Furze Hill

The walk up Furze Hill takes about twenty minutes from Bourton-on-the-Water, and on a clear day the effort pays off properly. You're looking across the Cotswolds from a modest height - nothing dramatic, but the rolling countryside spreads out in that soft, layered way that makes this part of Gloucestershire special. The summit itself is fairly bare, dotted with gorse and low scrub, which is where it gets its name. No cafés, no visitor centre, just grass and views.

This works best for walkers who want a straightforward hill with a genuine payoff, rather than families after a twenty-minute stroll. If your children are happy on their feet and enjoy spotting landmarks from high ground, they'll probably get something from it. The view towards the Cotswold Edge is worth the push uphill, though I won't pretend the ascent is dramatic - it's steady and warm work on a summer afternoon.

If you're camping at Cotswolds Meadow Glamping or the Caravan Club site near Bourton, Furze Hill makes a solid half-morning outing before heading back for lunch. Spring and early autumn are best - summer can feel exposed without shelter, and the paths get worn. There's no charge and no facilities to speak of, so bring water. The whole circuit takes about an hour if you're moving steadily. It's the kind of walk that feels proper to the Cotswolds - undramatic, accessible, and quietly satisfying.