As a Cotswold Way specialist we offer a wide range of itineraries on the Cotswold Way ranging from 5 to 10 days of walking. Each itinerary detailed on the left is made up of the following sections.
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...,
Navigation
The Cotswold Way is a National Trail and is fully way marked and easy to follow. A comprehensive guidebook and map are also supplied.
Grade
The way is on well maintained footpaths, bridleways, across fields and on some minor roads. It does involve some steep ascent and descent from the escarpment but in general the walking is fairly easy.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4 star B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is always included.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.
Solo Walkers
This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Dogs
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.
Recommended Reading
We supply a detailed guidebook and map but you may find room for a few titles in your pack. I suggest you visit The Cotswold Bookshop for a wealth of inspiration and books relating to the Cotswolds.
Useful Websites
Cotswold Way National Trail Website
Amusing Diary of The Cotswold Way
Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural
Tourist Guide to The Cotswolds
Cornerways - Chipping Campden
Cornerways is a family run bed and breakfast excellently situated just 2 minutes walk away from the centre of Chipping Campden's famous High Street.
Shenberrow Hill - Stanton
Shenberrow is an attractive country house which offers luxury accommodation in the lovely little village of Stanton.
White Hart Inn - Winchcombe
The White Hart Inn is a 16th Century coaching inn offering comfortable accommodation in the heart of Winchcombe. Delicious evening meals are available at the 'Wine and Sausage' restaurant at the Inn.
Malvern View - Cleeve Hill
This luxurious boutique hotel and restaurant is a pleasure to stay at with a warm welcome and outstanding service guaranteed.
Needlehole Forge - Leckhampton Hill
You are assured a warm welcome from Ann and Brian at Needlehole Forge which is located a stone's throw from the Cotswold Way. They pride themselves on creating a warm, relaxing and welcoming environment at this delightful country retreat.
Tibbiwell Lodge - Painswick
Tibbiwell Lodge offers comfortable accommodation with fantastic views and a superb location in the centre of Painswick.
Valley Views - Kings Stanley
Having recently received a Silver Enjoy England award our four star guest accommodation Valley Views has recently been renovated and refurbished to a high quality. You can be assured of a warm welcome from hostess Pam White.
Carlton House - Wotton-under-Edge
Built in the mid 17th century and Carlton House enjoys a prominent position in Wotton's main street and offers an ideal overnight stop to Cotswold Way walkers.
Sodbury House Hotel - Old Sodbury
Situated in its own spacious grounds of lawns and fruit trees, this former farmstead dates from the 1700's, its rustic charm complemented by modern restoration.
The Compass Inn - Tormarton
The Compass Inn hotel is a family run hotel under the Best Western chain. It offers modern accommodation in an 18th Century coaching inn and has a wonderful setting in 6 acres of beautifully kept grounds and gardens.
Laburnum Cottage - Cold Ashton
This lovely B&B provides a warm welcome to walkers and is a short stroll from the local pub which provides evening meals.
The Belmont - Bath
The Belmont offers modern and comfortable rooms in a city centre Georgian town house designed by John Wood in 1756. It is ideally located only a short walk away from all the shops and attractions of Bath.
Getting to Chipping Campden
Rail: Train services connect London to Moreton-on-Marsh (2h) and Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon(1h). Taxi or bus services are available for the respective 6 or 12 mile last leg to Chipping Campden.
Road: National Express coaches serve Bath, Cheltenham and Broadway. Unsecure on street parking is available in Chipping Campden.
Getting from Bath
Fast and frequent services connect Bath to London (1h30).
If you have left a car in Chipping Campden getting back from Bath on Public transport rail/bus takes about 3.5 hours. We don’t recommend you leave a car in Bath as long term parking is expensive.
Please visit the Traveline Website or National Rail Enquiries for further information on public transport and timetables.
We are often asked the following questions by walkers planning The Cotswold Way and I hope that you will find the following information useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
How fit do I need to be?
We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Cotswolds are extremely popular. If booking at short notice we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
When is the best time of year?
The Cotswold Way is sublime at any time between the end of March and beginning of October although my personal favourite time of year is the spring.
What is the best way to get to/from the walk?
We recommend you travel by train. Further travel information is available on our essential information page . If you are driving we recommend leaving your car in Chipping Campden where on street parking is available.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
You can start your Cotswold Way walking holiday on any day of the week during the months indicated below. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.
Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
Because every Cotswold holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:
- You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
- We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
- If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.
Please note that due to the badminton horse trials and the May bank holiday weekend the dates of 2 - 6 May are now full.
Available
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
| Code |
Tour Name |
Duration |
Grade |
From |
Book |
| WESCTS |
Cotswold Way |
5 - 10 days |
|
£415 |
Book |
| WESCTS4 |
Cotswold Way |
11 Days & 10 Nights |
|
£625 |
Book |
| WESCTS2 |
Cotswold Way |
9 Days & 8 Nights |
|
£505 |
Book |
| WESCTS5 |
Cotswold Way |
12 Days & 11 Nights |
|
£680 |
Book |
| WESCTS6 |
Cotswold Way - The North |
7 Days & 6 Nights |
|
£415 |
Book |
| WESCTS3 |
Cotswold Way |
10 Days & 9 Nights |
|
£555 |
Book |
| WESCTS1 |
Cotswold Way |
8 Days & 7 Nights |
|
£455 |
Book |
| WESCTS7 |
Cotswold Way - The South |
7 Days & 6 Nights |
|
£415 |
Book |
What's Included/Excluded?
Included
- Hand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in en-suite rooms.
- Door to door baggage transfer.
- A detailed info pack, guide book and map for the group leader.
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem.
Excluded
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
Options
- Single room supplement - If you require a single room in your party there is a single room supplement payable for each single room required.
- Solo walker supplement - If you are walking solo there is a solo walker supplement payable to cover the additional baggage transfer costs. This is in addition to the single room supplement.
- Extra nights - We suggest you extend your stay in the Cotswolds with an extra night in either Chipping Campden, Bath or both. You can also request an extra night along the way.
