TIME IN NATURE

Loved for its bucolic landscape and rolling hills , the Cotswolds is a walker ’ s paradise . With circular trails through some of the region ’ s most-loved towns , there are routes for beginners and able ramblers . On a crisp day in early February , Hannah Argyle @ hannahargyle and her dog Albert took one such route starting in the historic village of Broadway ...

A circular 4-mile walk , it starts from the war memorial at the bottom of the historic high street in Broadway . Fondly referred to as the ‘ Jewel of the Cotswolds ’, you can easily park in the village before donning your walking boots . As you set off , admire the horse chestnut tree-lined high street with its independent shops and characterful houses built with the Cotswold honey-coloured stone .

START

Cotswold Way

Photography : Hannah Argyle

On leaving the high street , follow the footpath – about a 30-minute walk - up to the iconic Broadway Tower , passing St Eadburgha ’ s Church , which dates back to the 11th Century , on the way . As you reach Broadway Tower , you ’ re at the second highest point in the Cotswolds . There is a cost to enter the tower to help raise funds for its preservation , but with beautiful views from its rooftop viewing platform over the Severn Vale , it ’ s worth it . Set within a family-owned 50-acre parkland estate , this landmark was built in 1798 as a gothic folly for Lady Coventry . Its romantic and characterful exterior was a popular country retreat throughout the 18th Century for nobility and artists , including William Morris . With outdoor seating , the Morris and Brown café enjoys views over the parkland and if you ’ re lucky , the resident red deer . The perfect pitstop for a coffee and slice of homemade cake before continuing on your route .

Follow the Cotswold Way signs down the hill , admiring the dry-stone wall – an ongoing volunteer restoration project – before returning to the High Street . If you ’ re in need of recuperation , the dog friendly Lygon Arms offers a delicious Afternoon Tea that will do the trick !

Broadway Court

Coneygree Lane

THE ROUTE

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Distance : 4 miles / 6.5km Difficulty : Moderate but steep in parts Duration : Up to 3 hours

What you ’ ll see : Broadway Tower , panoramic views over 13 counties , red deer

Postcode : WR12 7AA

Broadway Tower Country Park

For more scenic walking routes , visit our blog at cotswoldco . com / inspiration

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