The Cotswold Way - Hiking
Country
England
Region
Cotswolds
Theme
Iconic Journeys
11
Days
10
Nights
Accommodation
3*
102 miles of English countryside, ending in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Cotswold Way follows the western edge of the Cotswolds from market towns and open commons to the architecturally-reknowned city of Bath. Over ten days of walking, this journey traces a raised limestone escarpment shaped by sheep farming, ancient trackways and long views across the Severn Vale. Staying in carefully chosen villages and country inns, the 10-day hike is the right balance between challenge and time for cultural immersion. Prehistoric burial sites, Tudor castles, Arts and Crafts landscapes and Georgian streets give this iconic journey huge breadth.
Highlights
- Walking the full length of the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath
- Views from Broadway Tower, the highest point of the northern Cotswolds
- Sudeley Castle and its historic gardens
- The escarpment walks of Cleeve Hill, Crickley Hill and Painswick Beacon
- Ancient sites, including Uley Long Barrow
- A final approach to Bath on foot, ending at Bath Abbey
Handpicked Accommodation
The Bird, Bath
A contemporary hotel set above the city, within walking distance of Bath’s historic centre.
Why we chose it
The Bird provides a fresh ambience that’s totally different to anything else on the route.
The Bear of Rodborough, Rodborough Common
Set high on Rodborough Common, this historic coaching inn overlooks the Stroud Valleys and sits beside one of the largest commons in the Cotswolds.
Why we chose it
Staying here allows walkers to experience the Cotswold escarpment at its most open. A view back in time to when most of the Cotswolds was common land.
The Lion Inn, Winchcombe
A historic inn set within the small market town of Winchcombe, close to the northern stretches of the Cotswold Way.
Why we chose it
Winchcombe is one of the most characterful towns on the route, and staying centrally allows easy access to both walking routes and evening life.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Chipping Campden to Winchcombe
Meet your guide and transfer to Chipping Campden, the traditional starting point of the Cotswold Way. Begin walking by climbing to Dover’s Hill, home to the Cotswold Olimpick Games, which date back to the early 17th century. The route continues to Broadway Tower, built in the late 18th century as a landscape folly and later used as a Cold War observation post. From here, descend into the village of Broadway before continuing on quieter paths through Stanton. Transfer to Winchcombe for the night.
Day 2 – Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle
Set out on foot from Winchcombe to Sudeley Castle, a site with strong royal connections and the burial place of Queen Katherine Parr. The castle’s layered architecture reflects centuries of rebuilding and use. After lunch at the castle, walk back into Winchcombe through gently rolling countryside, passing stone walls and pastureland that typify this part of the Cotswolds.
Day 3 – Winchcombe to Birdlip
Leave Winchcombe and climb onto Cleeve Hill Common, the highest point of the Cotswolds. From the escarpment edge, views extend across Cheltenham and the Severn Vale. Continue past Dowdeswell, following the line of the ridge, before lunch and transfer to Birdlip. Settle into your country inn for two nights.
Day 4 – Leckhampton annd Crickley Hil
Return to the trail and continue south along remote sections of the Cotswold Way. Walk over Leckhampton Hill and Crickley Hill, both important Iron Age sites, where earthworks still trace the shape of ancient settlements. The openness of this stretch makes it ideal for a picnic lunch. Return to Birdlip for a second night.
Day 5 – Birdlip to Painswick
Walk south towards Painswick, passing Painswick Beacon, once used as a signalling point across the valleys. Arrive in Painswick, often referred to as the “Queen of the Cotswolds”. Visit St Mary’s Churchyard, famous for its carefully clipped yew trees, traditionally numbered at 99. Transfer a short distance to Rodborough Common for the evening.
Day 6 – Painswick to Stroud Valleys
In the morning, we return to Painswick to continue our walk from where we left off. Leaving Painswick, we venture towards the valleys of Stroud, famed for a culture of artistic and musical people. The Stroud Valleys inspired writers such as Laurie Lee, writing wonderful books such as Cider with Rosie. We hope our travellers feel as inspired whilst walking today’s route which ends in the village of Stonehouse, here, we once again depart on a small transfer back to our accommodation on Rodborough Common.
Day 7 – Stonehouse to Wotton-under-Edge
Today we transfer back to Stonehouse. Our walking route will take us from Stonehouse to the small market town of Dursley. In the morning, we venture over Coaley Peak and past the Uley Long Barrow (burial ground) where your guide will share the history of English Neolithic sites and nearby burial grounds. We arrive in Dursley by late lunchtime to explore the market town and experience the local area. After our visit, we transfer to our accommodation in the nearby village, and our next walking destination, Wootton Under Edge. We enjoy two nights in our next hotel in Wootton.
Day 8 – Wotton-under-Edge Circular Walk
We wake up in Wootton Under Edge in one of the oldest properties during our trip. Once daysacks are packed and boots are on, we transfer back to Dursley to get hiking. Our route takes us along the Cotswold Way back to Wootton Under Edge. Around 8 miles of glorious pathway and hillside. Based on our speed, we have the option to extend the mileage on this day to walk a few extra miles out from Wootton under edge and towards our next check point, the small village of Wortley. We then transfer back to our hotel for another comfortable nights stay
Day 9 – Wotton-under-Edge to Tormarton
We pick up our walking route from where we left off. We savour the final two days walking towards our ultimate goal, to arrive into Bath. Today, we cover a considerable stretch of our walking route to arrive near the village of Tomarton. The secret of getting ahead is getting further. We cover the majority of the final days walking today, before resting in the sleepy village of Tomarton. We rest up, as tomorrow will mark the end of walking the Cotswold Way.
Day 10 – The final steps to Bath
Today we complete our walk to Bath – hiking the last 13 miles of the Cotswold Way. We lace up our boots after breakfast and depart from our accommodation on foot along our last stretch of trail. For those whom wish for a full day in Bath, there is the optional to participate in a mid morning shut directly into Bath to allow for more time enjoying the shops and attractions. For our walkers, we complete our route past the final check points of The Royal Crescent, The Circus and other famous Georgian Architecture. The Cotswold Way ‘end stamp’ lies on the floor outside of Bath Abbey, marking the end of our adventure. Enjoy time in Bath at leisure; in the afternoon, we have tickets to visit the Roman Baths museum and learn more about the Roman influence in this historical city. We enjoy our final night together as a group in our hotel for a final night meal!
Day 11 – Farewells
Depart at your leisure with an included transfer to Bath Station
Itinerary Designer
What stays with you is not a single viewpoint on the Cotswold Way, but the accumulation of days. Paths, villages and inns merge into one complete picture of the Cotswold countryside.
Gaby
Featured Experience
Walking the Cotswold Escarpment
Much of the Cotswold Way follows the limestone escarpment that defines the region’s western edge. Walking here brings long views across the Severn Vale.