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Slad Valley Walks & Route Maps

Slad Valley walk, Gloucestershire
Slad Valley · Photo: Don Cload

These walks through the Slad Valley explore one of the most picturesque corners of the Cotswolds, with rolling hills, wooded slopes, and charming valley scenery.

The walks follow a mix of countryside tracks, woodland paths, and quiet lanes, with sections through beautiful beech woods and views across the surrounding valleys. Along the way you’ll also discover the landscape that inspired writer Laurie Lee, author of 'Cider with Rosie', with the option to detour to the famous Woolpack pub where he was known to spend time. Steeper sections make these walks a little more challenging, but the scenery makes every climb worthwhile.

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Walk information

Slad Valley Walk 1

Walk distance
2¼ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

This beautiful Slad walk starts just off the main road from the lay by parking and takes you across Cotswold Commons and the rolling hills of the Slad Valley.

There is some walking on quiet lanes and an optional detour to the pretty pub.

The walk will also take you through Frith Wood with its ancient Beech trees.

Some scenic views over the Painswick valley make this an interesting walk. Please be aware there are steep sections on this route.

Slad Valley Walk 1 4.3 Ratings and reviews 10 ratings · 3 reviews

Based on 10 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.3

A very popular walk

Dog friendly3.6 / 5
Path condition4.3 / 5
Buggy friendly1.3 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.5 / 5
Pub or café2.2 / 5
Route accuracy4.6 / 5
ClimbingPlenty of climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Gloucestershire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Great walk, i live not far from here and had never had the knowledge as where to park up. Lovely walk and loved seeing the stunning properties on the way round. Dogs were tired that evening :)

Walker review

There are a couple of "wildlife only" paths on the last stretch back (clockwise) due to ash die back/falling trees but easy routes alongside

Walker review

Half of this walk was on roads they were quiet narrow lanes. Quite a bit of climbing on this walk and had to walk through a field with cattle and calves in. Other than that was a nice quiet walk and map was easy to follow.

Walk information

Slad Valley Walk 2

Walk distance
3¾ miles
Time
2 hours
Route type
Circular

This second wonderful Slad walk is longer and requires plenty of energy due to the hills and inclines.

The walk starts just off the main road and follows tracks and paths along the rolling hills and woodlands that frame the Slad Valley. The pretty Slad brook and the tree lined lanes with Cotswold houses nestled in the valley make it a picturesque walk.

Laurie Lee was raised in Slad and wrote novels and poetry. 'Cider with Rosie' sold over 6 million copies and an optional detour will take you to the pretty pub 'The Woolpack' where Laurie would often sit and have a drink.

The walk will also take you through Worgans Wood and around the edge of Frith Wood with its ancient Beech trees. Please note that there are steep sections and some road walking mainly on quiet lanes.

Refreshments:

The Woolpack, Slad

Slad Valley Walk 2 4.0 Ratings and reviews 5 ratings · 3 reviews

Based on 5 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.0

A very popular walk

Dog friendly3.8 / 5
Path condition3.6 / 5
Buggy friendly1.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.8 / 5
Toilet facilities1.6 / 5
Pub or café3.2 / 5
Route accuracy4.8 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockLivestock likely
StilesSeveral stiles
Mud levelBoots recommended

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Gloucestershire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Really enjoyable walk, although in March 2026 its very muddy and boggy in places. Some quite steep climbs and also livestock on the route. This route is not for you if you have any mobility issues, and a couple of the stiles were not dog friendly and we had to lift a 45kg dog over them.

Walker review

What a fabulous walk! Definitely some steep parts. We did it in 1 hour 10 mins

Walker review

Quite a lot of livestock so dog had to be on the lead a lot, however it was a lovely walk with great views.

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Gloucestershire Walks App

Follow the Slad Valley walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

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Gloucestershire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 200 Gloucestershire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Slad Valley Walk 1, a 2.25 mile circular walk in Gloucestershire