque villages of Sheepscombe, Edge and Slad are all within a mile or two of the centre."
The Painswick to Slad circular route is mapped on AllTrails and is listed as having a 'moderate' challenge level, with a mix of hills and flat terrain. AllTrails advises: "You can totally get lost in nature on this walk as it takes you away from roads and people. Just you, your pace and the beautiful Cotswold Hills.
"The part where you are walking down effectively in a small stream can get rather muddy and slippery so take care. Perhaps not the best route for small children. We totally recommend stopping at the Woolpack Inn just outside Slad as it's a historic icon and has incredible food and views to boot."
Stamages Lane Car Park in Painswick is listed as the suggested start and end point, which is a 50-minute drive from Bristol. According to Stroud District Council this is free to park at and has 56 bays, one motorcycle area and two disabled bays as well as toilet facilities.
There are lots of places to check out while you're in Painswick, which was also named by the Telegraph as one of the UK's prettiest places. Where do you recommend visiting for a countryside walk? Let us know in the comments section below.
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