What are some popular outdoor activities in Gloucestershire?

In Gloucestershire, you can enjoy hiking through woodlands, cycling between Cotswold-stone villages, wandering around an ancient arboretum, or settling in for a farm-fresh countryside picnic. The 790-square-mile Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of England’s most rewarding and expansive walking areas, with miles of protected paths, including the 102-mile Cotswold Way (a favourite of long-distance walkers). To the west, on the Welsh border, the isolated Forest of Dean bursts with wildlife and water activity. Spring and autumn are perfect for exploring nature without summer-season crowds, though Gloucestershire charms visitors even in winter.