The Cotswold Way
Chipping Campden
Active Experience
The famous Cotswold Way national trail covers the length of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stretching from Chipping Campden to Bath it is 102 metres of quintessential English countryside. It is a well marked trail which follows the edge of the Cotswold Hills. During your walk you’ll enjoy the stunning views of the landscape and explore charming villages
The route meanders from Chipping Campden past Broadway and its imposing tower. You then reach the ancient abbey at Hailes and on to Winchcombe where you find Sudeley Castle. Winding around Cleeve Hill and the outskirts of Cheltenham you pass Gloucester. Passing beautiful Painswick it is worth also visiting the Rococo Gardens. Continuing south, the countryside around Stroud is spectacular and you will walk through a number of villages and follow the perimeter wall of Dyrham Park before reaching historic Bath. Many great picnic spots and welcoming country pubs provide rest stops along the way.
There are some steep hills along the way which reward you with panoramic views when you reach the top. It is a lovely route to dip in and out of during your stay. Explore the section near your holiday cottage and visit nearby villages. Circular walks take in parts of the Cotswold Way and are a good way to get a taste of this famous route. Depending on where you walk you may pass Neolithic burial barrows, stately homes and historic battle sites.
Some choose to challenge themselves to walk the whole stretch in a week or two and it is a fabulous way to see the stunning Cotswold’s scenery at any time of year, as long as you take extra layers in the colder months. During Spring you’ll meet some frolicking lambs and find bluebells hidden amongst the trees.
Gather a group of family and friends and your four-legged friends to follow the Cotswold Way and discover some of the finest landscape in the UK.
To note: Some parts of the Cotswold Way may be inaccessible to those with mobility issues – it is best to check the route and approved walks beforehand for access points.
