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The Cotswold Way — hike the iconic trail in one week

Discover
Long Distance Hikes

The Cotswold Way — hike the iconic trail in one week

intrepidexplorer82

The Cotswold Way — hike the iconic trail in one week

Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson

7

days

5-7 h

/ day

165 km

3,380 m

3,490 m

The Cotswold Way is an iconic long-distance hike that explores the stunning countryside, magical woodlands and ancient villages of the Cotswolds. Steeped in history, tradition and beauty, the Way traverses one of the prettiest areas in the UK.

Starting in the picturesque market town of Chipping Campden, the trail finishes in the World Heritage City of Bath. Totalling 103 miles (167 km), it explores countless spellbinding summits with breathtaking views over the patchwork landscape below.

Running along the Cotswold escarpment for most of its length, the Way rewards richly with venerable vistas, wonderful wildlife, vibrant villages and towns, plus one-of-a-kind beauty with every step. It passes a plethora of historical sites, including the Belas Knap neolithic burial chamber, Hailes Abbey, Roman heritage sites at Bath, as well as many beautiful churches, monuments and historic manor houses.

This Collection offers you an easy-to-follow seven-day plan to take on the Cotswold Way. In every route, all the historic sites and points of interest are flagged up for you.

For the purposes of this Collection, we have opted for fairly challenging hikes so you complete the route in one week. To undertake this, you will need a good level of fitness and comfortable walking boots. The stages range between 12-17 miles (19-27 km) and all involve considerable elevation gain.

Of course, you can divide the Collection into as many days as you are comfortable with. It’s also possible to walk individual stages. Public transport can be sparse in some areas but the majority of the trail is relatively well-served.

For the most part, you are never too far away from civilisation. However, the trail gets remote in places. As such, ensure you have enough water and snacks to keep you sustained. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are essential. Be sure to pack sunscreen in the summer months.

You can hike this route at any time of year and each season offers a unique perspective on the scenery. The standard way to walk the route is as shown here. There is nothing stopping you hiking it the other direction, though.

If you intend to come via public transport, the nearest railway station to Chipping Campden is Moreton-in-Marsh, which is served by frequent services from London Paddington and Birmingham. You can then take the 1 bus service from Moreton-in-Marsh to Chipping Campden, or catch a taxi. Once you have completed the route, there are services all over the country from Bath Railway Station.

On The Map

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Cotswold Way

161 km

3,320 m

3,430 m

Last updated: June 4, 2024

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours

  1. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Stage 1: Chipping Campden to Wood Stanway – Cotswold Way

    05:44
    20.2 km
    3.5 km/h
    430 m
    460 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    The Cotswold Way starts in Chipping Campden, a historic wool-merchant town with medieval architecture and one of the most beautiful high streets in England.

    

    The trail takes you out onto the Cotswolds escarpment, which affords stunning views from Dover’s Hill. Continue across the fields to Broadway Tower

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  2. 05:26
    18.8 km
    3.5 km/h
    540 m
    350 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Stage 2 begins with a steep climb from Wood Stanway onto the escarpment. Your efforts are richly rewarded with magnificent views across the Vale of Evesham and the Malverns.

    

    After passing the Iron Age hill fort of Beckbury Camp, you drop down to the glorious Hailes Abbey. Founded in 1246 by the Earl of

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  4. 07:03
    25.2 km
    3.6 km/h
    460 m
    480 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Stage 3 begins at the highest point along the Cotswold Way, Cleeve Common, where extensive views over Cheltenham and beyond await.

    

    Start along the escarpment with fine views and then descend through Dowdeswell Wood to the reservoir. You then hike through Lineover Wood, which is renowned for its lime

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  5. 07:18
    25.9 km
    3.5 km/h
    460 m
    700 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Expect breathtaking views, spectacular wildlife and quirky tradition on this hike, which winds over the escarpment and visits the site of the world famous cheese-rolling competition.

    

    From Birdlip, head west over undulating trails with excellent vistas. Upon reaching Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods, you

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  6. 07:05
    24.4 km
    3.5 km/h
    620 m
    560 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Ancient history, magnificent monuments and, of course, spellbinding views all combine on this stage.

    

    From King’s Stanley, hike on through the village of Middleyard and then ascend into Penn Wood. Next, head through woodland to Nympsfield Long Barrow; one of the earliest examples of a Neolithic barrow

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  7. 06:41
    23.7 km
    3.6 km/h
    490 m
    410 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    The penultimate stage explores the best-preserved example of an Iron Age hill fort along the Cotswold way, visits a historic monument and a pretty place of worship, and reveals plenty more characteristically beautiful countryside and views this area is famous for.

    

    To start, climb up onto the escarpment

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  8. 07:25
    27.0 km
    3.6 km/h
    390 m
    520 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    The final stage of the Cotswold Way traverses beautiful countryside with far-reaching views and makes an epic finish in the historic city of Bath.

    

    From Tormarton, cross farmland to Dyrham Park; home to an ancient deer park and a 7th-century manor. Next, climb through Dyrham Woods, emerge into farmland

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    7
  • Distance
    165 km
  • Duration
    46:42 h
  • Elevation
    3,380 m3,490 m

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