Painswick Beacon Circular Walk Route Guide

Route Description for Painswick Beacon Circular Walk

Painswick Beacon Circular Walk
While not overly challenging, the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk does feature some uneven terrain and a steady climb to reach the viewpoint on the hilltop. Good walking footwear is recommended, particularly after wet weather when paths can become slippery. The Painswick Beacon walk also includes short sections of roadside walking at the beginning and end of the route, where extra care is required.

The Painswick Beacon Circular Walk is well suited to walkers who enjoy a blend of countryside scenery, gentle exercise, and historical interest. Starting in the village of Painswick, the route passes through open farmland and woodland before climbing to the summit of Painswick Beacon, home to an Iron Age hill fort. From the top, the Painswick Beacon walk rewards you with expansive views across surrounding villages and rolling Cotswold hills, making it a memorable outing for a wide range of walkers.

Setting out from the Falcon Inn in Painswick, follow the road northeast, passing the Church of St. Mary and the town hall on your right, until you reach Gloucester Street. Turn left and continue northwest, taking Butt Green on the left at the fork to reach a T-junction after 466 ft. Turn right, then immediately left onto a footpath that leads through a small wooded area.

After the path bends left, continue straight for 0.48 mi through a mix of woodland and open fields. This section of the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk offers early views across the countryside. When you reach a laneway, turn right and follow it for 0.35 mi to a junction. Turn left here and descend toward Hillcombe Farm.

At Hillcombe Farm, the route turns sharply right and continues downhill to cross Wash Brook. From here, the Painswick Beacon walk begins a gradual climb uphill, reaching Upper Hillcombe Farm after 0.15 mi. Turn right into the farmyard, then take the public footpath on the left. Cross the stile and head uphill, keeping just to the right of a telephone pole, before crossing another stile beside a gate and following the tree-lined path as it merges with a wider track.

Descending through woodland, the trail reaches Spoonbed Farm. Pass the buildings and follow the lane until it meets the road, then turn right just before it to follow a footpath alongside a stone wall. Continue southeast to the road, follow it briefly for 0.1 mi, then take the footpath on the left. Climb steadily uphill, keeping right at each junction, to reach the trig point at Painswick Beacon after 0.23 mi.

Take time to enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Painswick Beacon, which extend across farmland, woodland, and nearby villages. The summit is also the site of an Iron Age hill fort, and exploring the earthworks adds historical context to the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk. When ready, head south to descend, keeping right until you reach the road. Turn left and follow it for 454 ft to find a path on the left just before the quarry.

Continue south for 0.67 mi through a mix of woodland and open terrain. On reaching the road, turn right and follow it for 0.14 mi past a car park to Gloucester Street/B4073. Turn left and follow the road back into Painswick, completing the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk. From here, you can return to your parking spot or stop at the Falcon Inn near the trailhead.

Painswick Beacon Walk: Practical Planning

Parking

Parking for the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk is available in and around the village of Painswick, including public car parks and limited on-street spaces. Arriving early is advised, particularly on weekends.

Best Time to Walk

The Painswick Beacon walk can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer clearer views and drier paths, while autumn provides seasonal colour. Winter walking is possible but may involve muddy ground and reduced visibility.

Crowds

Painswick Beacon is a popular viewpoint in the Cotswolds. The circular walk is usually busiest late morning to mid-afternoon, especially in good weather.

Safety and Conditions

The Painswick Beacon Circular Walk includes stiles, uneven ground, and farm tracks. Livestock may be present in fields, and paths can be slippery after rain.

Dogs and Families

The Painswick Beacon walk is suitable for families with children used to walking moderate distances. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control around livestock and on roadside sections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Painswick Beacon

How difficult is the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk?

The Painswick Beacon Circular Walk is moderate, with some uphill sections but no technical terrain.

How long does the Painswick Beacon walk take?

Most walkers complete the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk in around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on pace and time spent at the viewpoint.

What can you see from Painswick Beacon?

From Painswick Beacon, views extend across the Cotswolds, with clear sightlines over surrounding villages, farmland, and rolling hills.

Consider a Walking Holiday in the Cotswolds

One way to explore more routes like the Painswick Beacon walk is on a longer, multi-day trip. Options include walking holidays in the Cotswolds, such as sections of the famous Cotswold Way.

What’s New at Painswick Beacon Circular Walk in 2026

There are no major changes to access, route conditions, or public footpaths on the Painswick Beacon Circular Walk in 2026. The hill fort and viewpoint remain open to visitors, and roadside walking sections are unchanged. Seasonal conditions and livestock access may still vary throughout the year.