Cotswold Way

Great for first-time and experienced hikers alike.

The trail follows well-maintained footpaths, bridle paths, forest trails, open fields and quiet country roads. Along the way, you’ll tackle some steep climbs and descents that shouldn’t be underestimated. After long spells of rain, expect muddy trails and slower progress. You’ll also cross fields with grazing livestock, so it helps to feel comfortable around sheep and cattle.

This route ranges from moderate to moderate-to-challenging, depending on which itinerary you choose. Daily difficulty can vary within each tour, so some days may feel a little easier or tougher than the overall rating suggests.

Choosing the right itinerary for you

To help you find the best fit, here’s how our Cotswold Way hiking tours compare:

• Moderate (10, 11 and 12 days): More days mean more manageable daily distances, with plenty of time to explore the villages, viewpoints and historic sites along the way.
• Moderate-to-challenging (8 and 9 days): Longer days on the trail, best suited to fit, experienced hikers.

Can’t commit to the full trail?

Why not split the trail in two and hike each half on a separate trip?

• Cotswold Way North (7 days): Hike the popular northern half of the trail, starting in Chipping Campden.
• Cotswold Way South (7 days): Hike the quieter southern half of the trail, finishing in the historic city of Bath.
• Escape to the Cotswolds (5 days): A short sampler of the trail, perfect if you’re short on time or want to add a few days in the Cotswolds to a wider trip around England.

Looking for something different?

• Cotswolds to Bath in Style (8 days): Not the Cotswold Way itself, but a relaxed walking trip with gentler days on the trail and stays in luxury hotels.

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of accommodation. You'll stay in carefully selected B&Bs, guesthouses, and small hotels, always with an en-suite or private bathroom.

During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodation that isn't listed in the day-by-day description - any alternative will be of the same or better standard as described.

If you're walking the full Cotswold Way or the Cotswold Way South, we'd recommend booking at least one extra night in Bath. There's plenty to do in this bustling city, known as the home of well-being - on our app, you'll find a pocket guide to recommended attractions (including the Roman Baths), restaurants, cafes, and things to do while you're there.

Important: many accommodations in the Cotswolds don't have air conditioning, which is common in this historic region, so rooms can get warm during the hottest months (typically June to mid-September). If air conditioning matters to you, we'd suggest traveling in the shoulder seasons of April, May, or October, when temperatures are milder.

Many buildings in the Cotswolds are historic, so air conditioning is uncommon. If this matters to you, we'd suggest travelling in the shoulder seasons of March, April or October, when temperatures are generally milder.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Single rooms within a group booking are offered subject to availability.

Breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation may be able to provide a packed lunch on request, bookable and payable on arrival, and our app also points out recommended lunch spots along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can set off on the Cotswold Way any day of the week, with the walking season typically running from late March through to late October, subject to availability. Because the Cotswolds are a popular destination, it's best to book as far ahead as you can.

The Badminton Horse Trials, held at the start of May, can make accommodation harder to find in some of the smaller villages along the route around that time.

Southern England can see warm weather over the summer months. Traveling in the quieter shoulder seasons of late March, early April or October means villages and trails tend to be less busy, though weather and underfoot conditions can be more changeable, with a chance of prolonged rain and muddy paths. October brings its own charm too, with cosy village pubs and log fires to warm up by after a day's walking.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved to your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

Travelling from further afield with more than one bag? For an extra fee, our local partner can store your extra luggage while you walk. They’ll collect it from your first accommodation and drop it off at your last, so it’s waiting for you at the end of your trip.

The Cotswold Way is well waymarked and easy to follow, with the National Trail acorn symbol guiding you along the way.

Navigation is straightforward using our app, which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, we recommend:

• Guidebook: Cotswold Way: Chipping Campden to Bath, by Tricia & Bob Hayen (British Walking Guide)
• Map: Trailblazers Cotswold Way Harvey Map 1:40,000

Getting to the start

For the full, north and escape itineraries (starting in Chipping Campden)

The easiest way to reach Chipping Campden is by train and bus. Most trips follow three simple steps:

1. Get to Moreton-in-Marsh. Direct trains run from London Paddington, taking about 2 hours. Coming from Birmingham? Take the train to Stratford-upon-Avon instead (about 1 hour).
2. Catch the bus or take a cab to Chipping Campden. From Moreton-in-Marsh station, it’s a five-minute walk to the Corn Exchange, where the Line 22 bus runs to Chipping Campden (about 25 minutes). Alternatively, look at booking a local taxi to take you there.

Arriving by plane?

The closest major airport is London Heathrow, though you can also fly into Birmingham. From the airport, follow the steps above to reach Chipping Campden.

• London Heathrow (LHR): Take the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh. From Moreton-in-Marsh, catch a local bus to Chipping Campden.
• Birmingham Airport (BHX): Take the train into Birmingham, then a train to Stratford-upon-Avon. From Stratford-upon-Avon, catch a local bus to Chipping Campden.

For the south itinerary (starting in Painswick)

The easiest way to reach Painswick is by train. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to Stroud. Direct trains run from London Paddington.
2. Take a short taxi or bus ride to Painswick. Painswick doesn’t have a train station, but it’s just a short journey from Stroud.

Arriving by plane?

The closest major airport is London Heathrow. Take the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then follow the steps above.

Getting from the end

For the full and south itineraries (departing from Bath)

Getting home from Bath is easy. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Head to Bath Spa station. The station is in the city centre and should be walkable from all accommodations in the city.
2. Connect to your onward journey. Fast, frequent trains run to London Paddington in about 1 hour 30 minutes. National Express coaches also serve the city.

Flying home?

The closest airport is London Heathrow.

• London Heathrow (LHR): Take the train to London Paddington, then the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to the airport.

For the North and Escape itineraries (departing from Painswick/Cheltenham)

Leaving from Painswick or Cheltenham

1. If overnighting in Painswick, take a short taxi or bus ride to Stroud or Cheltenham.
2. Catch the train to major transport hubs. From Stroud or Cheltenham, trains run to London and most major transport hubs.

Flying home?

The closest major airport is London Heathrow. Take the train to London Paddington, then the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to the airport.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation

Visit Hidcote before you start

If you arrive in Chipping Campden a day early, make time for Hidcote, one of England’s most famous gardens. Just a few miles from town, this Arts and Crafts garden is laid out as a series of outdoor “rooms,” each with its own character, from colorful borders to quiet hedged corners. It’s a lovely way to ease into the Cotswolds before your hike begins. Hidcote is cared for by the National Trust, the UK’s leading heritage charity, so check opening times before you go.

Explore Belas Knap

Near Winchcombe, Belas Knap is a Neolithic long barrow, an ancient burial mound built more than 5,000 years ago. It’s just a short detour from the trail, and you’ll often have it all to yourself.

Count the yew trees in Painswick

St Mary’s churchyard in Painswick is famous for its 99 clipped yew trees. Legend has it that whenever a 100th is planted, the devil pulls it up. See if you can count them all.

Walk past Cooper’s Hill, of cheese-rolling fame

Home to the famous cheese-rolling race, where brave locals chase a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down an impossibly steep slope.

Macs Adventure Pocket Guide to Bath

Your hike finishes in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city packed with Roman history, honey-colored Georgian terraces and independent shops and cafés. Make the most of your time here with our handy pocket guide on the Macs Adventure App. It’s full of our favorite spots, from the Roman Baths and the sweeping Royal Crescent to Pulteney Bridge, so you can explore the city like a local.