12 Day Self-guided Cotswold Way Walking Tour

After arriving at Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, our friendly local guide will be on hand to welcome you and transfer you to the start of the Cotswold Way at Chipping Campden. Before you set off we’ll ensure you have all the necessary information to make your Cotswold Way hike truly memorable. The waymarked way heads out of Chipping Campden to Dover’s Hill – the site of the annual Cotswold Olimpik Games – an event which stretches back nearly 400 years. From there, it’s onwards to the turreted Broadway Tower and its stunning views across what feels like much of South-West England and Wales. Today’s walk continues with a descent into the idyllic village of Broadway and its wide main street flanked by independent shops and cafes. Explore the village at your leisure and rest up after your first day’s adventure.

10.5 miles

Accommodation for night 1: Broadway

Day two on the Cotswold Way and today’s walk meanders through endlessly beautiful scenery in the North Cotswolds. Make time to explore the 13th-century Hailes Abbey before lunching at nearby Hayles Fruit Farm. From there it’s onto the large village (or small town) of Winchcombe. Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe oozes history as does the Neolithic burial site of Belas Knap. 

7.5 miles

Accommodation for night 2: Winchcombe

From Winchcombe, your walk continues to wriggle South along the Cotswold Way. Today’s destination is the small village of Dowdeswell. The Cotswold escarpment is at its most dramatic here, with far-reaching views over Cheltenham to the River Severn Estuary and beyond. The walk finishes overlooking the spa town of Cheltenham at Cleeve Hill – the highest point in the Cotswolds.

11 miles

Accommodation for night 3: Cleeve Hill

Leaving Dowdeswell, you’ll quickly come across ‘Devil’s Chimney’, a tor known locally for its excellent views. After pausing here, the path takes a downhill course through Dowdeswell Reservoir. We suggest pausing for a coffee break at Seven Springs, although you’ll find several excellent lunch options here. A notable one is the Star Bistro, which is situated within the magnificent grounds of the Ullenwood estate. Alternatively, you can opt to continue your trek to 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.

10 miles

Accommodation for night 4: Birdlip

The morning hike takes you past the remnants of an ancient Roman villa at Great Whitcombe, followed by a picturesque walk along Cooper’s Hill – renowned globally for the maverick ‘cheese-rolling’ event. After feasting a delicious lunch at the Royal William pub, you’ll trek uphill towards the Painswick Beacon, where you can explore an Iron Age fort and relish another stunning view. A leisurely downhill walk will lead you to the small village of Painswick, famous for its stunning Rococo Gardens and rich historical heritage.

7 miles

Accommodation for night 5: Painswick

Follow the Cotswold Way signs from your accommodation and out of the village, West through the sloping woodland at Standish. Some of the Beech trees here are over 200 years old. Look out for Buzzards soaring high above your head or delicate wildflowers and butterflies down at ground level. Continue through open grassland to your accommodation at Stonehouse on the outskirts of the artistic town of Stroud.

9 miles

Accommodation for night 6: Stonehouse

From Stonehouse, the Cotswold continue through the regal-sounding King’s Stanley – an attractive village surrounded by Cotswold hills. The afternoon’s itinerary is steeped in ancient history, taking you past an Iron Age hillfort and Hetty Pegler’s Tump, a partially reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound overlooking the Severn Valley.

9.5 miles

Accommodation for night 7: Dursley

With a 7-mile walk on the menu today, your arrival in Bath is getting ever nearer. Leaving Dursley you’ll also come across the striking Tyndale Monument, standing 111 feet tall atop a hill called ‘Nibley Knoll’. 

7 miles

Accommodation for night 8: Wotton-under-Edge

This morning’s trail starts from Wotton-under-Edge and takes you through more breathtaking countryside and picturesque Cotswold villages. We suggest stopping for lunch at The Fox Inn in Hawkesbury Upton, a local favourite, before exploring the Tudor manor of Horton Court which dates back to around 1185. This manor has been used as a filming location for Poldark and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. After that, you’ll walk through Dodington Park, an exquisite estate designed by the renowned English gardener Capability Brown, before reaching the village of Old Sodbury at day’s end.

13 miles

Accommodation for night 9: Old Sodbury

Your penultimate day of the walking tour starts with a pleasant hike towards the perimeter wall of the 17th-century Dyrham House. This beautiful William and Mary mansion is situated in an ancient deer park. Take a moment to explore the estate and visit the traditional tearoom café before continuing on the trail. Rest up at Cold Ashton before tomorrow’s final push to the finish in Bath.

8.5 miles

Accommodation for night 10: Cold Ashton

The last day on the Cotswold Way leads you via the southernmost point of the Cotswold ridgeline towards Bath, passing several battle sites from the English Civil War along the way. As 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 heart of the city, the perfect place to celebrate the end of your journey.

10 miles

Accommodation for night 11: Bath

After enjoying a relaxed (and well-deserved breakfast), you can depart Bath at your leisure. using the various public transport options available. Alternatively, some guests prefer to extend their stay in Bath, exploring the city’s renowned restaurants, theatres, galleries, and canals. If you need any assistance with booking additional nights’ accommodation or arranging onward travel, we would be delighted to help you.