Walk in the Cotswolds: From Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale monument

The Cotswold walk from the market town of Wotton-under-Edge to the historic Tyndale Monument offers spectacular scenery of the Cotswold hills and villages, the Gloucestershire countryside, the Bristol Channel and South Wales. One of the most popular walks from Wotton-under-Edge, this woodland walk lets you discover the Cotswold escarpment.

Starting at the quaint town of Wotton-under-Edge, the Cotswold walk follows the Cotswold Way and first climbs steeply up Wotton Hill. This walk then enjoys the serene woodland of Westridge Woods before reaching North Nibley and the Tyndale Monument. The best views can be enjoyed from both Wotton Hill and the Tyndale Monument. You can even climb the monument for further breathtaking views.

Location: Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire

Walk difficulty: Intermediate

Time: 2 to 2 ½ hours

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

Wotton-under-Edge & Wotton Hill

The Cotswold walk starts at Wotton-under-Edge, a typical Cotswold market town. Nested in an enchanting valley, Wotton-under-Edge features a charming high street filled with independent shops, a plethora of picturesque Cotswold cottages as well as an unfortunate collection of look-alike 1970s streets. The market town is a popular stop along the Cotswold Way and the ideal place to discover the South Cotswolds.

Following the signs for the Cotswold Way, the Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument walk first climbs a steep hill to the top of Wotton Hill. Overlooking the market town, Wotton Hill is topped by an emblematic cluster of pine trees. These trees can be spotted from town and replace the original trees planted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

From the top of Wotton Hill, you can enjoy spectacular views of Wotton-under-Edge, the surrounding Cotswold countryside, the Severn valley, the Bristol Channel, the Brecon Beacons, and on a clear day, Somerset and the Mendip Hills.

North Nibley & the Tyndale Monument

Staying on the Cotswold Way, the walk then takes you through Westridge Woods. First following the edge of the forest, then entering into the depths of woodland, this part of the walk is best enjoyed in spring when the young leaves are bright green or in autumn when the foliage is full of colour. Through the trees, you can even catch a glimpse of the surrounding countryside.

As you emerge from the woods, you head for the tower known as the Tyndale Monument. Walking through a verdant field atop the Cotswold escarpment, you can enjoy splendid views of the Cotswold hills, the South Gloucestershire countryside, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons. As you reach the tower, you can also spot the typical Cotswold village of North Nibley at the foot of the hill.

The Tyndale Monument is a hilltop tower commemorating William Tyndale, a martyr who translated the Bible into English and was originally from the Cotswolds. You can climb the narrow winding staircase to the top of the tower and enjoy further far reaching views, especially of the Cotswold hills and villages. The Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument walk then retraces its steps back to the quaint market town.

Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument walk itinerary (with map)

1. At the top of Wotton-under-Edge’s high street, turn right. At the petrol station, turn left onto Gloucester Street. Continue up the street, taking care when walking on the road, and take the uphill path on the right, following the signs for the Cotswold Way. You’ll follow the signposts for the Cotswold Way throughout the walk.

2. Cross the road and go through the kissing gate, continuing uphill. At the fork, veer left towards the top of Wotton Hill and the emblematic cluster of pine trees. Make a detour to the summit of Wotton Hill to enjoy the view.

3. Follow the man-made path up to the highest point of the hill and take the path between the shrubs. Go through the kissing gate and turn right. Follow the path, keeping the field to your right, and at the crossroads, continue straight ahead. Veer left at the second crossroads, again keeping the field to your right.

4. Continue straight ahead at the next crossroads. At the fork, veer right, and at the second fork, turn right. Turn right at the crossroads and veer left at the next crossroads. As you emerge from the woods into a field, keep the fence to your left and aim for the tower (the Tyndale Monument).

5. When you reach the tower, turn around and walk back the way you came, following the signs for the Cotswold Way. Walk towards the woods, keeping the fence to your right. Enter the woods, veer right at the first crossroads and veer left at the following three crossroads.

6. At the crossroads, continue straight ahead. Veer right at the next crossroads, keeping the field to your left. Continue straight ahead at the following crossroads. Go through the kissing gate and veer left following the path down Wotton Hill. Cross the road and continue straight on. At the road, continue straight ahead down Gloucester Street. Turn right at the petrol station, then turn left onto the high street.

Download the walk itinerary PDF: Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument walk by adragonsescape.com

Find the walk map and download the GPX file: Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument walk on outdooractive.com

Wotton-under-Edge to the Tyndale Monument walk details

Location: Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire

Difficulty: Intermediate

Time: Approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours with regular stops

Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)

Ascent: Very steep

Trail condition: Good, but muddy in the heart of the woods

Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs

Parking: Wotton-under-Edge Chipping car park (GL12 7BD)

Facilities: Toilets, shops and pubs in Wotton-under-Edge

Explore more: Walks in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offer countless paths across enchanting valleys, over lush rolling hills and through captivating woodland, all boasting spectacular scenery. From the Tyley Bottom & Tor Hill walk in Wotton-under-Edge to the Ozleworth & Lasborough valleys walk, find the best Cotswold walks.

Share this guide: