19.2 km ridge walk near Espresso Bar · Cotswolds AONB

This circular walk takes you up onto the Cotswold escarpment, following a ridge with generous views out over the Vale of Evesham. It's a moderate undertaking, perfect for a day when you want to feel the wind in your hair and stretch your legs properly, without any serious scrambling. The route covers 19.2 km (11.9 miles) with 463 m of ascent, and you should allow around 4h 19m of walking time at a steady pace. Expect varied terrain, from quiet lanes to open fields and well-trodden paths along the ridge itself.

About halfway round, you’ll reach the Espresso Bar, a popular spot for a mid-walk refuel. It’s right on the ridge, so you won’t lose any of that expansive feeling while you stop for a bite to eat. Many walkers time their day specifically to have lunch here, and it’s a good place to pause and take stock before the second half. As you approach, keep an eye out for the way the landscape opens up even further, hinting at the vistas to come.

The return leg largely continues along the high ground, offering more of those far-reaching views before gently descending back towards your starting point. After heavy rain, some sections of the path can get quite muddy, so sturdy footwear is a must. It’s also worth packing a windproof layer, as it can get breezy up on the exposed ridge, even on a warm day. This is a walk that delivers on big skies and a real sense of space.