The Cotswold Way Walk

The Cotswold Way Walk

The Cotswold Way Walk

10 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom

Visiting: United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Headwater

Tour code:

W09CO

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Interests:

History

Activities:

Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Follow the Cotswold Way National Trail from its start at Chipping Campden to the end on the steps of Bath Abbey. Walking along the escarpment of the Cotswolds Hills you'll have far-reaching views across the Severn Vale.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chipping Campden
Arrive in the historic market town of Chipping Campden.

Day 2: Chipping Campden to Stanton 16.5KM (10.5MI), 4.5HR
Head up on to the Cotswolds escarpment from where you will enjoy stunning views from Dover's Hill, home to the annual 'Cotswold Olimpick Games'. Walk through fields to the 18th century folly, Broadway Tower. Descend to the coaching village of Broadway, where you will find fine houses and inns flanking the 'broad way', before climbing back up onto the escarpment, to Shenberrow Hill, the 3rd highest point in Gloucestershire from where you will descend into the idyllic village of Stanton.

Day 3: Stanton to Prestbury Hill 24.5KM (15.5MI), 6.5HR
Today starts with a pleasant walk through the parkland of the Stanway Estate, with its Jacobean manor, magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn. Climb up onto the escarpment to the Iron Age hill fort of Beckbury Camp, then follow the trail as it passes near highlights such as Hailes Abbey and Sudeley Castle. Visit the ancient Neolithic long barrow of Belas Knap on the panoramic ascent up to Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds.

Day 4: Prestbury Hill to Birdlip 21KM (13.5MI), 5.5HR
Walk through the ancient Lineover Wood and walk on the escarpment onto Leckhampton Hill and look out for the peculiar limestone rock formation known as the Devil's Chimney. Enjoy breathtaking views from Crickley Hill before descending through woodlands to Birdlip.

Day 5: Birdlip to Leonard Stanley 27KM (17MI), 6.5HR
Head on to Painswick Beacon, the site of an Iron Age hill fort, then descend into Painswick, one of the architectural highlights of the trail, and the mid-point of the Cotswold Way. Follow the trail on to Haresfield Beacon, where you'll enjoy spectacular views across the Severn estuary, then pass through Standish Woods, where in springtime bluebells carpet the woodland floor.

Day 6: Leonard Stanley to Wotton-Under-Edge 24KM (15MI), 6HR
Follow the trail through woodland and climb to Cam Long Down from where the trail descends into the market town of Dursley. Tackle some slightly steeper slopes up onto Stinchcombe Hill and to the Tyndale Monument before the trail descends again to the town of Wotton-Under-Edge.

Day 7: Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury 20.5KM (13MI), 5.5HR
Today the trail passes close to the National Trust property of Newark Park. Continue the walk through woodland towards the village of Alderley, and ascend to the Somerset Monument and Horton Fort to reach Old Sodbury.

Day 8: Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton 13.5KM (8.5MI), 4HR
From Old Sodbury, the Cotswold Way crosses fields into the village of Tormarton, then continues on to the village of Dyrham, passing near Dyrham Park, a 17th-century mansion, garden and deer park. Continue through farmland to reach Cold Ashton.

Day 9: Cold Ashton to Bath 16KM (10MI), 4.5HR
From Cold Ashton climb up to the site of the civil war battle of Lansdown, At Prospect Stile you will catch your first glimpse of Bath in the valley below. Cross farmland to reach the edge of Bath where the trail becoms more urban and passes through parks and near magnificent regency architecture to reach Bath Abbey where a carved stone disc marks the end of the Cotswold Way.

Day 10: Leave Bath
Depart after breakfast.

Meals

Breakfasts daily

Accommodation

Noel Arms (3 star)
The Noel Arms is one of the oldest inns in the Cotswolds, dating from the 16th Century and is steeped in history. Rooms are individually styled with elegant furniture. There is a on-site restaurant and coffee shop. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Shenberrow Hill B+B (3 star equivalent)
Situated in the picturesque hidden treasure village of Stanton, Shenberrow B+B is an attractive country house set in 8 acres. The comfortable rooms are beautifully decorated and ensuite. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Upper Hill Farm (3 star equivalent)
Set high in the Cotswolds on the edge of Cleeve Common, Upper Hill Farm offers tranquil, quality bed breakfast accommodation. The Cotswold Way National Trail passes through Upper Hill Farm land and across the Butterfly Conservation Society Prestbury Hill Reserve. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Royal George Hotel (3 star)
With spectacular views of the glorious Gloucestershire countryside, The Royal George Hotel, Birdlip, offers 34 characterful bedrooms, friendly, helpful staff, in a delightful 18th-century property. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

The White Hart (3 star equivalent)
The White Hart is an iconic rural pub established in 1740, with a restaurant and bed breakfast. There are five spacious, newly refurbished rooms, all with a private bathroom. Rooms have exposed beams and little nuances that occasionally act as reminders to the heritage of the historic building.

Swan Hotel (3 star)
Situated under the leafy edge of the Cotswold Way, The Swan Hotel is a 17th century coaching inn that seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional touches to create a unique hotel experience. Situated in the heart of Wotton-under-Edge, The Swan offers thirteen beautiful recently refurbished en-suite guest rooms, a light and airy restaurant offering freshly cooked food, and cosy bar and snug that retain a local feel. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Rock Cottage (3 star equivalent)
Rock Cottage is a traditional bed and breakfast in the Cotswold village of Old Sodbury. The rooms are comfortable and homely. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Swan Cottage (3 star equivalent)
Situated right on the Cotswold Way, this friendly B+B offers newly refurbished, comfortable rooms with countryside views. As well as a full English breakfast they can also offer packed lunches and evening meals if booked in advance.

Apple Tree Guesthouse (5 star)
Apple Tree Guesthouse is a Victorian property in the centre of Bath. All rooms are individually themed with an elegant blend of English and Asian artwork where East meets West, fresh cotton bedlinen and modern facilities.

Single Supplement

Add 351 single supplement. Single traveller supplement 28.

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