The Natural History of the Slad Valley
2026 Dates to be announced soon
Discover the beautiful Slad Valley on a 6.39 km (about 4-mile) guided walk along footpaths and quiet lanes of a landscape made famous in Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie. The route takes in Swift’s Hill Nature Reserve, passes Laurie Lee’s childhood cottage, and passes by the Woolpack Inn, with sweeping views across one of the Cotswolds’ most evocative valleys. There will be a stop for tea/coffee and homemade cake during the walk.
Shaped from Jurassic limestone, the Slad Valley is celebrated for its rich wildlife and subtle beauty. Thin, lime-rich soils support flower-filled grasslands, where orchids, rock-rose and other herbs thrive, and butterflies drift across the slopes in summer sunshine. Steep valley sides are clothed in ancient beech woodland, glowing with bluebells and wild garlic in spring and harbouring a wealth of woodland insects and fungi.
Along the way, hedgerows, springs and the Slad Brook weave life through the landscape, providing shelter for birds, bats and pollinators. Throughout the walk, Pete Bradshaw will share his deep knowledge and affection for the valley’s wildlife, bringing its plants, animals and seasonal rhythms vividly to life.
A total ascent of 296 metres, approx. duration of walk. 3/4 hours. Wear walking boots or sturdy shoes the route is steep in places and can be muddy.
The walk starts at 9am, to allow you plenty of time to return to the Woolpack Inn for lunch from 1pm.
We highly recommend you book online here for lunch at The Woolpack.
The Secrets of the Sapperton Valley
Dates to be announced soon
Join Pete Bradshaw for a guided walk through the Sapperton Valley, following a route rich in woodland, water and hidden history. The walk winds through Daneway Banks and Siccaridge Woods, where spring bluebells cover the woodland floor, before continuing through the quiet folds of the Sapperton valleys. Along the way you’ll pass the atmospheric remains of a disused canal, glimpse the tunnel portal of the Thames & Severn Canal, and discover how this once-ambitious waterway shaped the landscape. The route then climbs out of the valley to finish in a beautiful Cotswold village, which has buildings inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, notably the village hall. Throughout the walk, Pete shares his deep knowledge of the valley’s wildlife, history and changing seasons, bringing this secluded corner of the Cotswolds vividly to life. There will be a stop for tea and homemade cake approx. half way on this walk.
5.27 km / 3.27 miles and a total ascent of 176 metres. Wear wellington boots as you will cross a ford on this walk. Approximately 2/3 hours in length including stops.
The Ancient Paths of Painswick
Dates to be announced soon
Join Pete Bradshaw for a guided walk along the ancient paths of the Painswick Valley. The walk is 4.59 km (just under 3 miles).
Following historic routes shaped by centuries of use and weaving through a town that tumbles down the hillside. The guided walk explores the old ways of Painswick and passes several former mills along the stream, once central to the local cloth industry, as well as the tragic tale of a local hangman, the little-known site of Pan’s Lodge hidden in woodland, and a forgotten Quaker burial ground. Pete has roamed this valley since he was knee-high to a grasshopper and will share local lore and his deep affection for Painswick along the way. There will be a stop for tea/coffee and homemade cake during the walk.
A total ascent of 196 metres, approx duration of walk. 2 hours. Wear walking boots or sturdy shoes the route is steep in places and can be muddy.
Tailored Private Tours
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Arrange your own guided walk with Pete.