Walk the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath, following the escarpment through open commons, woodland and farmland between stone villages and market towns. The route is rolling rather than mountainous, but regular climbs and descents keep the walking varied.
Climb above Broadway for wide views across the surrounding countryside.
Cross the trail’s highest ground above the Severn Vale.
Walk through Broadway, Stanton, Winchcombe and Painswick.
Pass long barrows and hill forts along the escarpment.
Tudor history and gardens close to Winchcombe.
Finish on foot beside Bath Abbey in the city centre.
Walk from Chipping Campden to Bath through a changing sequence of villages, farmland and open escarpment. The Cotswold Way has a strong sense of journey, with long views from the higher ground and a clear destination ahead. Finishing on foot in Bath gives the full trail a satisfying conclusion.
From Chipping Campden, the trail passes Broadway and Stanton before climbing towards Cleeve Hill. Beyond Winchcombe, woodland, open commons and field paths lead south through Painswick and Stinchcombe Hill. Regular climbs and descents continue almost to Bath, with muddier ground possible after rain.
Prehistoric burial sites and hill forts sit along the escarpment, while Sudeley Castle brings Tudor history into the route near Winchcombe. The trail eventually reaches Bath, where Roman remains and Georgian streets continue the story. History appears throughout the walk rather than being confined to a single landmark.
Not sure where to start? These are the ones we'd suggest first. You'll find every itinerary further down.
CW4BEST FOR A SHORTER COTSWOLD WAY
Follow the northern section of the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Painswick. You’ll pass through Broadway and Winchcombe before crossing the higher ground around Cleeve Hill, giving you a substantial continuous section of the trail without committing to the complete route.
Most PopularCW1BEST FOR THE COMPLETE TRAIL
Walk the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath in one continuous journey. This itinerary takes you through the northern villages, over Cleeve Hill and along the southern escarpment before the final walk into Bath, at a more measured pace than the faster full-route options.
CW-CHC1BEST FOR A SHORT BREAK
Stay in Chipping Campden and walk two consecutive sections of the Cotswold Way, with transfers bringing you back to the same base each day. You’ll pass Broadway Tower and Stanton before continuing to Winchcombe, with no need to change accommodation.
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Close to the route at Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle is worth allowing extra time for if you plan to visit. Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s final wife, lived and died here and is buried in St Mary’s Church within the grounds. The castle and gardens need more time than a passing trail stop, so check opening days and times before your visit.
At the end of the walk, the Roman Baths are worth allowing time for before you leave Bath. The complex preserves the Sacred Spring, Roman temple and bathing rooms around the Great Bath, with archaeology that explains the city’s Roman origins. If you stay an extra night in Bath, it is easy to include a visit before you leave.
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.
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.
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