Winchcombe Way (East)

Walking this stretch, you'll encounter exactly what the region does so well: gently rolling hills, open fields, and views that stretch across the landscape. It's a moderate walk that suits most people looking for a proper rural walk without too much difficulty.

The main draw here is Stanway itself. This village is home to Stanway House, a Jacobean manor that sits alongside an impressive water garden and an 18th-century fountain that happens to be the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the country. The house opens on certain days, and even if you're not visiting the interior, its presence lends real historical weight to the walk. You'll find traditional stone cottages throughout the village, and there are spots to stop for a drink or bite to eat.

The route takes its name from Winchcombe, the nearby market town that works well as a base. Winchcombe itself has Anglo-Saxon heritage and sits very close to Sudeley Castle if you want to combine your walk with other visits. Broadway and Cheltenham are both within reach if you need bigger shops or transport links, but honestly, the appeal here is the quiet of the footpath itself and Stanway's genuine, lived-in character.