The Cotswold Way
Cotswold Way National Trail
The Cotswold Way is one of the UK’s most popular long-distance walks, offering 102 miles of stunning scenery and charming villages.
Stretching from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south, the trail runs the full length of the Cotswolds and passes through some of the country’s best-preserved historic sites.
Although it’s one of the shorter UK National Walking Trails (and one of the newest – it was inaugurated in 2007), the Cotswold Way still features plenty of rolling hills and a few challenging climbs, making it an ideal Cotswolds walking holiday in England for international visitors.
Cotswold Way Hiking Tours
Walk the entire route over 8, 10 or 12 days on a self-guided trip as we take care of luggage transfers and accommodation. Or see the best parts of the Cotswold Way, with an expert local guide for company.
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Cotswold Way FAQs
Most walkers complete the 102-mile Cotswold Way in a 8 to 12 days, averaging 10–15 miles per day. Taking longer gives you more opportunity to explore the historic landmarks and the charming towns and villages along the way. Of course, walking it over more days does reduce the daily mileage.
Accommodation options along the trail can be limited at certain times, specially during peak season, so it’s worth keeping this in mind when choosing the length of your Cotswold Way walk.
The best way into the Cotswolds from London and most major cities is by a direct train from Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh
From there, visitors can take a short bus or taxi to the start of the Cotswold Way in Chipping Campden.
Fair or not, the UK’s weather has a reputation for being changeable. Generally, the best time to walk the Cotswold Way is between May and October, spanning late spring, summer, and into early autumn.
The Cotswold Way officially opened in 2007, so the signposts are still in excellent condition, with clear markers along the entire route. As you walk, look out for the National Trail acorn symbol on the wooden waymarkers.
That said, we still recommend carrying a map as a backup. If you use a GPS watch, it’s also a good idea to download the route before you set off.
The Cotswold Way is an unforgettable 102-mile adventure. Booking with a specialist tour company like us ensures you can focus entirely on enjoying the journey. We take care of all the logistics, from carefully selected accommodation and daily luggage transfers to detailed route notes and on-hand 24/7 support.
Instead of worrying about where you’ll stay, how your bags will get there, or what to do if plans change, you’re free to immerse yourself in the rolling hills, honey-coloured villages and sweeping countryside views that make the Cotswolds so special.
Good question! Our guide to walking the Cotswold Way has all the answers.
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Extraordinary Local Guides
At Active England Tours, we’re all about unique, authentic adventure, curated and operated by extraordinary local guides.
Our guides are the heartbeat of our tours. With their local wisdom, can-do attitude and an eye for the unusual, our mission is to be perfect companions on your adventures around the UK.
Cotswold resident Dan, is one of our lead guides. Watch as he rides some of his favourite roads in the area.
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