Ultimate Guide to walking the Cotswold Way - insights for seamless planning
Free independent guide - updated for 2024
This guide covers all you want to know when deciding to walk The Cotswold Way - truly a hike with a view. Information is freely available about this public trail and has been collated for ease.These frequently asked questions have been provided to help people understand this trail who are new to it – so they can better understand what the walk is about.
True expertise on this trail comes with repeated exploration - there are many reputable and established organisations in the U.K. who have a long history of supporting hikers on this trail. Safety (you can print this safety sheet created by Mountain Rescue England and Wales) and being prepared (you can read this walking in the UK safety guide by Ramblers UK) is extremely important when walking on these hills - after reading these F.A.Q.s please read some reputable professionally published guides like this one from the organisation that maintains the trail and view a free preview of The Cotswold Way Companion here. Avoid buying self-published guides created by one-time walkers/influencers claiming to be experts/insiders on the trail - there is value in books that have been through professional editors/publishers and guides written by the organisations that maintain the trail. National Trail even offers it's own interactive self-service itinerary planner.
What are my options for walking the Cotswold Way?
You can walk this trail solo, with friends, (some people walk with their dogs) or in an organized group with strangers through a tour company.
If opting for a tour company - they typically support by organizing your accommodation/food/shuttling luggage/guidance. This leaves you just to worry about walking. You can check reviews to see how people felt about the service.
If you don’t elect to use a tour company then you’ll need to make your own arrangements for lodging, food, shuttling luggage and moral support on the trail. This will require more upfront work from yourself and there’s a possibility you’ll save a bit of money (or spend more depending on preferences) it’s ultimately your decision if you feel that’s worth it. Some people prefer to have more control over where they stay/eat/etc.
How long does it take to walk the Cotswold Way?
You have the option of tackling the whole trail or choosing to do sections. It can take anywhere from 6-10 days. Your fitness typically determines how many days you’ll need to walk the trail. If planning to tackle the whole trail - the fitter you are the less time (days) you’ll need to walk. You can also choose to walk sections of the trail instead of the full 102 miles. Sometimes your fitness level can determine which sections you decide to walk (some are easier than others). You ultimately choose based on your needs – there’s no hard or fast rules about it.
What is the best guide for the Cotswold Way?
According to the association which helps to maintain the Cotswolds Way – they suggest buying the one sheet ‘Cotswold Way Harvey Map’ (it’s waterproof, tough and light). This map is a simple, step-by-step guide focused on the whole trail– showing key landmarks, intersections and stops marked along the way. Alternatively, the Cotswold Way A-Z Adventure Atlas has the whole trail in a book format.
Is the Cotswold Way crowded?
Depending on the season and day of the week – it varies. It’ll be less crowded in the colder and wetter seasons in England - such as late autumn and winter. That also means due to the weather it’ll likely be a more challenging walk due to the darker days, cold, mud, and (potentially) snow. The amount of people on the trail will ramp up as the weather improves in the spring/summer because that’s when tourist season ramps up generally in England. Many people prefer to hike from Spring to early Autumn for weather reasons.
How do I get to the start of the Cotswold Way?
Train is most eco-friendly and it’s relatively easy to get there via train compared to some other National Trails! You’ll need to get to Stratford Upon Avon railway station – then it’s short bus journey to Chipping Campden.
You need to get to Bath Spa Station if you want to start from Bath. From the railway station - it’s easy to walk or bus to Bath Abbey.
Where does the Cotswolds Way start and finish? Where to start the Cotswolds Walk?
The map below created by this helpful hiker shows the route on Google Maps (this is not a substitute for professionally published maps - this is provided for illustrative purposes) if you'd like to view what's nearby on your phone for planning. They also provide more enthusiast/specialist data downloads - google earth and gps information - (though I can't personally speak on the usage of the data they provide.)
You can start the route at either Chipping Campden (there’s a marker stone outside Market Hall) or Bath (there’s a marker stone in the ground outside Bath Abbey).
Most begin in Chipping Campden - the trail is traditionally walked north to south (reducing the physical strain of steep ascents) so you’ll end up having a gradual descent into Bath. The other benefit is if you’re sore after the walk you can book a healing spa session at the end (well earned)!
What are the Cotswold way sections?
The Cotswold way sections are (From beginning to end):
- Chipping Campden (Start of the trail): This charming market town is often where the Cotswold Way begins, with its historic buildings and the beautiful Market Hall.
- Broadway Tower (Worcestershire): A distinctive landmark on the trail, this 18th-century folly provides stunning panoramic views of the Cotswolds and is a great spot to stop.
- Hidcote Gardens (Gloucestershire): Known for its beautiful and intricate garden designs, Hidcote is a National Trust property and a popular place along the route.
- Belas Knap Long Barrow (Gloucestershire):An ancient burial site dating back to the Neolithic period, offering a glimpse into the region's prehistory.
- Winchcombe (Gloucestershire): A historic town with notable sites like Sudeley Castle, which was once home to Queen Catherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.
- Cleeve Hill (Gloucestershire):The highest point of the Cotswolds, offering a fantastic vantage point for hikers to see miles of countryside.
- Painswick (Gloucestershire): Known as the "Queen of the Cotswolds," this village is famous for its 99 yew trees in the churchyard and its traditional stone buildings.
- Bath (End of the trail): The trail ends in the historic city of Bath, where you can explore the famous Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent.
You can reverse the list if you want to start in Bath (if you want more of a challenge).
What makes the Cotswolds Special?
In England there are designated National Landscapes – the U.K. version of National Parks. The Cotswolds is special because it’s the largest National Landscape in England and Wales.
Which is the best part of the Cotswold Way? What is the prettiest part of the Cotswold Way?
The best and prettiest is totally subjective! Each part of the trail is uniquely beautiful. The fun of the journey is finding out which is your favourite when you walk it. The top ones typically referenced by people are: Painswick to Dursley, Hidcote Gardens and Broadway Tower, Bath. The path has been recorded via Google Street view - if you'd like a preview of the Cotswold Way scenery.
How difficult is the Cotswold way?
It’s a challenging hike with many steep climbs and descents. Always factor in extra time – (more than you’d typically expect). Extra time factored in helps to act as a buffer and help account for the varied difficulty depending on the section of the Cotswold Way you’re on. During the late autumn and winter season - paths in England can become notoriously muddy - so if going then you'll need to factor that in. Muddy or slippery paths (which could happen year-round depending on that year's rainfall) can increase the risk of falls so please be cautious and stay alert to uneven terrain (especially on steep descents.)
Is there a Cotswold Way training plan?
It doesn't appear there's an official training program - everyone has different fitness levels/needs - speak to your doctor or GP to check what physical activity/plans/training is safe for you. It is fair to say this is a challenging physical activity and you will need to make sure you are capable of walking the many miles required of you safely. Overestimating your ability can lead to exhaustion/injury. Plan realistic daily walks and allow for rest days if needed.
Can you camp along the Cotswold way?
No - wild camping is illegal in England without explicit consent from landowners or the local authority. The Cotswold Way camping situation - or lack of being able to - is unfortunate. Most people rent rooms in bed and breakfasts along the path. You’ll need to factor that into the costs (as previously mentioned).
What is a diversion route and why is there a diversion on the Cotswold Way?
A diversion in relation to the Cotswold Way is where the usual walking path for a section is closed. You’ll need to take the ‘diversion route’ instead in those situations. Always check for any closures or detours before heading out on a walking trail like the Cotswold Way. Diversions on the Cotswold Way happen for several reasons:
- Trail Repairs: Sections of the trail might be closed for repairs or maintenance due to weather damage, wear, or necessary updates.
- Protecting Nature: Certain areas could be closed temporarily to protect wildlife or plants, especially in sensitive environments.
- Events or Work: Sometimes, the trail is closed for events, farming, or construction work. These closures are usually short-term.
- Weather: Heavy rain or storms can cause flooding or other hazards, which leads to temporary diversions for safety.
For current updates, check the National Trail’s website for current diversions.
What is the halfway point of the Cotswold Way?
Painswick (often called 'The Queen of the Cotswolds' due to its beauty and charm) - is the halfway point.
It’s full of pubs, shops and cafes to rest and resupply – it’s very well preserved with some colourful history around its famous Yew Trees (there’s some interesting lore around them).
Can I cycle the Cotswold Way?
No - cycling isn’t allowed on the Cotswold Way - it’s a walking trail. If you want to cycle, you’ll need to use the Cotswold Line Cycle Route, which offers cyclists an alternative way to explore the area.
How long is the Cotswold Way Walk?
The trail is 102 miles (or 164 kilometres) long through the Cotswolds.
What is the total ascent of Cotswold Way?
The Cotswold Way has a total ascent of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet). Walkers will experience many ups and downs but (if in reasonable fitness) the climbs shouldn’t feel too strenuous.
Can you walk from village to village in the Cotswolds?
Yes - the Cotswold Way makes it possible to walk between villages.
What is the highest point on the Cotswold Way?
Cleeve Hill is the highest point on Cotswold Way. It reaches 330 meters above sea level (1,083 feet).
Walking the Cotswold Way is a significant achievement!
Once you’ve finished you can mark your accomplishment with a shirt or patch via Cotswold Way Association's shop.
