Cotswold Way Map and Itinerary

Arrive Chipping Campden

The town of Chipping Campden is arguably the loveliest of the Cotswold towns and many people choose to stay an extra night in Chipping Campden before starting the walk. A two hour train journey from London to Moreton-in-the-Marsh and 6 mile taxi or bus bring you easily to the start of your holiday.

Chipping Campden to Stanton—10 miles

Leaving the honey coloured architectural beauty of Chipping Campden behind you climb immediately onto the escarpment where Dover’s Hill and then Broadway Tower reward with fine views. The tearooms of Broadway are a welcome diversion before heading back into the hills. The idyllic village of Stanton welcomes you at the end of the section.

Stanton to Winchcombe—7 miles

Tearing yourself away from the beauty of Stanton you soon reach the hamlet of Church Stanway. The ornate gatehouse of Stanway House distracts from the steep climb to Stumps Cross which follows. The Iron Age hill fort Beckbury Camp and medieval Hailes Abbey are both of interest before you reach the hustle and bustle of Winchcombe. Winchecombe was once an important Saxon settlement and it’s folk museum and the gargoyles of the Church of St Peter are of interest.

Winchcombe to Dowdeswell—11 miles

The scenic and historically interesting six mile stretch to Cleve Hill. The magnificent Sudeley Castle is soon followed by a Roman Villa and Belas Knap, a huge Neolithic burial chamber. Cleeve Hill offers comfortable accommodation and refreshment but those continuing to Dowdeswell will enjoy a series of outstanding views from the Cotswold escarpment.

Dowdeswell to Birdlip—10 miles

A short sharp climb from Dowdeswell takes you back up onto the Wolds were the vistas continue to impress. The distinctive Devil’s Chimney and ancient site of Crickley Hill are both fascinating. Birdlip village has a traditional country inn.

Birdlip to Painswick—9 miles

A predominantly woodland walk which delights at any time of year, but especially the spring when wild flowers abound. You pass Coopers Hill, the site of the famous annual cheese rolling festival, before arriving in the delightful Painswick. An elegant town which grew prosperous from the cloth trade.

Painswick to King’s Stanley—8 miles

A sublime section of the Cotswold Way. Ancient woodlands, rural tranquillity and vast panoramas combine to deliver walking heaven. Stanley Mill on the edge of King’s Stanley once employed 1000 people and is an early example of fireproof construction.

King’s Stanley to Wotton-Under-Edge—14.5 miles

A series of short sharp ascents and descents, Neolithic burial chambers and Iron Age hill forts quickly eat up the six and a half miles to Dursley. Climbing steeply back to the scarp edge Tyndale Monument is the main point of interest before reaching Wotton-Under-Edge. A lovely stop which blends old and new.

Wotton-Under-Edge to Tormarton—15 miles

The first eight miles through valleys to Hawkesbury Upton is filled with mills and streams which serve as reminders of the woollen trade which was once so important. Leaving the escarpment behind at Hawkesbury Upton the rural isolation, small villages and tranquillity of the walk to Tormarton are to be recommended.

Tormarton to Bath—17 Miles

Numerous pleasures await on the final section of the Cotswold Way. The spectacular Dyrham Park, wonderful vistas and the architectural delights of Bath make for an unforgettable finale to your Cotswold Way walk.

Bath

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of England’s most popular destinations the City of Bath will surprise and delight you. We recommend adding an extra night in Bath. A fast and frequent train service can return you to London in 1.5 hours. 

Walking Direction

We recommend you walk from Chipping Campden to Bath as this gives a better walking experience.

Additional Nights

The Cotswolds are so engaging and there is so much to do that we strongly recommend extending your holiday. Chipping Campden and Bath are both excellent locations for an extra night. Painswick is a delightful market town and is perfectly located for a half way break.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange your tailor made walking holiday.

Other Cotswold Walking Holidays

We offer a number of other walking holidays and short breaks in the Cotswolds. For details of our other walking holidays in the Cotswolds click here...,

Price from £405.00 - BOOK NOW

View day to day itinerary

Read Full Accommodation & Travel Details