Tetbury sits at the edge of the Cotswolds, with old railway paths, farmland and a national arboretum close by. Here are two walks and the dog rules that apply to both. This guide is compiled from the Cotswolds National Landscape, Forestry England and the government's Countryside Code. This is not a current closure or access notice. Check each source and the official route notices before you go.
1. Tetbury circular via Ashley (long walk, about three hours)
The Cotswolds National Landscape lists this as a 6.5 mile (10.46 km) circular, 3 to 3.5 hours, on unsurfaced paths with basic fitness needed. It starts from the public car park by the Goods Shed Arts Centre at the bottom of Chipping Street (33 Gumstool Hill, GL8 8DG).
- It follows the old railway line for much of the way. The guide says part of that path has a good all-weather surface along a sheltered, tree-lined valley.
- You pass the duck pond at Ashley, and can detour to the 12th-century church of St James.
- The way back follows the Monarch's Way and aims for the spire of St Mary's church in Tetbury.
- The route uses stiles, gates and field paths. The official guide gives no dog access information, so this guide does not say the route is dog friendly. Check signs and local notices, make sure your dog can manage the stiles, and expect livestock in fields.
- Toilets: disabled toilets at Warn's Court car park off West Street.
2. Silk Wood at Westonbirt Arboretum (dogs welcome in most of it)
Forestry England says two thirds of Westonbirt is dog friendly and one third is dog free.
- Silk Wood: dogs may be off lead if under effective control and they return when called. Wildlife lives here, and Forestry England asks owners of dogs that chase to use a lead.
- The Downs, car parks, facilities and Treetop Walkway: dogs on leads.
- The Old Arboretum, on the right as you enter, is dog free apart from assistance dogs.
- Big events such as Forest Live and the Christmas trails are not dog friendly. Only assistance dogs are allowed.
- Eight poo bins in Silk Wood. Water bowls at the Welcome Building, restaurant and central toilets by the Great Oak Hall.
- Entry is paid and rates change by season. On 1 November 2026 Forestry England was strongly advising pre-booking until 15 November. Check admission rates and opening times before you set off.
The dog rules in short (they apply to every walk)
- Keep your dog under control and in sight. Be confident it will return when called.
- Keep dogs on a lead around livestock. On Open Access land you must, by law.
- On Open Access land, dogs must be on a lead from 1 March to 31 July even without livestock.
- Check local signs. Some areas require leads all or part of the year, and some ban dogs.
- Bag it and bin it in a public bin, or take it home.
What to carry
You will want poo bags within reach on a long route with few bins. The Stocky and Dee poo bag holder is handmade in Edinburgh from merino lambswool and cotton with a waxed cotton lining, from £18 in our online shop.
Sources: Cotswolds National Landscape, Tetbury circular via Ashley; Forestry England, dogs at Westonbirt; Westonbirt admission rates; The Countryside Code.
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