Cotswold Lakes Walk – Towpath, Thames Path, Lakes & Butterfly Meadows

Start Point: Cotswold Lakes Visitor Centre (next to Cotswold Outdoors)

Distance: Approx. 8.5 miles

Terrain: Easy-to-moderate, mostly flat on gravel tracks and footpaths

Highlights: Historic canal features, peaceful lakes, abundant wildlife, charming cafés

Route Overview

This scenic 8.5-mile countryside walk begins at the Cotswold Lakes Visitor Centre car park and explores some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the Cotswold Lakes. You’ll follow the old Thames & Severn Canal towpath, sections of the Thames Path National Trail, and peaceful nature reserves including Cleveland Lakes, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and soak up the area’s rich history.

Cotswold Lakes & Thames Path Walk

Thames & Severn Canal Section

Head east from the car park onto a well-maintained gravel track, which joins the historic Thames & Severn Canal—once a vital 30-mile waterway connecting the Thames at Lechlade to the Severn at Stroud. Though closed in 1927, remnants of its industrial past remain dotted along your route.

You’ll first encounter the Cerney Wick Spill Weir, a curious stone structure rebuilt by the Cotswold Canals Trust to manage water levels. Continue south to the Cerney Wick Roundhouse, one of five 18th-century circular lock keepers’ cottages. Its conical roof and Gothic window surrounds give it a unique, storybook feel.

Just beyond lies Cerney Wick Lock, partly restored in the 1980s. While the top gates are still in place, they now stand as weathered markers of a bygone era.

Cerney Wick Roundhouse & Old Lock

Latton & The Thames Path

Follow the path south toward Latton Weymoor Bridge, where the route merges with the Thames Path National Trail, shadowing the old canal and the River Churn mill leat. Look out for the remains of the Latton Basin, a widened section of canal once used to transfer cargo between the Thames & Severn and North Wilts canals. The old aqueduct crossing here once carried boats over the Churn.

You’ll pass under two bridges: the first once carried the North Wiltshire Canal, and the second a larger structure that once supported the Midland and South Western Junction Railway—part of which now operates as the Swindon and Cricklade Heritage Railway.

Climbing briefly onto the old railway line, follow it north until you’re directed off onto a gravel track. This leads you toward Halistone Hill, where you cross a footbridge into Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve.

Cleveland Lakes Aerial View, footpaths are visible around the lakes – Credit: Ian Haskell

Cleveland Lakes & Wildlife Meadows

Cleveland Lakes is one of the highlights of the Cotswold Lakes—Britain’s largest marl lake system. Once gravel pits, the lakes are now a haven for wildlife and an important wintering ground for wildfowl including Pochard, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail, Goldeneye, and more. Birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Marsh Harriers can often be seen hunting overhead.

Pass Wickwater Lake and Waterhay Lake, stopping at a bird hide if you wish, before the path rejoins the upper reaches of the River Thames. Continue past Manorbrook Lake, popular for water sports, as the route bends north around the lake.

4Lakes Waterski & Watersports

Ashton Keynes & Refreshment Stops

A short stretch further on (possible detour option) leads you toward the edge of Ashton Keynes, famed for having more bridges over the Thames than anywhere in London. Instead of entering the village, turn right onto Fridays Ham Road, passing the lovely Jennie’s Kitchen Café —perfect for a cake and a coffee.

Continue past several well-stocked fishing lakes toward Wickwater Lane, where you’ll find the popular Waterside Kitchen & Bar, an Asian fusion restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lakes—ideal for a future lunch stop.

Waters Edge Holiday Homes

Waters Edge Holiday Homes

Return via Cerney Wick & De Vere Lake

Cross fields back to the old railway path and follow signs past Waters Edge Lake, a stunning development lake of holiday homes. The trail drops onto Cerney Wick Lane, leading past the sailing lake and South Cerney Yacht Club. A final footpath skirts Churn Pool, an exclusive carp fishery with some giants weighing over 40lb.

Soon, De Vere Cotswold Water Park appears on the horizon, set beside Lake 6. Walk past the doors of Orion Holidays office and finish at the Gateway Café —a well-earned rest stop after your 8.5-mile Lakeland adventure.

De Vere Hotel, Lake 6 & Start / Finish of Walk – Credit: Ian Haskell

Handy Links & More Information:

• Thames & Severn Canal – https://cotswoldcanals.org/canals/about-the-canals/the-thames-severn/
• The Thames Path – https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/thames-path/
• Cleveland Lakes – https://cotswoldlakestrust.org/cleveland-lakes/
• The Cotswold Lakes Area – https://cotswoldlakes.com/
• OS Maps – Cotswold Lakes, Canals & Thames Path Walk Route & Map
• Orion Holidays – Book lakeside cottage holidays

Tips:

• Binoculars and a camera are highly recommended
• Suitable for walkers and also confident cyclists (hybrids/MTBs)
• Wellies advised in winter due to wet ground near the lakes
• Check seasonal wildlife updates at Cotswold Lakes Trust