Posted on August 01, 2025
There’s something quietly magical about the Cotswolds at sunrise. As the first light spills across the rolling hills, a hush lingers over the villages and footpaths, a stillness only found in those early hours away from bustling cities and towns. Whether you're an early bird by nature or simply seeking a moment of calm before the rest of the world wakes up, these early morning walks offer a chance to experience the Cotswolds at its most serene, followed, of course, by an exceptional coffee and a buttery croissant.
Minchinhampton Common & Amberley
Best for: Big skies and soft, open landscapes
Minchinhampton Common is beautiful at any hour, but sunrise here is particularly special. The wide, open common glows gold in the morning light, with far-reaching views towards Stroud and the Severn Estuary. Begin your walk near the village of Amberley and loop across the grassland, keep an eye out for Highland cattle and the occasional deer.
Post-walk stop: The Amberley shop and café is a wonderful spot to refuel. An award winning community run cafe and shop, their pastries are made fresh daily and the coffee is excellent.
The Slad Valley (Laurie Lee Wildlife Way)
Best for: Picturesque beauty and woodland charm
Follow in the footsteps of poet Laurie Lee along this gently undulating circular route through the Slad Valley. Start early to catch the mist rising from the meadows and the sun filtering through beech woodland. The birdsong here is particularly vibrant in the early morning, proving a peaceful soundtrack to your walk.
Post-walk stop: Head into nearby Stroud for coffee at Woodruffs Organic Café. Their cinnamon buns and fresh sourdough toast are the perfect reward.
Broadway Tower & Cotswold Ridge
Best for: Panoramic views and postcard silhouettes
For a more invigorating start to the day, climb up to Broadway Tower before sunrise. As the light breaks over the horizon, the tower casts a striking silhouette against the warming sky. You’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views, and on a clear day, across 16 counties, leaving you with the sense of having the entire landscape to yourself.
Post-walk stop: Head back down to the Tower Barn for artisan coffee and a warm almond croissant. Sit by the window and watch the village gently wake up.
The Windrush Valley, Near Burford
Best for: Riversides and timeless tranquillity
Start your morning in the village of Swinbrook and follow the Windrush River as it meanders past ancient stone bridges and gentle green meadows. The light reflects beautifully on the water in the early morning, and the path is usually empty save for dog walkers and the odd heron.
Post-walk stop: Just outside Burford, Huffkins Café opens early and serves a mean bacon roll alongside perfectly brewed coffee. Their scones, if you fancy something sweeter, are baked fresh each morning.
Painswick Beacon & the Painswick Valley
Best for: Glorious sunrises and rolling hill views
Climb Painswick Beacon for one of the most spectacular sunrise vantage points in the Cotswolds. The light pours over the valley below, illuminating the folds of pasture and woodland. Walk back through the quaint lanes of Painswick itself, known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’.
Post-walk stop: Try The Painswick Hotel for a post-stroll coffee. Their lounge is beautifully cosy in the early hours, and breakfast pastries or a soft-boiled egg and toast soldiers make for a perfectly refined finish.
Chipping Campden to Dover’s Hill
Best for: A golden hour glow over honey-stone villages
Begin your walk just before dawn in Chipping Campden, winding uphill to Dover’s Hill as the sun rises behind you. The view from the top is one of the finest in the region. Look out for early dog walkers, curious sheep, and the occasional hot air balloon drifting in the distance.
Post-walk stop: Head back into Chipping Campden and visit Huxleys. Their flat whites are well worth the wait, and the pastries are best enjoyed on their leafy terrace.
Selsley Common & the Five Valleys
Best for: Wide horizons and a true sense of solitude
Just outside Stroud, Selsley Common offers sweeping views over the Five Valleys and beyond to the River Severn. At sunrise, the grassy slopes are touched with gold and the only sounds are birdsong and the rustle of the breeze through wildflowers. It’s an atmospheric, open landscape that feels truly untouched at this hour.
Post-walk stop: Pop down into Nailsworth and grab a coffee from The Canteen, known for its hearty bakes and artisan pastries. Their cinnamon swirls are a local favourite.
Crickley Hill & Barrow Wake Viewpoint (Near Birdlip)
Best for: Jaw-dropping dawn views over Gloucestershire
Crickley Hill is part of a National Trust nature reserve, and the trail to Barrow Wake offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region. Arrive early to catch the sun rising over the Severn Vale and mist lifting from the fields far below. Buzzards, deer and early-morning joggers are your only company.
Post-walk stop: Head to The Scandinavian Coffee Pod in Cheltenham, a sleek, minimalist coffee spot serving some of the best Nordic-inspired pastries and filter brews around.
Winchcombe to Belas Knap Long Barrow
Best for: Ancient history and quiet hillside paths
This peaceful uphill walk leads you through meadows and into history, ending at Belas Knap, an atmospheric Neolithic burial site. At sunrise, it’s eerily beautiful, with views stretching over the hills and few people around. The route is well-marked and perfect for those seeking something a little more reflective.
Post-walk stop: Reward yourself in Winchcombe at The Tipsy Egg, where the coffee is strong and the homemade pastries are always worth queueing for.
Charlbury Circular Walk (Wychwood Forest Edge)
Best for: Woodland calm and rural charm
Start this gentle loop from the handsome town of Charlbury and stroll into the edge of the ancient Wychwood Forest. Expect dappled light through the trees, the rustle of wildlife, and barely another soul. This is one for those who love the simple peace of a woodland walk with a countryside backdrop.
Post-walk stop: Treat yourself at The Bull at Charlbury, a stylish pub and café with a menu of locally baked goods and seasonal breakfasts served from 8am. The perfect end to a mindful morning.