12-Day Cotswold Way Walking Tour

Your journey begins in the historic village of Chipping Campden, a picture-perfect introduction to the Cotswolds Way. Wander through charming honey-colored stone streets, explore boutique shops, and visit the stunning wool church, one of the finest in the region.

Enjoy a relaxing evening with traditional British fare at a cozy pub or indulge in fine dining, all within walking distance of your accommodation.

Your Cotswold Way adventure begins at the historic Market Hall in Chipping Campden. The trail leads you through rolling farmland, open hills, and wheat fields, offering a perfect introduction to the journey ahead. Climb to Dover’s Hill for your first breathtaking views before following scenic gravel paths through woodlands. Reach the iconic Broadway Tower, then descend into the charming village of Broadway, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Today’s walk takes you through historic landmarks and scenic countryside. Explore the ruins of Hailes Abbey, once a site of pilgrimage before its destruction under Henry VIII. Continue to the magnificent Sudeley Castle, home to Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife. Arriving in Winchcombe, a charming market town rich in history, you’ll discover 16th-century townhouses, a grand wool trade church, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes it the walker’s capital of the Cotswolds.

Today is a challenging yet rewarding walk as you ascend Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds at 1,083 ft (330 m). The trail begins with a steep climb, leading to Belas Knap, a fascinating Iron Age burial site. Walking along the Cotswold escarpment, enjoy breathtaking views over Cheltenham, Bishop’s Cleeve, and even as far as the Brecon Beacons in Wales on a clear day.

This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare orchids, deer, and birds of prey. Continuing along the ridge, you’ll pass disused quarries that once provided stone for the villages below and nature reserves filled with rare butterflies. The day concludes with a descent through ancient woodlands, arriving at the peaceful Dowdeswell Reservoir.

The day begins with a climb back up to the Cotswold escarpment, offering sweeping views over the landscape. The trail is relatively easy once on the ridge, though it can be muddy and slippery after rain. Walking along the edge, you’ll appreciate the dramatic steep drop-offs that define the Cotswold Scarp.

Arriving at Leckhampton Hill, explore the Iron Age hillfort and see the famous Devil’s Chimney, a striking limestone rock formation. This area was also a key quarrying site, supplying stone for Regency Cheltenham. A peaceful woodland walk follows, leading to Crickley Hill, where a charming café with stunning views over the Severn Vale awaits. The final stretch involves some road walking before reaching your accommodation in Birdlip.

Leaving Birdlip, the trail starts with a woodland path, offering a peaceful start to the day. After a few kilometers, you’ll have the option to detour to the Great Witcombe Roman Villa, a fascinating site worth exploring. The trail then passes through Cooper’s Hill, famous for the annual cheese-rolling event—if you're up for a challenge, you can attempt the steep climb yourself!

Continuing through charming woodlands, you’ll reach the Royal William Pub around lunchtime. The afternoon includes a climb to the Painswick Beacon, a historic Iron Age hillfort, before descending into the picturesque town of Painswick. Known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds,’ the town features striking ivory-colored stone buildings, the beautifully preserved Rococo Garden, and the 15th-century St. Mary’s Church—a perfect way to wrap up the day.

Departing Painswick, the trail winds through pastureland before gradually ascending back onto the Cotswold escarpment. The first highlight of the day is Haresfield Beacon, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Severn River, the Forest of Dean, and even the distant Brecon Beacons.

The path then leads around the next spur into Standish Wood, home to ancient beech trees and a historic long barrow. Exiting the forest, a gentle descent brings you past a vineyard before crossing into Stroud’s outskirts. A short stretch along the canal leads to the charming village of Kings Stanley, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days on the Cotswold Way. Setting off from Kings Stanley, you’ll pass through Middleyard before descending into peaceful ancient woodlands. A steady climb leads to Coaley Peak, where you'll take in sweeping views over the Severn Vale and visit the Nympsfield Long Barrow, a Neolithic burial site.

Next comes a short but steep ascent up Cam Long Down, followed by a ridge walk toward Dursley, where you can stop for lunch at the Old Spot Inn. Afterward, another climb takes you back up the escarpment before the trail offers a choice: a direct path to Wotton-under-Edge or a longer scenic route via the Tyndale Monument, offering even more stunning views before descending into town for the night.

Today is a gentler walk, though it begins with a climb back up to the Cotswold Escarpment. A quiet road leads past Newark Park, a Tudor hunting lodge with stunning views and gardens. The trail then descends through woodlands and farmland, passing the charming village of Alderley and the hamlet of Lower Kilcott.

After a steady climb, you’ll reach the Lord Robert Somerset Tower, offering sweeping views. Hawkesbury Upton makes a great lunch stop with its cozy pub and farm shop. The trail then follows an old Drover’s Road, an open track with lovely views, before passing Horton Court, a historic 12th-century manor. A final stretch through Little Sodbury leads to your accommodation in Old Sodbury for the night.

Today's walk takes you through the grand Dodington Park Estate, offering glimpses of its impressive manor house, owned by inventor James Dyson. The trail then leads through the charming village of Tormarton, crossing farmland and a few busy roads before descending into Dyrham, home to the magnificent Dyrham Park, where you can stop at the National Trust Café.

Passing the hamlet of Pennsylvania, it's just a short final stretch to Cold Ashton, a picturesque village and your stop for the night. Accommodation is located slightly outside the village along a quiet road.

Your final day on the Cotswold Way is a spectacular one! The trail winds through rolling countryside, distinct from the northern sections, before a steep but rewarding climb to the Sir Bevill Grenville Monument, commemorating the English Civil War.

Passing Bath Racecourse, you’ll catch breathtaking views of Bath and Bristol before descending into the city. The final stretch takes you through Weston, along stunning Georgian streets, past the Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Guildhall, before concluding triumphantly at Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, where a limestone plaque marks the trail’s end, just as it began in Chipping Campden.

After breakfast, it's time to depart. I hope you leave with wonderful memories of your journey along the Cotswold Way, from the rolling hills to the historic villages and breathtaking views. Safe travels!