8 Day Self-guided Cotswold Way Walking Tour

Arriving into Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, our friendly local guide will transfer you straight to the Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden. Among the golden-stone buildings, we introduce you to the area and provide all the information you’ll need for a memorable walking trip. Your tour then begins in earnest with a hike up Dover’s Hill. Site of the annual Cotswold Olimpick Games, popular ‘sports’ such as shin-kicking and tug o’ war have taken place here for 400 years. The trail then continues toward the stunning Broadway Tower. With its panoramic views all the way to Wales, it’s a perfect place for a quick coffee, before continuing into Broadway itself. As the afternoon draws to a close, you’ll end your first day in in the sleepy village of Stanton.

11 miles – 1300ft elevation

Today’s walk winds through gorgeous countryside toward the 13th century Cistercian abbey at Hailes, where you’ll find a beautiful Norman church adorned with fascinating hand-painted pre-1300 murals. Well worth exploring, we also recommend lunching at the nearby Hayles Fruit Farm, before continuing south toward the picturesque town of Winchcombe. During the afternoon, there’ll be chance to visit the magnificent Grade I Listed Sudeley Castle and the 5,500-year-old Neolithic burial site of Belas Knap. You’ll end the walk on Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds. After enjoying beautiful views over the spa town of Cheltenham you’ll rest up for the evening.

14 miles – 1800ft elevation

Hopping straight onto the trail, today’s walk begins on the Cotswold escarpment, offering spectacular views all the way to Wales. On route, you’ll pass a prominent Tor known locally as the ‘Devil’s Chimney’, before heading downhill through Dowdeswell reservoir. We suggest making a coffee stop at the Seven Springs, although there are also several excellent options here for lunch. The Star Bistro is particularly appealing, set within the majestic grounds of the Ullenwood estate. Alternatively, continue to the National Trust woodland at Crickley Hill, which has a fantastic café. From here, you’ll walk straight to your accommodation in the leafy village of Birdlip.

16.5 miles – 1900ft elevation

Passing the historic remains of a Roman villa at Great Whitcombe, this morning’s walk takes you along the top of Cooper’s Hill, famous around the world for the annual tradition of ‘cheese-rolling’. After lunching at the excellent Royal William pub, hike up to the Painswick Beacon, where you’ll find an Iron Age fort and one of the best views of the trip. A gentle downhill walk then leads you into Painswick itself, a historic town known for its beautiful Rococo Gardens. Today’s walk finishes with a visit to the artistic haven of Stroud, before bringing you into the attractive village of Kings Stanley.

17 miles – 1600ft Elevation

This morning’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. As you continue south, you’ll also happen upon the striking Tyndale Monument, standing 111 feet tall atop a hill called ‘Nibley Knoll’. After enjoying a traditional Cotswold lunch in the Black Horse pub at North Nibley, the afternoon sees you take a picturesque hike straight to the door of your next hotel in Wotton-under-Edge.

12 miles – 1800ft elevation

Setting out from Wotton-under-Edge, this morning’s trail winds through lush countryside and picture-perfect Cotswold villages. We recommend lunching at The Fox Inn in Hawkesbury Upton, a local favourite, before paying a visit to Horton Court. Well worth exploring, this Tudor manor dates to around 1185, and has been used as a filming location for both Poldark and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. From here you’ll walk through Dodington Park, a beautiful estate designed by celebrated English gardener Capability Brown, before continuing to the village of Old Sodbury. Today’s walk ends with a stroll through arable fields and farms toward Tormarton, where you’ll be able to enjoy an excellent pint of local ale in The Major’s Retreat, and when you’re ready for some R&R, your next hotel.

15 miles – 1700ft elevation

Your final day of walking begins with a hike to the perimeter wall of Dyrham House, a 17th century William and Mary mansion nestled within an ancient deer park. Pausing for a look around the estate and a visit to its traditional tearoom café, the trail then takes you via the southernmost point of the Cotswold ridgeline toward Bath, passing several battle sites from the English Civil War along the way. On arrival into Bath, be sure to seek out some of the many iconic local landmarks, from the striking Royal Crescent and the famous Roman baths to the Jane Austen Museum. Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, the city centre is the perfect place to put your feet up and celebrate the end of your journey.

17 miles – 1300ft elevation

After a relaxed breakfast, depart at your own leisure with the various public transport options available in Bath. Alternatively, many guests choose to stay on in Bath, spending a little extra time exploring the city’s celebrated restaurants, theatres, galleries and canals. If you would like to organise any additional nights’ accommodation or assistance with booking onward we would be very happy to help.