Discover the Cotswold Way...
The Cotswold Way is so much more than just a path through beautiful countryside. The rich mix of woodlands, grasslands, wildlife and history make it the ideal place for young people to enjoy and understand the natural world on their doorsteps.
Cotswold Way Discovery is an exciting set of fun activities and learning resources which make is easy for parents, teachers and young people themselves to get the most out of this living, breathing, outdoor classroom. Winter, Summer, Spring or Autumn, there is always something to do and see on the Cotswold Way – so use the links below to start your Discovery...
Who is it for?
Cotswold Way Discovery is for everyone. Whether you’re a young person looking for things to do and see while you’re out and about in the countryside, whether you are a teacher looking for learning ideas or a fieldtrip, or even if you’re just looking to make the most out of a family walk, there will be something for you. The resources and activities can be used for any age group, but were designed with 5 to 11 year olds (Key Stage 1 to 2) in mind.
Cotswold Way Discovery is a new project, but will grow and develop as time goes on and we’re relying on people who use it to keep it improving. If you have any suggestions how we could make it work better for you, or any activities or lesson plans you would like us to add, we would love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch.
Discovery Interactive
At the centre of Discovery is a new kind of downloadable mini-website. Easy to use and packed with information and activities, it guides you through the four seasons of the Cotswold Way and introduces you to some of England's most fascinating wildlife and most precious habitats.
Going Wild Activities
A great set of 10 adventurous activities to get young people really stuck in to the countryside. The perfect antidote to a ‘boring walk’ on the Cotswold Way – expect muddy knees and shining faces! Click on the links below to start plannign your adventure...
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens run a great service for schools, providing activity days based on their bottomless knowledge and infectious passion for the Countryside. Activities can be arranged which perfectly sit alongside Discovery and are always a perfect mix of learning and fun in a new environment. Please contact us to find out more...
The people at 'Going Wild' who put these activity ideas together have a great range of books that will really help you get the most out of your Cotswold Way discovery. Their newest, 'the Wild Weather Book' and all the others are available here...
Treasure Trails
"When seasoned rambler, Steven Stryder, was sorting through his OS Maps looking for a new adventure, he came upon a tatty old book given to him by his grandfather. When a note and a sketchmap fell out, explaining that the key to his lost family fortune lay along the Cotswold Way, he packed his backpack and off he went. Can you help him find the answer and maybe share the reward?"
Treasure Trails are aimed at getting families, couples and groups of friends out and about in the fresh air, exploring, experiencing and learning about their surroundings in a very fun and unique way. They are all based on the same idea, with a route to follow and clues to be solved along the way. Children (and adults!) love the thrill of being the first one to find a clue and solve the mystery as well as spending quality time together as a family away from the TV.
The Cotswold Way Companion Trail follows the route of the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath. There’s a clue every five or six miles, based on locations such as Nympsfield Long Barrow, the Battlefields at Lansdown and the many topographs up on the peaks. It’s a fun way to follow the way-marked route and throws in an added dimension (although you are still advised to take a guide book). What’s more, as with all Treasure Trails, customers who submit the correct answer online could win £1000 in the annual Treasure Trails prize draw but in this case will also receive their Cotswold Way Completer’s Badge if they send in a photo to the Hall of Fame.
Trails are available for £5.99 from Tourist Information Centres, selected retail outlets or the Treasure Trails website. Part of the proceeds from sales go direct to the upkeep of the Cotswold Way, so not only will you have an unforgettable adventure on the Trail, you'll also be helping to look after it for others!