August 22, 2024
16 mins
Destination: Cotswolds
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A Guide to Hiking in the Cotswolds
Thanks to its rolling hills, stunning honey-coloured villages and historic market towns, the Cotswolds offers plenty of appeal to all kinds of visitors. But, in our book, this relatively small corner of South-Central England offers some of the best walking in the entire country.
Large swathes of rural land deliver hikers a feeling of wilderness and remoteness, the region’s plentiful towns and villages keep ramblers well fed and watered, plus offering a place to lay your head at the day’s end. Then there are the points of interest, such as Blenheim Palace, that pepper the Cotswold landscape.
Along the way, international walkers will be practically tripping over classic English scenery in the Cotswolds. From the local pubs to razor-sharp village greens to bright red Royal Mail postboxes, the Cotswolds delivers a real taste of rural England.
Anything from a 2-mile loop to a moderate 7-mile walk or a multi-day end-to-end epic is rewarding in the Cotswolds, so grab your walking boots as we take you through our guide to hiking in the Cotswolds.
What is the hiking like in the Cotswolds?
Hiking in the Cotswolds can be described as ‘moderate’. The topography of the region is such that walkers will encounter some rolling terrain but nothing insurmountable for a hiker with a basic level of fitness.
The highest point in the Cotswolds is Cleeve Hill, just over 1000ft above sea level – three times less than the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike.
And for those hikers who do enjoy a challenge, the Cotswold Escarpment along the region’s Northern or Western Edge can offer some steeper or longer ascents. Or you could tackle the 100-mile Cotswold Way – more of which later.
On-the-ground, walking routes in the Cotswolds include footpaths (accessible to those only on foot), Bridleways (accessible by foot, bike or horse) and quiet single-track routes. By law, footpaths should be at least a metre wide, bridleways at least two.
Footpaths and bridleways in the Cotswolds won’t usually last longer than a mile or so before they intersect with a road or another path. Many of these ‘rights of way’ make use of old roads long since forgotten, droving routes or some even older than that – for example, the famous Roman route, The Fosse Way or The Salt Way – a route taken by those transporting salt from mines from further West and North to the Thames and onto London for use in food preservation.
Hiking routes in the Cotswolds are marked by anything from a small arrow on a post to a larger sign erected on a pole. Typically, directional arrows are added at changes in direction or transition from one place to the next e.g. a field boundary.
When hiking in the Cotswolds, we’d recommend purchasing a login to OSMaps or using one of their paper maps. These can be easily obtained at shops in the region. OS Maps include all walking routes and often highlight national trails or the more popular waymarked routes.
Being an important agricultural region many of the walking routes cross grass or arable fields. As such hiking routes in the Cotswolds usually include an obstacle of some sort. A stile, a kissing gate or a regular gate will take you from one field to the next.
Conditions underfoot can vary dramatically from season to season. In Spring, grassland grows long and rich. In summer it’s not usual to find yourself walking on mud, baked rock hard in the sun, surrounded by crops on all sides. Come Autumn the ground can be cultivated and trickier to walk on, before mud the mud returns in winter.
Major Walking Routes in the Cotswolds – National Trails & Long Distance Routes
With over 3000 miles of footpaths, the walking network in the Cotswolds is ripe for exploration.
Several National Trails crisscross the region as do many shorter regional routes. Most of these hiking routes are way-marked and many are backed up by free access to digital GPX routes.
Let’s explore some of the more well-publicised walking routes in the Cotswolds
Cotswold Way
Distance: 102 miles (164 kilometers)
Starting point: Chipping Campden
Finish point: Bath
The Cotswold Way is the most famous and most well-trodden route in the Cotswolds. It should take between 1- 2 weeks to walk the entire route depending on how many miles you want to walk each day and how many stops and points of interest you’d like to see along the trail. Moderate in difficulty we’d recommend it suitable for those who enjoy walking or hiking as the length of the entire walk plus the steep inclines along the way can present a challenge.
Active England Tip: Although you do have to complete the entire Cotswold Way to achieve the satisfaction of the complete end-to-end, you don’t have to walk the length of the way to enjoy the landscapes en route. We recommend a circular route from one of the many points along the Cotswold Way. As an example, there is a 6-mile loop that takes you through Stanton and Snowshill with breathtaking views and the opportunity to visit National Trust Snowshill Manor and Gardens. Equally, the end of the Cotswold Way is a 6-mile walk into Bath through open farmland, past the Royal Crescent and ending by the splendid Bath Abbey.
Diamond Way
Distance: 66 miles (102 kilometers)
Starting and finish point: Moreton-in-Marsh
The clue is in the name. This hiking trail is in a rough diamond shape when drawn on a map and stretches from Northleach in the South to Chipping Campden in the North, Guiting Power in the West and Bourton-on-the-Water in the East. It is a route that will be more suitable for those starting with long-distance hiking but equally provides a challenge for seasoned walkers. The path crosses undulating farmland and woods, dipping into steep valleys and passing through numerous sleepy villages of honey-coloured stone. Much of the route explores quiet areas of the Cotswold Hills.
Active England Tip: To complete the entire route, with time to enjoy it, we would recommend a 7-day itinerary. It is one of the best ways to tick off some of the more famous towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh whilst exploring the lesser-known beauties of Guiting Power and Ebrington.
Macmillan Way – Cross Cotswold Pathway
Distance: 86 miles (138 kilometers)
Start point: Banbury
Finish Point: Bath
The Macmillan Way is a 470km coast-to-coast long-distance path that has been developed to increase public awareness of Macmillan Cancer Relief and to assist in raising funds for this charitable organisation. There are different sections of the route and the Cross Cotswold Pathway covers Warmington to Stow-on-the-Wold, then follows a glorious section through the Cotswold Hills via Cirencester and Tetbury to Bradford-on-Avon.
Active England Tip: If the whole section is too much, we recommend choosing a loop near Tetbury which you could then combine with a visit to Highgrove, the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Monarchs’ Way
Distance: 625 miles (948 kilometers)
Start: Powick Bridge, Worcester
Finish: Shoreham-by-Sea Harbour
This long-distance walking route which cuts through the Cotswolds is based on the lengthy route King Charles II took during his escape after defeat by Cromwell in the final battle of the Civil Wars at Worcester in 1651 when he was pursued by Parliamentary troops for six weeks. The section that weaves through the Cotswolds crosses over with The Cotswold Way and covers from Chipping Campden down to Tetbury in the south Cotswolds.
Active England Tip: We recommend picking a section to walk and completing a circular route to explore several Cotswold towns during your hike. Walk between Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water (and back again) to avoid one of the more crowded areas of the Cotswolds and take in views of the River Eye at Lower Slaughter. At 10–12 miles this is a route which can easily be achieved in a day.
River Coln Trail
Distance: 33 miles
Start: Winchcombe
Finish: Lechlade
This new hiking trail in the Cotswolds was launched in March 2024. It provides a solid hike along the River Coln from its source near Winchcombe to its confluence with the River Thames at Lechlade. The River Coln Trail is well-signposted and provides a link between the longer, more popular routes of The Cotswold Way and The Thames Path.
Active England Tip: This route slices right through the heart of the Cotswolds and the complete route could be achieved in 2-3 days. If you prefer a shorter option make sure to walk part of the route that passes via Bibury to have a glimpse of the famous Arlington Row.
Thames Path
Distance: 185 miles (298 kilometers)
Start: Source of the River Thames, near Kemble, Cotswolds
Finish: Woolwich, London
The Thames Path follows the greatest river in England past water meadows, unspoilt rural villages and historical towns and cities. The Thames Path is mostly flat and easy to navigate. It’s easy to tackle parts of the route over a weekend or enjoy a longer hike over several days.
Active England Tip: Start the walk in the Cotswolds and enjoy the idyllic, peaceful start to the river from its source. Then use public transport to travel into London and follow the last couple of miles of the Thames past some of London’s most famous landmarks until you reach Woolwich.
Wardens’ Way
Distance: 14 miles (22 kilometers)
Start: Bourton-on-the-Water
Finish: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
This walk is a fabulous walk that links to the Cotswold Way at its endpoint in Winchcombe. Unlike some other Cotswold routes with steeper inclines, the Warden’s Way takes you through the picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, Guiting Power and Naunton. It is the ideal way to see some of the prettiest villages the Cotswolds has to offer.
Active England Tip: This route is manageable within a day if you are comfortable with the longer distance or take two days to go at a slower pace. We recommend starting early, to make the most of Bourton-on-the-Water before it becomes busier as tourists arrive.
Winchcombe Way
Distance: 42 miles
Start and Finish point: Winchcombe
This figure of eight loop is designed to show off areas of the Northern Cotswolds, centred around Winchcombe. It is very well signposted and covers a breadth of scenery and landmarks from Snowshill to Sudeley Castle and Guiting Woods. Its varied terrain and several ascents make this a more challenging walk. But at the top of every climb is a magnificent view!
Active England Tip: Make some time to drop into Snowshill, one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Further down the hill is Snowshill Manor an unconventional home packed with items from eccentric ex-owner, Charles Paget Wade.
Map of Major Hiking Routes in the Cotswolds
Cotswold River Walks
Whilst there are no major rivers in the Cotswolds there are several minor water courses that attract the eye.
The River Windrush, the River Coln, the River Evenlode and the River Eye are four of the most picturesque. In summer, these rivers are little more than babbling streams, the perfect soundtrack to a morning, afternoon or full day out in your walking boots.
If you like the sound of hiking by the water, these are our top 5 river walks in the Cotswolds.
Cotswold Pub Walks
After a refreshing stroll through the countryside, there’s nothing like relaxing with a refreshing beverage. The Cotswolds offers the perfect setting for a pub walk with its picturesque rolling hills, expansive panoramic vistas, winding lanes, and vibrant historical landmarks, along with the charming traditional English pub, of course.
Many Cotswold pubs have expanded their offering to include accommodation alongside traditional food and drink so it’s now easier than ever to base your stay around a classical English pub.
By our rough count (using BBPA data) there are over 1000 pubs in the greater Cotswold area – so plenty to choose from! But, if you’re looking for a route that highlights the uniqueness of the Cotswolds and combines a cosy watering hole to quench your thirst, here are ten of our favourite pub walks in the Cotswolds. Just be sure to order a Cotswold beer as your drink!
Cotswold Winter Walks
For an alternative walking holiday in the Cotswolds, you could try visiting during winter. Though some attractions close for winter and pubs and cafes operate on slightly reduced hours, winter walking in the Cotswolds is very much possible and arguably even more magical than during the more popular months.
Leave the busier summer crowds and walk through the English Cotswold countryside enjoying the crisp winter air, the views of rolling hills and the crunch under your walking boots. Marvel at the small honey-stoned villages, ice frozen on the tips of thatched cottages and smoke rising gently from chimneys. Travel in the run-up to Christmas and enjoy the seasonal hubbub of the larger towns in the Cotswolds like Stow-on-the-Wold – if you’re lucky you might even catch a seasonal local market.
If you like the sound of a bracing hike, take a look at our selection of the best winter walks in the Cotswolds – alternatively, we offer guided and self-guided walking tours of the Cotswolds from November right through to March.
Places to Stay When Hiking in the Cotswolds
Thanks to a buoyant tourism market there are many places to stay in the Cotswolds when hiking. From rural AirBnBs to country hotels and more luxurious options there’s something for every budget and thanks to the popularity of walking in the region, lodging owners are accommodating of walkers.
Chipping Campden is our preferred base for Cotswold walking – especially if you are visiting the Cotswolds via public transport. It marks the beginning of the 100-mile Cotswold Way and offers wonderful opportunities for both short and long walks. From Chipping Campden, you can easily access Batsford, Blockley, Broadway, Broadway Tower, Hidcote, Sezincote, and Snowshill. And come evening, there’s enough going on to keep travellers entertained.
One of our favourite Cotswold walks from Chipping Campden leads to Hidcote Gardens and onto Ebrington, a village away from more well-trodden hiking routes. For a full day of exploration, you can extend the loop to the charming village of Ilmington, passing by the impressive Foxcote House. Although the house is private, you can still admire its grand facade from the public footpaths that cross the estate. Just be sure to stop at the Ebrington Arms, one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds.
Weather in the Cotswolds
Like much of England and the UK for that matter, the weather in the Cotswolds can vary, and it’s sensible that travellers come prepared for all weather conditions. Rain is frequent throughout the year and it’s not unusual to find snow on the Cotswold hills in winter. In more exposed areas, winds can be strong but are very rarely dangerous.
In Spring temperatures average between 44°F to 53°F (7 °C to 12 °C). Come Summer average daytime temperatures range from 64 °F to 71°F (18°C to 22°C). In September, October, and November ranges from 51°F to 60°F (11°C to 16°C). Visit the Cotswolds in Winter and the thermometer averages between 39°F and 46°F (4°C to 8°C).
When to go hiking in the Cotswolds
Despite its northerly latitude, the Cotswolds has a mild climate year-round, owing to the influence of the Gulf Stream, similar to the Pacific Northwest of the US, with steady temperatures and relatively high rainfall. Despite the odd day of extreme temperatures – both at the low and high ends of the thermometer – it’s possible to hike year round the Cotswolds.
The longer days and warmer temperatures mean that summer (June-August) is the most popular time to go hiking in the Cotswolds. Summers of recent times, those since the turn of the millennium, have been warm with some days becoming very hot.
Whilst summer is a fantastic time to go hiking in the Cotswolds, our favourite months to walk in the Cotswolds are May and September. The weather is milder and there are fewer visitors.
In May, Spring is in full swing and there’s a feeling of optimism in the air – the entire summer stretching out before you. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a farmer cutting silage in a field or swooping Swallows and House Martins in the sky.
Come September the onset of Autumn brings new sights and smells. From the final crop harvests in the fields to the arrival of fall foliage there’s plenty to arouse your senses.
Autumn mornings also have a particular quality to them. Before it’s quickly burnt off by the sun, atmospheric low mist seeps into every nook and cranny giving dramatic Cotswold scenery even more reverence. Here’s former chairman of the CPRE, Sir Nigel Thompson: “Mist is like a universal corrector in the way it veils the imperfections of the middle ground. It softens sharp edges and disguises the influence of man – it puts nature on show.”
What to wear
As is the case for any outdoor pursuit, for walking in the Cotswolds, it’s a sensible idea to come prepared for any weather. The walking isn’t very technical so walking poles aren’t a necessity though they can help for those hikers tackling steeper ascents or more long-distance routes. For a week’s hiking holiday in the Cotswolds here’s what we suggest:
- 2-3 sets of comfortable walking clothes
- Water and windproof jacket and trousers
- Comfortable footwear suitable for walking
- Small day backpack for personal items
- Sun hat and suncream
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
As far as casualwear goes, all restaurants and pubs are very relaxed. Jeans, chinos and trainers or comfortable footwear are accepted in 99% of establishments.
Things to See Along the Way
The breathtaking beauty of the Cotswolds might be enough for some hikers, but for those looking to dive into the region’s history, heritage and other attractions there’s plenty on offer.
Top things to do in the Cotswolds include visiting the array of castles and stately homes, classic English gardens or ambling around some of the best villages and towns in the area. There’s more than enough to last a week so here’s a condensed list, that’s of particular relevance to walkers in the regions.
Best for green-fingered visitors: Hidcote Gardens. This Arts and Crafts garden is renowned for its intricate outdoor “rooms,” each with a unique character and planting scheme. For walkers visiting the area, Hidcote is a manageable 8-10 mile out-and-back walk from Chipping Campden. Leave Chipping Campden in the morning and arrive at Hidcote for lunch. Tour the gardens before returning to base in the evening.
Best for history buffs: Chedworth Roman Villa. The fascinating Chedworth Roman Villa is where you’ll find the archaeological remains of one of Britain’s grandest Roman villas. It’s possible to incorporate a visit during a point-to-point walk between there and the small, but very beautiful village of Bibury.
Best for naturalists: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. Westonbirt Arboretum is home to more than 2,500 diverse plant and tree species from around the world, adding an exotic touch to the Cotswolds. This National Arboretum offers an ideal setting for relaxation and adventure or a bit of both!
Hiking Tours in the Cotswolds
For hikers visiting the Cotswolds, particularly those visiting from aboard, joining a hiking tour – either guided or self-guided – is a great idea. The best Cotswold walking tours will take you on excellent walking routes and weave in points of interest along the way. Then there’s the handpicked accommodation, cosy pubs and if you’re on a guided trip the knowledge, experience and company of an expert local guide.
That wraps up our bumper guide to hiking in the Cotswolds. If we’ve missed anything along the way, ask away in the comments below.
