Cotswold Way - 12 Days & 11 Nights
- Hike The Cotswold Way, one of England's finest National Trails
- Rose covered thatched cottages, in the picturesque villages of Chipping Campden & Stanton
- Sip a pint in a cozy traditional pub nestled in cobbled laned villages
- Enjoyable hikes through quintessential English countryside
- Visit the Roman city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city, at the end of the trail
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Chipping CampdenThe town of Chipping Campden is arguably the loveliest of the Cotswold towns and many people choose to stay an extra night here 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.
The Volunteer Inn is a 17th century pub with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They have cobbled courtyard and well maintained gardens which can be enjoyed during the summer months and a warm cosy log fire in the winter. Rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require. Please note that the pub is popular on the weekends and therefore you will hear some noise but we will try and accommodate you in a room as far away from the bar as possible.
A warm welcome awaits you at Park Road B&B, they are family run and have 2 lovely en-suite guest rooms. Their rooms are centrally heated with tea & coffee making facilities and all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
This tea room has en-suite accommodation upstairs. All rooms are tastefully decorated with a comfortable and cosy feel. The Bantam Tea Rooms was built in 1693 and directly overlooks the 17th Century Market Hall. There is also a peaceful, private guest lounge and on those cold mornings you can enjoy your delicious breakfast by the roaring log fire.
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 tea rooms 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.
Ascent: 380m / 1250 ft Descent: 425m / 1400 ft
Shenberrow is a country house in 8 acres of North Cotswolds’s little village of Stanton. All rooms for comfortably furnished with en-suite bathrooms and all the usual comforts in the way of TV & tea & coffee making facilities.
New Forge House is a comfortable B&B which has 2 double en-suite rooms. The rooms have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
Bed & Breakfast is offered in Jill's antique and flower-filled Cotswold house. Jill's breakfasts are legendary and will set you up for a day of activity. The choice of rooms each with en-suite shower and wash basin, sharing two hallway wc's. Additionally there is a double room with private bath and wc.
Leaving Stanton you soon arrive at the hamlet of Church Stanway and the ornate gatehouse and tithe barn of Stanway House. From here there is a steep climb up to Stumps Cross and onto the Iron Age Hill Fort of Beckbury Camp for commanding views over the surrounding area. A short descent takes you down to the remains of the medieval Hailes Abbey then continuing over the fields and into Winchcombe.
Ascent: 210m / 690 ft Descent: 235m / 770 ft
The Lion Inn is formerly a coaching inn dating back to the 1500s, following a major renovation the Inn has been given a new lease of life; the rooms now have their own individual style and character, rooms are clutter free which means they do not have TV’s. You can enjoy delicious home-cooked, locally-sourced food and a great selection of beer, wine and spirits in a beautiful, relaxing environment in the restaurant and bar.
The White Hart Inn is a 16th Century coaching inn in the centre of Winchcombe. They have eight en-suite guest rooms; all rooms have tea & coffee facilities, complementary bottled water, flat screen TV and free WI-FI. At the Wine and Sausage they believe that local produce, cooked creatively is the heart of a good restaurant. They also have a range of wines from around the world, the wine shop is next to the bar, showing off this year’s top 100 from over 2,500 wines tasted.
Blair House is an attractive late Georgian residence in the ancient Saxon town of Winchcombe. It has three guest bedrooms, all charmingly decorated. Each room has a TV, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. In addition there is a sitting room for guests on the ground floor, with magazines and TV. Located within walking distance of local pubs, restaurants and shops. And also a Tourist Information Centre during the summer months.
A scenic and historically interesting walk from Winchcombe, passing Sudeley Castle in the distance, and the Neolithic long barrow of Belas Knap. From here you ascend onto Cleeve Common with panoramic views over the Cheltenham countryside. Finally, the route takes you to the summit of Cleeve Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Way. Leaving Cleeve Hill, enjoy a series of outstanding panoramic views of the rolling green hills of the Cotswold countryside to Cheltenham and beyond. Pass through peaceful woodland and quiet country lanes before descending through Dowdeswell Wood to a reservoir and then on to Seven Springs (believed to be the source of the Thames).
As there are no accommodations in Seven Springs you will likely be overnighting in Cheltenham with an included return transfer.
Ascent: 625m / 2050 ft Descent: 505m / 1660 ft
Cotswold Grange is an independent hotel situated in a quiet leafy avenue of similar grand buildings. Rooms are equipped with a TV, radio, tea/coffee-making facilities. Beds have deep mattresses and crisp white linen sheets. Ornately decorated, the high ceilinged dining room has huge windows.
The George is inspired by the origniality and diversity of the local area.The George is approachable, warm and friendly and big on design and living like a local. The George offers 46 deisgn-led rooms which come equipped with blackout curtains, rainfall shower, Wi-Fi and a Smart TV. There is contactless check-in, a 24-hour pantry, and drop-and-go check-out. There are leisure amenities available, which can be booked through front of house team.
No.38 The Park offers a luxurious stay and a sublime selection of sustenance in the restaurant to fuel your adventures. In each one of the beautiful bespoke bedrooms, bold statement prints and mismatched textures are the order of the day. All of the bedrooms at No.38 The Park are dog friendly. No.38 The Park uniquely combines the luxury of a hotel with the independence of a bed and breakfast creating a warm and homely feel.
A transfer from your overnight accommodation will take you back to Seven Springs. Leaving the busy roads, you are soon in open countryside, ascending Hartley Hill and onto Leckhampton Hill with its panoramic views and interesting rock faces. The route then passes through the countryside and a short road section to climb Crickley Hill and finish in Birdlip.
Ascent: 190m / 630 ft Descent: 135m / 440 ft
An English Country Hotel set in 26 acres of grounds, which has views over the Gloucestershire Countryside. The hotel has 34 comfortable en-suite bedrooms of individual character. The restaurant offers a great selection of traditional British favourites, from hearty main courses to lighter snacks, complemented by a selection of carefully selected wines, cask ales and speciality teas and coffees.
A gentle woodland walk leads out of Birdlip following the foot of the escarpment towards Cooper’s Hill. The woods are a carpet of flowering plants in the spring. The path then climbs steeply up to the top of Cooper’s Hill, the scene of the famous annual Cheese Rolling festival! Continuing on through Buckholt Wood and Painswick Golf Course a short detour to Painswick Beacon is recommended. From here the path leads downhill into the delight that is Painswick itself.
Ascent: 240m / 780 ft Descent: 355m / 1165 ft
Troy House is situated in the queen of the Cotswolds - the village of Painswick. It is set in a grade 2 listed building with original features. Off set in a private courtyard allowing ultimate relaxation and tranquillity. Each room has been decorated in natural colours and have all the amenities you require for your overnight stay.
St Anne’s B&B is a traditional English country home furnished with antiques, a log fire and relaxed family atmosphere. They have three guest rooms which are all comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require. The dining room has a large sofa and you are welcome to relax in front of the fire or read the newspapers.
Dating back to 1554 the Falcon is a small hotel and restaurant overlooking the historic village church and it's famous 99 clipped yew trees. All 11 rooms are en-suite, tastefully decorated and have comfortable beds with crisp, white linen. Facilities include toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, free wi-fi, freeview TV, radio alarm clock and hair dryer. An iron, ironing board and fans are available on request. Their restaurant offers the best of fresh, seasonal British food with an interesting twist in the belief that a dish should be savoured to the very last mouthful.
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.
Ascent: 255m / 840 ft Descent: 355m / 1165 ft
Orchardene is a B&B that was built in the early 1820's, in rural King Stanley. Each room has facilities for making a hot drink, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit teas, and fresh milk.
They also provide each room with toiletries, a hair dryer and digital clock radio. Wi-fi access is available free of charge.
The Grey Cottage is built of local Cotswold stone in 1838 and is located between the villages of Leonard Stanley & Kings Stanley. The property is situated in a quarter acre of flower garden. On the ground floor are comfortably furnished sitting and dining rooms with views over the garden. These have genuine log fires lit for when it gets chilly. Flat screen TV. Free WiFi. Rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
A 36-bedroom, 17th century Manor House hotel set in six acres of stunning grounds overlooking the Stroud Water Canal and rolling hills of the Stroud Valley.
Please note when staying for the weekend, sometimes there are functions which involve loud music until 00:30.
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.
Ascent: 640m / 2100 ft Descent: 590m / 1935 ft
The Swan is a former coaching Inn; it has a wealth of charm and character enhanced by original features including beamed ceilings, stone floors and exposed walls plus 3 open fires and traditional furniture. The restaurant offers a modern and contemporary feel while still retaining the character and features of a period building. They pride themselves on serving high quality food and where the ingredients are sourced locally for their seasonal menus.
Woodland House has six bedrooms.They have a games room with full size table tennis and comfortable leather sofas for relaxing. They also haveo a guest lounge where guests can relax, watch television and have unlimited teas and coffee. A fridge and microwave are also available.
All rooms have Netflix and ‘freesat’ on 32 inch smart televisions, along with high speed broadband and free Wi-Fi.
They offer in-house sports massage and physiotherapy treatments (prior booking needed).
With its beamed ceilings, flagstones floors, and open fires, this 16th-century coaching inn is brimming with original character and charm. Nestled in the lovely Gloucestershire countryside, you’ll find a warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere and cosy rooms. Hunters Hall is a wonderful base for exploring the stunning Cotswolds.
From Wotton, the route leads along a lovely stream to Coombe, then steeply up Blackquarries hill for commanding views across the surrounding area. Around Worley Hill and through the woods the way descends via a sunken lane to the edge of Wortley. From here the path meanders through quiet countryside, past the imposing Somerset Monument, to Horton and the impressive Iron Age hill fort at Little Sodbury. Finally, you descend through the old churchyard to finish in Old Sodbury.
Ascent: 405m / 1330 ft Descent: 410m / 1345 ft
Situated in its own spacious grounds of lawns and fruit trees, this former farmstead dates from the 1700's and its rustic charm is complemented by modern restoration. All rooms have been thoughtfully refurbished to a high standard to provide comfortable facilities and offer tea and coffee, TV, radio and hair dryer.
Richard and Jennifer Woolley have been running this B&B since 1987, the house is very tranquil and provides a peaceful and relaxing end you walking day. They have 2 guest rooms which are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
The Dog Inn is 500 years old, Grade II Listed, and offers comfortable accommodations retaining all the charm and character of its age. All rooms are fitted with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests. The pub sells a great variety of food and drinks.
Today is another mostly rural day, crossing fields and farmland to the pretty Dyrham Park, a beautiful old mansion nestling in an ancient deer park. Climb through Dyrham Woods, and continue onward to the village of Cold Ashton. The hamlet is built around a quaint 16th-century church and is a delightfully quiet place to spend the night before your final stretch into Bath.
Ascent: 185m / 610 ft Descent: 100m / 330 ft
In some cases, due to the lack of accommodations in Cold Ashton, you may be staying in the village of Pennsylvania which is approximately 1.5 before you reach Cold Ashton. This will shorten this walk by 1.5 miles (2.5km) but in turn, will add the distance to your walk the following day.
Hill Farm used to be a working farm and the barns were converted in 2012 to provide B&B accommodation, the heating and hot water is provided through eco-friendly means, and a warm drying space is provided for clothes and boots. The facilities in the kitchen-diner provide you with fresh eggs, bacon and all the trimmings for you to cook your own breakfast.
Homely Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of the pretty Cotswold village of Cold Ashton. The village boasts great views over the picturesque St. Catherine’s valley, a 17th century Manor Court, Rectory, and Mediaeval Parish Church.
Angela will welcome you to this 17th-century country house. You will have free Wi-Fi, drying room and laundry service available.
Leaving Cold Ashton the route crosses the A46 for the last time and heads along Greenway Lane before the ascent up onto Lansdown Hill. Crossing the Civil War battlefield to the Grenville Monument, the Cotswold Way heads out to the scarp edge at Hanging Hill and around Bath Race Course to Prospect Stile Viewpoint and fine vistas of your final destination. Now it’s downhill and through the suburbs, parks and historic streets of Bath to the finish at the Abbey.
Ascent: 260m / 850 ft Descent: 430m / 1410 ft
The Kennard offers comfortable accommodation in an elegant Georgian town house dating from 1794 and located just minutes from the Roman Baths and the new Thermae Spa Complex. You will find modern features including plasma-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi internet. The breakfast room is hung with Venetian chandeliers and is the place to enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast.
They are a small and independent townhouse hotel in the heart of Bath. They have eight bedrooms that effortlessly marry past and present. Each one has its own history and charms, yet all share the latest in up-to-the-minute creature comforts. In their restaurant they serve eight dishes that change with the seasons. All of their plates are small so you can choose two, three or four each and savour the best ingredients available right now from coast, field and forest. Pair your selections with a glass or bottle from their extensive wine list or ask for a recommendation.
You are assured a very warm welcome at Oldfields House. The comfortable rooms offer all one would require to relax after a days walking. With chic décor, complimentary toiletries, tea/coffee making facilities and a flat screen TV, you have the perfect environment in which to unwind.
Check out after breakfast and take a train to London for onward travel connections. Alternatively, ask your Macs destination specialist about arranging extra nights in Bath to explore more of this beautiful small city.
This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?You’ll adore the Cotswold Way if you love the beautiful green countryside, picturesque villages, hearty homegrown food, and welcoming locals. This itinerary explores the full Cotswold Way over ten marvelous days of hiking- leaving you plenty of time to stop for historical sights, enjoy afternoon tea, and photograph the sheep! We recommend extra nights in Bath to enjoy the rich culture and ancient history.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
The Cotswold Way tour is rated easy to moderate overall. However, if you choose an itinerary which is 9 days or less, then the rating becomes moderate to strenuous, as you will be hiking more miles per day. The trail is on well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, across fields, golf courses and on some minor roads. It does involve some steep ascents and descents from the escarpment.
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected B&B’s, guesthouses and small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is always included.
Alternative accommodation
During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
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.
Cotswold Way is well waymarked and easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure App on your phone which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Cotswold Way: Chipping Campden to Bath, by Tricia & Bob Hayen (British Walking Guide). Trailblazers
- Cotswold Way Harvey Map 1:40,000
- Hand picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
- Door to door baggage transfers
- Detailed information, GPX tracks and route information with the Macs Adventure App
- Emergency telephone support
- Return taxi transfer from Seven Springs to Cheltenham (Due to lack of Accommodation)
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the hike
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Extra nights
You can start The Cotswold Way on any day of the week between the start of April and mid-October, subject to availability. It is great at any time throughout the season as all the flowers will be in bloom throughout this time. The Cotswolds are very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to.
** Please be aware that at the beginning of May the Badminton Horse Trials are held and it is a challenge to find accommodation in Kings Stanley, Old Sodbury and Cold Ashton during this time.
It should also be noted that we will not book accommodation in Stanton on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday night due to the fact there is no-where to eat in the village on those evenings. If your booking does land in Stanton on those days then we will amend your itinerary to include an overnight stop in Broadway and adjust the mileages. If Broadway is not available, we may also occasionally book 2 nights in Winchcombe and include return transfers at no extra cost.
Train services connect London to Moreton-in-Marsh (2h) and Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon (1h). If you wish to take a taxi from Moreton-in-Marsh this will need to be booked ahead of time as there is no taxi rank at the station or in the town. The cost from £25. Please check the following website for taxi information and to pre-book. Or you can walk from the station to the Corn Exchange (a 5 minute walk) and from here you can take a bus to Chipping Camden. It is the Line 22 bus, it takes approximately 25 minutes and the buses leave hourly (approx £3 cost). Please note buses do not run on Sundays.
Fast and frequent train 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.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
If you are travelling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on the tour for a fee of £25 per bag. These additional bags would be picked up from your accommodation at the start point of your tour and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you are doing. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time of our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard hiking/cycling gear such as good hiking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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.
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 hiking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least six months before your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
Please check with your destination specialist, and they will be more than happy to let you know if you can combine this Cotswold tour with others.
We would recommend Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and Hidcote, famous for its rare trees and shrubs. Click here for a full list of Gardens and Arboreta in the Cotswolds.
There are many houses and historical monuments throughout the Cotswolds, and what you can see depends on the itinerary you are doing. There are historic houses, rustic ruins and many museums for you to explore. Click here for a full list of Historic Houses and Museums.
You will need good hiking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable hiking clothes, waterproof jacket and pants, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
The Cotswold Way is sublime at any time between the end of March and beginning of October although the path is arguably at its most beautiful in the Spring.
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Hiking in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are world-famous for bustling market towns, beautiful villages, and stunning countryside. This short feature follows Mark and Sonia who spent their 30th wedding anniversary walking on a Macs Adventure hiking tour in the Cotswolds.
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