Wellbeing Nordic Walks

Starting in the idyllic village of Ashton Keynes, with its charming stone cottages and narrow footbridges crossing over crystal-clear brooks, this Nordic walk quickly immerses you in the wild beauty of the Cotswold Lakes. As you leave the village, the sound of flowing water accompanies you.

The trail meanders along gravel tracks and grassy footpaths between a patchwork of lakes, reed beds, and wooded glades. With every stride, you feel the pull of nature with varied and gentle terrain, making it ideal for finding a strong walking rhythm with your poles.

As you loop through this rich landscape of wetlands and wild spaces, there’s a true sense of escape. Open skies reflect in the water, and the shifting light creates an ever-changing scene. In spring and summer, the route is alive with wildflowers and buzzing insects; in autumn, golden leaves drift down onto still water.

Tucked away in a quiet fold of the Cotswold hills, the walk begins near the postcard-perfect village of Bagendon, where time seems to slow. Ancient limestone cottages nestle among rolling pastures, and the soft clack of your Nordic poles blends with birdsong and the whisper of the wind through the trees.

The trail follows quiet lanes and grassy tracks that wind through a hidden valley, descending gently towards Perrott’s Brook, a crystal-clear stream weaving its way through peaceful meadows and under ivy-covered stone bridges. The landscape here feels untouched, with wide open skies, old woodland, and the distant outline of dry-stone walls marking the rhythm of the countryside.

As you walk, you pass grazing sheep, fluttering hedgerows, and perhaps a pheasant darting out across your path. The route loops through undulating terrain, offering both challenge and reward, with moments of stillness where you can simply breathe and take in the timeless beauty of the land.

As you warm up by the lake, listening to the gentle sound of water washing against the shore and breathing in the crisp, fresh air, you become invigorated for the journey ahead. The walk begins along peaceful footpaths that wind through quiet woodland, where the trees sway softly above and sunlight filters through the leaves. You follow scenic trails that weave between sparkling lakes and open fields, each turn revealing a new view.

Surrounded by wildlife, you immerse yourself into the natural rhythm of the landscape with each moment heightens your connection with nature. It’s not just a walk, it’s a full-body, sensory experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, grounded, and uplifted.

Starting from the charming market town of Lechlade-on-Thames, this Nordic walk follows the serene canal-side path toward St John’s Lock, the first lock on the River Thames. As you warm up along the riverbank, the sight of narrowboats gently moored beside old wharfs and the distant toll of the church bell set a peaceful, reflective tone.

The route follows the towpath, where your Nordic poles click gently against gravel and grass, guiding you along the slow-moving water. The air is fresh with the scent of willow and water mint, and the landscape opens up to wide skies, grazing swans, and meadows that hum with bees and dragonflies in warmer months.

You pass the iconic statue of Old Father Thames, marking the symbolic beginning of the river’s long journey to London, and continue toward St John’s Lock, a beautifully kept spot where the water cascades gently through the gates. This stretch of the walk is steeped in both natural beauty and quiet historical charm, offering plenty of space to reflect, breathe, and stretch your stride.

Beginning in the peaceful village of Poulton, this Nordic walk takes you on a serene journey through the quiet, open countryside surrounding the historic Priory Estate. As you set off along the farm tracks and bridleways, the wide Cotswold skies open up above you, and the sound of your poles tapping gently against the earth blends with the rustle of leaves and distant birdsong.

The trail winds through gently undulating fields, past old stone walls, copses of oak and beech, and alongside hedgerows teeming with life — a true taste of the working rural landscape. The sense of stillness here is striking, this is a place where you can walk for miles and feel utterly unhurried.

At times, the route skirts quiet woodland and crosses over open ridgelines, offering far-reaching views across the rolling Cotswold hills. The paths are firm and open, ideal for finding your Nordic rhythm and enjoying the physical flow of the walk.

Beginning in the charming village of South Cerney, this Nordic walk follows tranquil paths alongside the gently flowing River Churn, one of the Cotswolds’ hidden waterways. As you set off, the sound of water bubbling over stones and the rustle of reeds in the breeze create a calming backdrop, helping you settle into a natural rhythm with each step of your poles.

The trail meanders through peaceful countryside, skirting the edge of the historic canal, now partially reclaimed by nature. The air is fresh, often scented with wild mint or elderflower in season, and the soft underfoot terrain keeps your stride light and flowing.

You’ll pass old stone bridges, remnants of the canal’s working past, and open meadows. This walk is a perfect blend of movement and mindfulness; a journey through time and nature, where every turn connects you more deeply to the landscape and its quiet, enduring beauty.

Starting just outside the historic market town of Cirencester, this Nordic walk takes you on a gently rolling route through picturesque countryside and past working farmland. You begin with a deep breath of clean country air, setting off along a peaceful woodland trail lined with hedgerows and dry-stone walls, with open views stretching across the Cotswold landscape. The rhythm of your Nordic poles keeps you grounded as you pass grazing cows, a Totem pole and pockets of ancient woodland.

As you walk, the connection between land, nature, and nourishment becomes clear. This is farming country, honest, earthy, and thriving with life There's a comforting authenticity in every step.

The trail leads naturally to the welcoming haven of an organic farm shop, where you can pause, reflect, and refuel whilst you experience a celebration of local, sustainable living.

Starting in the ancient Saxon town of Cricklade, the first town on the River Thames, this walk offers a peaceful blend of history, riverside beauty, and open countryside. As you begin your Nordic walk, you follow the gentle course of the young Thames, still narrow and crystal-clear at this stage, winding its way quietly through meadows and low-lying pastures.

The path takes you through a landscape rich in wildlife and seasonal colour with every stride, your poles find their rhythm on soft grassy paths and well-worn tracks, flanked by hedgerows and the occasional willow tree dipping into the stream.

Cricklade’s charm lingers behind you as you enter a tranquil world where time slows. The walk reveals hidden views, old stone footbridges, and glimpses of distant church spires and grazing cattle. In spring, the nearby North Meadow bursts into life with its famous wild snake’s head fritillaries, adding a splash of purple to the lush green fields.

Beginning in the picturesque Cotswold town of Fairford, this Nordic walk follows the winding path of the River Churn, a peaceful tributary of the Thames that flows gently through lush meadows and open countryside. With the striking spire of St Mary’s Church behind you, you set off along quiet footpaths where the only sounds are birdsong, the soft splash of water, and the steady rhythm of your poles.

The trail leads you along the river’s edge, where willows lean low over the water and dragonflies skim the surface. The River Churn flows clear and calm here, bordered by wildflowers and home to a variety of wildlife.

Walking through open fields and tucked-away tracks, you feel completely immersed in the landscape, with big skies overhead and the ever-present river guiding your way. The terrain is gentle and varied, perfect for building a rhythm and enjoying the full-body benefits of Nordic walking in a truly calming setting.

Fairford’s charm, combined with the natural flow of the Churn, creates a route that is both uplifting and grounding, a quiet escape into nature with every step.

Starting from the Dragonfly Café at Lower Moor Nature Reserve, this Nordic and coffee walk begins in a peaceful corner of Wiltshire where water, woodland, and meadow weave together in perfect harmony. The café’s terrace overlooks the tranquil surface of Cottage Lake — a calm invitation to pause before setting out. With poles in hand, you step onto the path that curves gently into the reserve, the air filled with birdsong and the soft rustle of reeds.

The route follows smooth, level trails that wind between glistening lakes and through whispering willow and alder woodland. It’s an ideal terrain for Nordic walking — firm underfoot yet natural, encouraging an easy rhythm and a full-body stride. As you walk, glimpses of open water appear through the trees: Mallard Lake, with its waterfowl gliding silently across the surface, and the smaller ponds where dragonflies dart in flashes of blue and green.

Boardwalks lead you over wetter ground where wildflowers fringe the edges and the scent of damp earth lingers. Every turn reveals a new vista, reeds swaying in the breeze, sunlight flickering on water, a heron lifting off into the open sky. It’s a landscape alive with quiet movement, perfect for finding flow in your steps and breath.

Looping back towards the café, the path opens once more to the wide view of Cottage Lake. You can almost feel the stillness settling again as you return your poles and step inside for a well-earned coffee. From the warmth of the Dragonfly Café, watch the light shift across the water and reflect on the simple rhythm of the walk, energising, peaceful, and deeply connected to the wild heart of the Cotswold Lakes.