Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
The 102 mile (164km) Cotswold Way is a National Trail that runs from the market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath. It follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills and leads you through England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its rolling pastures with dry stone walls, beech woods, and picturesque villages with honey-coloured cottages built from Cotswold stone.
From Chipping Campden, known for its covered marketplace and beautiful 'wool' church you'll follow the trail along the Cotswold escarpment with ever-changing views to the west towards the River Severn and the Malvern Hills. Along the way you'll discover a wealth of pretty Cotswolds villages, stately homes, Iron Age hill forts and historic battle sites. Climb Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds where you will be rewarded with spectacular views over Cheltenham, the River Severn, the Malvern Hills, and, on a clear day, the Black Mountains of Wales. The end of the Cotswold Way is marked at Bath Abbey with a carved stone disc. Spend time discovering the delights of Bath from the Roman baths to the honey-coloured Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent.
Accommodation is in a range of Bed & Breakfasts with character, and hotels housed in historic buildings. Offering a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome, as well as hearty breakfasts, they offer comfortable stops along the walk and a charming insight into Cotswold life.
The Cotswold Way is a National Trail trail on a mixture of well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, across fields, with some short sections on some minor roads. There are a number of ascents and descents each day from the escarpment.
Arrive in the historic market town of Chipping Campden.
You stay at Noel Arms.
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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
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Shenberrow Hill B&B.
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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
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.
You stay at Upper Hill Farm.
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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
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.
You stay at Royal George Hotel.
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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
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.
You stay at The White Hart.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Swan Hotel.
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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
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.
You stay at Rock Cottage.
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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
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.
You stay at Swan Cottage.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Apple Tree Guesthouse.
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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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Depart after breakfast.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: The Kennard, Bath.
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The Kennard is located on a quiet residential street in easy walking distance from some of the best restaurants and shopping areas of Bath, as well as close to Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, Holburne Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery. This boutique Guest House offers 12 refurbished and individually decorated bedrooms over five floors, with views either over the garden and city, or out over the street below. There is free Wi-Fi, a small sitting area and an honesty bar at the property and full English breakfast (or continental buffet) is included.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £600.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
