Day 1: Arrive Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is arguably the loveliest of the Cotswold towns and a great place to start your walk. A two hour train journey from Moreton-on-Marsh and a 6 mile taxi or bus brings you easily to the start of your holiday.
Day 2: 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 is a typical small Cotswold village with evening meals available from the local pub.
Day 3: Stanton to Winchcombe — 7 Miles
Tearing yourself away from the beauty of Stanton, you soon reach the hamlet of Church Stanway. The ornate guesthouse of Stanway House distracts from the 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. Winchcombe was once an important Saxon settlement and it’s folk museum and the gargoyles of the Church of St Peter are of interest. The ancient Saxon borough of Winchcombe offers plenty of facilities for walkers and holiday makers. There are several tea rooms serving typical English afternoon tea as well as several pubs .
Day 4: Winchcombe to Dowdeswell - 11 Miles
The last section is a scenic and historically interesting one, beginning with a six mile stretch to Cleeve Hill. The magnificent Sudeley Castle is soon followed by a Roman Villa and Belas Knap, a huge Neolithic burial chamber. Continuing on to Dowdeswell you will enjoy a series of outstanding views from the Cotswold escarpment. You will be staying overnight in the town of Charlton Kings, near Dowdeswell Reservoir.
Day 5: Depart Dowdeswell/Charlton Kings
If you have parked your car in Chipping Campden then you will need to get a bus from the nearby town of Cheltenham back to Moreton-on-Marsh or Broadway and then a taxi or bus will take you back to Chipping Campden. Cheltenham is also well linked by train services to London and Bath.
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.
Detmore House - Charlton Kings
Detmore House is a period property set in extensive grounds with spacious ensuite rooms. It is also very close to the towns of Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Cotswold Way making it an ideal base to explore the area.
Getting to/from Chipping Campden
Rail: Train services connect London to Moreton-on-Marsh (2hrs) and Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon (1hr). 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 Dowdeswell/Charlton Kings
Rail: The nearest train station to Charlton Kings where you will be staying on your last night is Cheltenham which is approx 3 miles away. The train from Cheltenham to London takes approx 2 hours or approx 1hr 30 to Bath.
If you have left a car in Chipping Campden getting back from Cheltenham on public transport takes about 3 hours. Please visit Traveline for further information.
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?
This walk is graded as easy to moderate because the daily distances are an average of 9 miles but it does involve some steep ascent and descent from the escarpment. 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 beginning of April and beginning of October although my personal favourite time of year is the spring.
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 the Escape to the Cotswolds short break on any date between April and 15th October, subject to availability. 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.
The Cotswold is very popular so please book as far ahead as possible and bear in mind bank holidays book up a long way in advance. May 2013 is booking up quickly, please book in advance to ensure your holiday is available.
Please note that due to the Badminton horse trials and the May bank holiday weekend the dates of the 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 |
| WESCTSSB |
Escape to the Cotswolds |
5 Days & 4 Nights |
|
£285 |
Book |
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.
