We are extremely fortunate in having over 600 acres of the largest open common land in Britain immediately surrounding our village, including Minchinhampton and Rodborough commons. On a warm, clear day there can be few more pleasant places to walk.

It would be a shame not to explore some of the less obvious parts of the locality, however. The area is well known for its numerous beautiful valleys, mills and small, picturesque hamlets that reward the walker, many of which are virtually inaccessible in a car and are unlikely to be discovered other than on foot.

Several footpaths lead directly from the village, including a clearly marked public footpath from the village green through Box Woods, across “Devil’s Elbow” and down the hill to the Weighbridge Inn. Determined walkers can continue up the old packhorse trail adjacent to the Weighbridge Inn (now a footpath and bridleway) through Hazel Wood towards Bristol. On a fine day, from the top of Hazel Wood, you will be rewarded by good view in all directions, including one of Box across the Avening Valley.

Alternatively, if you head from Box towards Minchinhampton and start to walk along Box Lane, another footpath leads off to the right, just past ‘Quarry Wood’, away from the road and between the fields to Balls Green, from where you can drop down to Longfords Mill, Iron Mills and Holcombe Mill before returning through Box Woods or via Nailsworth.

Wherever you walk, we would of course ask you to treat the countryside, farmland and livestock with respect, particularly if you have dogs with you, and to leave it exactly as you found it.

Below we have listed a couple of local walks rated by distance, difficulty and suitability. They have all been explored and recommended by Box residents and each one offers a few secrets to those who enjoy the Cotswolds.

If you have a favourite walk you would be willing to share with other residents, we would be very pleased to include it: please contact Sarah Hemmings.

Box Walk 1 – Watledge, Pinfarthings and the Woodchester valley

Box Walk 2 – Minchinhampton and Longfords