Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk

Route Description for Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk

While the Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk is a fairly easy trail overall, there are a few stretches of steep terrain and a number of stiles that you will need to traverse in order to complete the route. Be sure to wear comfortable walking footwear when setting out on this journey. Additionally, parking is limited at the layby next to the trailhead, so you will need to arrive early in order to secure a space.

This may be a relatively short walking route, but the beautiful countryside views, serene stretches of woodland terrain, and interesting historical sites make it an amazing adventure in The Cotswolds that is worth completing. Setting out from the parking area, you will climb up the hillside along the Cotswolds Way before visiting the site of a burial chamber that dates back to Neolithic times. From there, you will trek across open farmland and meander downhill through lovely forests before arriving back at the trailhead where you began. This is an excellent walk for a fun family outing on the weekend.

Setting out from the layby, crossover to the opposite side of the road and make your way over the stile to begin your journey along the Cotswold Way. Follow the forested trail for the next 110 m and pass through the kissing gate, making your way along the edge of the tree cover as the trail bends to the southwest.

After walking uphill along the edge of an open field for 0.9 km and passing through another kissing gate, you will arrive at the edge of the Belas Knap Long Barrow, a burial monument dating back to the Neolithic period that was excavated between 1863-1865 and contained the remains of 31 individuals. Pass through the kissing gate and cross over a stile to take a trip back in time while exploring this interesting historical site before picking the trail back up as it leads toward the southwest.

After crossing over another stile, continue along the trail as it runs along the edge of a field for the next 0.7 km to meet up with a lane. Head to the left along the road and follow it to the southwest, picking up the first trail on your right to make your way through a kissing gate. Continue on for another 0.5 km, where the trail will leave the open farmland behind and enter into the thick cover of the forest.

From here, keep right along the trail, as you work your way downhill through the serene woodland atmosphere of the Breakheart Plantation for the next 0.9 km. Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the forest landscape before arriving at a junction with a lane, following it to the right to meet up with the road. Bear right and follow the road east for 79 m, picking up the footpath on the left to make your way over another stile.

Follow this track to the north and keep right along it for 0.6 km, descending the hillside before turning right onto a lane that leads towards the southeast. After passing through the gate, continue on for another 0.5 km to arrive at the edge of a forest. Cross over the stile and make your way through the small patch of woodland terrain, eventually exiting the tree cover at the side of a lane. Make your way over to the other side and pass through the gate, continuing uphill until you reach another gate at the edge of Corndean Lane. Pass through and continue straight along the road leading southeast for 288ft to arrive at the parking area where you began the Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk.

Consider a Walking Holiday in the Cotswolds

One of the best ways to experience this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is by booking a pre-planned adventure tour in the Cotswolds. Find the famous self-guided Cotswolds Way and other amazing guided and self-guided tours on 10Adventures Tours.

Insider Hints for Belas Knap Long Barrow Walk

• As there will likely be grazing sheep in the surrounding fields, be sure to keep your dogs on a lead.
• There is a limited amount of parking available in the layby next to the trailhead, so try to arrive early to secure a space.
• There are a few stretches of steep terrain, so make sure to wear proper walking boots for this adventure.