Family-friendly walks in and around Cirencester: The Cotswold Water Park

There are many great circular walks around the Cotswold Water Park, varying in distances from 2km.

Most routes are well marked with Public Rights of Way signage and are well maintained by the local councils and the CWPT ranger team.

The following six circular walks (as recommended by The Gateway Cafe and Information Centre) will give you plenty of choice and opportunity to explore the area, and to experience the huge variety of landscapes, from winding river trails, canal tow paths, vast lakes, woodland walks, and flower-rich meadows.

Four routes are available to download below as individual walks, or a full-colour A2 leaflet Walks Guide with all six walks can be purchased at the Gateway Centre for only £1.

Walk 1: Tow paths, train tracks and water meadows

A gentle and varied walk, starting at the Gateway Centre, with options for a 1.6km / 5km / 7.3km walk

Walk 2: From Bulrushes to Bow Wow

From the Gateway Centre to the pretty village of South Cerney (5.5km)

Walk 3: Rivers, brooks and lakes

All the Water Park landscapes in one walk, starting at Neigh Bridge Country Park (5.8km / 7km)

Walk 4: Three villages walk

COVID-19

All of the car parks are now open.

We ask that visitors utilise the ‘Covid-free’ RingGo card payment option at all our sites (location code 4848), to avoid the need to touch parking machines – we recommend downloading the RingGo app in advance of your visit. Cotswold Water Park Trust members park for free, so if you are a regular visitor then we would encourage you to join us here: www.waterpark.org/cotswold-water-park-trust-membership

We would also like to remind all visitors that maintenance of sites is extremely challenging at this time, so please help us by adhering to government guidelines, keeping dogs on a lead, and taking your litter and dog waste home with you.