10 Day Self-guided Cotswold Way Walking Tour

Upon your arrival at Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, you will be greeted by our friendly local guide who will guide you to the starting point of the Cotswold Way in Chipping Campden. Our guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make your hike a truly memorable experience. The waymarked way takes you out of Chipping Campden to Dover’s Hill, the venue for the annual Cotswold Olimpik Games, a tradition that dates back almost 400 years. From there, you will continue your journey to Broadway Tower with breathtaking views across much of South-West England and Wales. Your hike continues with a descent into the charming village of Broadway, where you can explore the wide main street lined with independent shops and cafes. A short hike to Wood Stanway will mark the end of day memorable day one on the Cotswold Way.

12.5 miles

On your second day on the Cotswold Way, the route takes you through  stunning North Cotswold scenery. Take some time to visit the 13th-century Hailes Abbey before having lunch at the nearby Hayles Fruit Farm. Then, head towards Winchcombe, where you can explore the historic Sudeley Castle and the ancient Belas Knap burial site. After that, continue your walk south along the Cotswold Way to Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds. Here, you’ll witness the most dramatic view of the Cotswold escarpment, which overlooks Cheltenham and the River Severn Estuary.

11.5 miles

Leaving Cleeve Hill behind you, day 3 on The Cotswold Way takes you past you’ll pass a prominent Tor known locally as the ‘Devil’s Chimney’, before heading downhill through Dowdeswell reservoir. The well-marked path passes through the National Trust woodland at Crickley Hill, where you’ll find a fantastic café. From there, it’s a short walk to your lodgings in the verdant village of Birdlip.

15.5 miles

After long back-to-back days, today’s walk is a gentile 7 miles from Birdlip to Painswick. Pass the Painswick Beacon, where you can explore an Iron Age fort and relish another stunning view, before a leisurely downhill walk leads you to the small village of Painswick, famous for its stunning Rococo Gardens.

7 miles

From your accommodation, follow the signs of the Cotswold Way and head west, making your way through the sloping woodland at Standish. Admire the majestic beech trees and keep your eyes peeled for buzzards soaring high above you or delicate wildflowers and butterflies at your feet. As you make your way through open grassland and one past Stroud you’ll reach the pleasing hill at Coaley Peak. We’ll return you to Painswick in the evening.

11 miles

After a transfer from Painswick back to Coaley Peak, the aim of Day 6 on the Cotswold Way is to reach Wotton-under-Edge. We’re over halfway now, but the walking continues to delight. First up is the wonderfully named Hetty Pegler’s Tump, a partially reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound overlooking the Severn Valley. Then, Leaving Dursley you’ll also come across the striking Tyndale Monument, standing 111 feet tall atop a hill called ‘Nibley Knoll’. 

13 miles

Beginning at Wotton-under-Edge and heading through more awe-inspiring countryside and charming Cotswold villages, today’s 13-mile way is a cracker.We recommend taking a break for lunch at The Fox Inn in Hawkesbury Upton, a local gem, before exploring the Tudor manor of Horton Court, which dates back to around 1185. This manor has been featured as a filming location for popular TV shows such as Poldark and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. After that, you’ll continue your walk through Dodington Park, an exquisite estate designed by the renowned English gardener Capability Brown, before reaching the village of Old Sodbury by the end of the day.

13 miles

On the penultimate full-day of your walking tour, begin with a delightful hike towards the perimeter wall of the 17th-century Dyrham House. This stunning William and Mary mansion sits in an ancient deer park that’s worth exploring. Take a moment to visit the traditional tearoom café before continuing on the trail. Rest and recharge at Cold Ashton before tomorrow’s final push to the finish line in Bath.

8.5 miles

On the final day of your Cotswold Way journey, the trail takes you through the southernmost point of the Cotswold ridgeline towards Bath, passing several historic battle sites from the English Civil War along the way. Once you reach Bath, make sure to explore some of the iconic local landmarks such as the Royal Crescent, the Roman Baths, and the Jane Austen Museum. After a long day of sightseeing, unwind and relax at your hotel in the city, the perfect place to celebrate the end of your rewarding journey.

10 miles

Following a relaxing and well-deserved breakfast, you can depart Bath at your convenience, utilizing the numerous public transport options available. Alternatively, some guests prefer to extend their stay in Bath, taking advantage of the city’s renowned restaurants, theatres, galleries, and canals. If you require assistance with booking additional nights’ accommodation or arranging onward travel, we are more than happy to assist you.