Through tangled woods and sprawling fields, walking The Cotswold Way cleaves a route through pastoral countryside and historic villages. You’ll find an area in touch with its heritage, on a holiday that gives a real sense of walking through medieval England.
6 to 11 nights
57 to 102 mls (km)
South England
Moderate
Mar to Oct
£550
Walking The Cotswold Way through England’s ‘Green and Pleasant Land’
Passing Neolithic burial chambers, Celtic hill forts and Roman villas
Touring historic houses, churches and abbeys
Wandering through Stanway House
Exploring Sudeley Castle- home of Henry VIII’s Queen, Catherine Parr
Sauntering around the elegant streets of Bath
Admiring Bath’s Regency style architecture and sweeping Royal Crescent
Picturesque villages of Chipping Campden and Winchcombe
History hangs heavy over a region where the churches and sleepy villages you cross paths with are beautifully preserved - inspiring a feeling of being displaced in another era. There is so much to see, ideally suited to the moving pace of walking holidays. The scenery you encounter on Cotswold walking holidays forms the quintessential English rural landscape, yet despite the historic setting, these are thriving, contemporary communities, and a chance stop to sample the local ale or produce may be just too tempting to pass up!
Although rarely rising above 900ft, walking the Cotswold Way meanders over many of the Cotswold’s best viewpoints. The highest point – at 1086ft above sea level – gives panoramic views over the Severn Vale, Bristol Channel and beyond to the hills of Wales.
For analternative walking holiday in the Cotswolds, take a look at the Cotswold Round
Our Cotswolds Way walking Holiday takes you from Chipping Campden to Bath
Path Walkthrough
Beginning with walks in Chipping Campden, there’s a gradual ascent through farmland toward Broadway Tower (the second highest ascent), before making the steep descent toward Broadway, on to the village of Stanton. From here, the route is typically undemanding, until a gradual climb around the edge of the escarpment takes you to Cleve Hill, rising above the Vale of Gloucester. Through Cleeve Common a complex system of tracks through grassland and dense woodland become more commonplace towards Painswick. Woodland trails lead out toward Middleyard, where the route converges with canal paths.
There is a steep climb up Stinchcombe Hill from Dursley, where the descent then follows into Wotton-Under-Edge. Along the final stretch the route twists and undulates slightly toward Bath, before the final descent past Lansdown Crescent takes you to Bath Abbey.
Accommodation provided in high standard B&Bs, farmhouses and small local inns, with en-suite or private facilities where available
Breakfast included in price
Flexible itinerary with choice of daily distances to suit requirements
Walk pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation directions, local interest leaflets and holiday planning
Daily luggage transfers
Information about packed lunches and getting food locally
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Cotswold Way holidays are available to walk March to October.
The Cotswolds landscape seems to bring out the best out of the season you visit in. May/June/July, would be the perfect time to see the wildflowers that crop in the area, whereas the colours of autumn have a dramatic effect on the leafy towns and villages you visit.
Generally, weather conditions are fairly mild, but the majority of this route is through woodland and field - so please bring sensible footwear that can cope with walking through muddy grassland should there be a downpour.
Moreton-in-Marsh is the nearest station, from which there are trains between the Cotswolds, as well as Oxford and Wolverhampton.
From Middleyard, there is a bus that stops outside the Garden Centre that stops off at Stonehouse Railway station, from there you can board connecting services to London and Bristol. There is also a National Express coach that stops at Coombe Lane.
Bath is very well connected, with frequent rail, bus and taxi services. The nearest airport is Bristol airport, 20 miles away from the city centre.
Why not add an additional walking day in Bath to complete the ½ day circular “Bath Skyline Walk” (5 miles/8 km)? The walk is along the famous Bath Skyline and descends through the old streets of this captivating World Heritage City. ½ day walk and an extra night’s accommodation (Prices start from £75 per extra night). Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.
Cotswold Way Client Reviews
4.8/5 based on 39 reviews
Transfers worked like a charm. Celtic Trails were very accommodation and it was easy to make a change in the itinerary. The holiday improved my fitness.
We loved it - we are looking at other walking options in Europe. We've recommended to others. Anon. - November 2019
We would recommend Celtic Trails to a friend. Heinemann - September 2019
All went very smoothly - Celtic Trails provided an excellent service; their accommodation standard and restaurant recommendations were high.
A long distance walk creates a personal challenge and brings rewards. It's a good way to spend time with family/friends. This holiday was refreshing and invigorating. Anon. - August 2019
All my special requests were fulfilled - thank you. Excellent service. It was a holiday to just enjoy - nothing to worry about.
It was so relaxing, even if were were sometimes quite tired in the evening. It was lovely to stay at such lovely places overnight. Anon. - August 2019
We have done many long-distance walks ...The Cotswolds Way is now one of our favourites. Celtic Trails were friendly and efficient and chose good accommodations. Rule - July 2019
Thanks for the good service. We enjoyed it and will certainly do another tour with you guys. Pannekoek - July 2019
The Cotswolds Way has become one of our favourite walks. Celtic Trails were efficient, friendly and trouble-free. Anon. - July 2019
The Cotswolds Way exceeded our expectations. The wild flowers were amazingly abundant and the views spectacular.
Celtic Trails were a very easy way of managing a long distance walk and the additional cost is well worth it. Ewart - July 2019
Celtic Trails provided a very professional, friendly and reliable service - we would recommend.
We most enjoyed the views, the orchids, the butterflies and the history. Anon. - June 2019
The Cotswolds Way is a varied walk, combining wonderful landscapes (woodlands and open country) with historic features and picturesque villages. I would recommend it to anyone.
Celtic Trails were good; solid background information and a good choice of accommodation. Anon - June 2019
I really enjoyed my walk with Celtic Trails. Their staff is extremely helpful and responded thoroughly to all my questions, such that as a solo traveller, I felt comfortable doing the walk on my own. All the lodging was comfortable and run by friendly, attentive and helpful owners. The transfers went seamlessly and that walking was awesome. A. Aranguren - June 2019
Extremely well-organised, friendly helpful service and have recommended to many people. Celtic Trails is always our first choice.
We found the history of the area, particularly the Iron Age history, we walked through most interesting and at this time of year, we really enjoyed the flora.. It gave us the opportunity to meet like-minded people from around the world. D&E Ormandy - May 2019
I am totally satisfied with the trip; Celtic Trails were highly professional. Easy to deal with and delivered beyond promise. The very marked trails. Incredible scenery. B&Bs that exceeded expectations. J. Matterson - May 2019
Excellent/flawless service; highly professional. easy to deal with and delivered beyond promise.
Very well marked trails. Incredible scenery. B&Bs that exceeded expectations. J. Matterson - May 2019
Overall, an excellent experience. Anon. - October 2018
We have walked with you 5 times and you met our expectations again. We particularly enjoyed Chipping Campden and Stanton. G.K. - October 2018
The only reason we would walk with another company is if you didn't offer a walk in a country we wanted to walk. This was our fifth walk with you. Melas-Kyriazi - October 2018
Great scenery, good/well marked paths. Good places to stay. Anon. - September 2018
We would walk with you again. What we most enjoyed about this walk was the well-marked trail and the great scenery. We opt for long distance walking holidays to stay young! Godley/Lewis - September 2018
Celtic Trails met my expectations. R. Sabey - August 2018
Celtic Trails compares very well with other companies. What we most enjoyed about this particular walk was the scenery and the hosts/hostesses at the B&Bs C & N - July 2018
We most enjoyed the villages, flowers, history, views, woods, animals, hill forts and tumps. T & A - June 2018
"Outstanding service, well documented packs (the best I've ever had), fantastic accommodation choices and real focus on the client." Murphy - June 2018
Excellent service. Anon. - June 2018
Again, a really good experience and we shall use you again, as indeed I am with Mrs L in September (Llyn Peninsula).
Thank you again - another great experience. C & P - April 2018
Celtic Trails were great - again. Snadden - April 2018
"Celtic Trails provided a perfect first walking experience, thank you!" Chalberg & Keenley - May 2017
"I wanted to see The Cotswolds – but not from a tour or a driving holiday.
I am proud that I completed the trail! Thank you for the wonderful memories!" Kilpatrick - May 2016
"Once again you and your team have excelled in the organisation of the Cotswold Way walk we undertook last week.
All accommodation and transport arrangements worked perfectly and the hospitality of our hosts was beyond expectations.
That was my second walk with you and my walking partner's third and we both have every intention of using your organisation again in the future and we continue to spread your name wherever we go.
Many thanks again for the wonderful experience." Brew - June 2015
"We do appreciate your consideration when we had to cancel the week previously, and your good wishes for this time. The walk more than lived up to expectations." Tuley - May 2015
"As always, our Celtic Trails experience was great. We are already planning our next few walks with you. Thank you for your help with everything!" Saunders - September 2014
"The best holiday thank you very much!!!" Perez - August 2014
"Now that I am looking back I have a wistful nostalgia for the walk…forgot about the achy legs but remembering all the beauty of the countryside and friendly folks along the way." Ryu - June 2014
"The trip was great. People were friendly & helpful. Scenery magnificent. Cows + sheep + houses + slugs & snails + butterflies & birds + cider & pubs - wonderful!" Lusk - September 2013
"We enjoyed our journey very much and are fully content with your organisation.
We look forward to our next walking holidays." Schneidereit - July 2013
"All the arrangements were perfect! We never worried once about anything. That is supreme service in our books and we thank you all - very much!" Gwaltneys - June 2013
"We have a high regard for Celtic Trails & recommend you to our friends." Dutton - March 2013
"I have had a wonderful holiday. Really can't think of how it could be improved. Again, first class service from Celtic Trails. Thanx." Hutchinson - June 2012
"We had a wonderful time & have been very impressed with your company's efficiency and the friendliness & courtesy of your office staff!" Oxley - May 2012
Leave your own review of your Cotswold Way Walking Holiday with us - add review.
We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.
Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.
Still Have Questions?
If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.
Walk 
Chipping Campden to Bath
