Ten Rides

The name reveals something of its character—ten tree-lined avenues, or 'rides', radiate outward from a central clearing like spokes on a wheel. This distinctive layout was created during the 18th century as part of the Bathurst Estate, originally designed as a grand hunting ground where formal carriage drives reflected the landscape design ambitions of the period.

It's a genuinely rewarding place for walking, with paths that wind through mature woodland and open areas where you can pause and take in the surroundings. The appeal is really quite simple: the views are genuinely expansive, rolling across the Cotswold landscape in every direction. There's a peaceful quality to the place that makes it suitable for a longer walk where you can absorb the scale of the countryside at your own pace. Finding your way there is straightforward, and parking is available on site.

If you're staying in or exploring one of the larger market towns—Cirencester, Stroud, or Tetbury—Ten Rides fits well into a day's itinerary. You get both the natural appeal of the valleys and a tangible connection to the area's historical character in a single visit.