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Start at the National Trust Tinkley Gate visitor car park, off Tinkley Lane between Nailsworth and Nympsfield. This woodland and lakes walk visits the kennels, Middle Pond, the historic boathouse and the exterior of unfinished Victorian Gothic Woodchester Mansion. Allow about two hours for the hills, gates, steps and pauses by the water. The cafe and toilets are a short walk south of the parking area.
Take the surfaced pedestrian path north from the car park into the woodland. Follow the valley-side path east to the kennels, then cross the Middle Pond dam and turn left along the north bank. Climb onto the upper woodland track and continue west, passing the junction with the steps without descending. Follow the track to the Mansion, then retrace this section to the steps. Descend to the boathouse and cross the Old Pond dam. Use the signed diagonal field path and kissing gate to regain the woodland path, then climb back to the car park. Close gates behind you and keep to the established paths beside the lakes.
Expect some steep slopes, uneven ground and muddy sections after rain, plus steps on the boathouse approach. Walking boots are useful. There is limited mobile signal in the valley. Keep dogs on leads throughout and do not enter the lakes; the boathouse is not open to the public. Cattle may graze the parkland.
Parking costs £4 for non-members; National Trust members must register their membership at the machine or in JustPark. Tinkley Gate parking currently opens 9am–5pm, with last entry one hour before closing. Winter hours change to 9am–4pm from 2 November 2026, so check opening times and return before the gates close. Mansion tours have separate admission and seasonal opening; this route only visits its exterior.
Route and visitor information checked against the National Trust Woodchester Park trail and park map: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/woodchester-park/tinkley-gate-to-the-mansion
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