England | Cotswold Way
Step into an English fairy tale.
Trip Highlights:
-
Quintessential English villages with limestone cottages, thatched roofs, and winding cobblestone streets.
-
Rich archaeological history, from Neolithic burial sites to Roman ruins and Iron Age hill forts.
-
Enjoy warm hospitality and classic English charm, with cozy accommodations and traditional pubs along the route.
The Cotswold Way is a walk through England’s storybook countryside, where rolling hills, ancient pathways, and centuries of history combine to create an unforgettable journey. Designated a National Trail in 2007, the 102-mile route stretches along the Cotswold Edge, an escarpment overlooking the Severn Valley, offering hikers a mix of farmland, woodlands, and sweeping views.
Much like other classic long-distance trails in the UK, the Cotswold Way is a network of rights-of-way rather than a single defined track. The route meanders through idyllic villages, past Neolithic burial chambers, Iron Age hill forts, and remnants of Roman roads, providing a constant connection to the past. With a high point of just 1000 feet at Cleeve Common, the trail features gentle ascents and manageable climbs, making it an enjoyable walk rather than a strenuous trek.
Hikers can complete the route in various ways. The traditional 13-stage itinerary offers a relaxed pace, but many opt to combine sections for a faster trek. On Ryder-Walker’s 10-day journey hikers should be prepared for back-to-back long days on the trail—perfect for the seasoned long-distance hiker.
The trail runs in both directions, but we choose to starting in Chipping Campden and finishing in the World Heritage City of Bath. This allows for a dramatic final day, entering the historic city of Bath—a grand reward after days of countryside bliss. Plus, beginning in Chipping Campden sets the tone with one of the region’s most idyllic villages.
The Cotswolds are famous for their thatched-roof cottages, honey-colored stone houses, and cobbled streets. Each village has its own unique charm, from lively market towns to peaceful hamlets where time seems to stand still. Accommodations range from elegant four-star hotels to cozy, centuries-old B&Bs, adding to the region’s timeless appeal.
One of the great joys of this trek is the dining. From rustic pubs serving hearty fare to surprising finds like excellent Indian restaurants in larger villages, there’s always something to satisfy your appetite. Pubs are a staple, offering warm hospitality and some of the best meals on the route. The trail conveniently passes through villages around lunchtime, ensuring there’s always a cozy pub or café nearby when it’s time for a well-earned break.
With its rolling landscapes, historic landmarks, and postcard-perfect villages, the Cotswold Way is more than just a hike—it’s an immersion into the timeless charm of England’s countryside.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Independently transfer to Chipping Campden, and overnight in a fine four-star hotel.
Exit Chipping Campden through rolling farmland, then follow Mile Drive to Broadway Tower, one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy lunch in Broadway, a quintessential Cotswolds town. In the afternoon, continue to Stanton, a picturesque village known for its simple charm. Transfer back to Chipping Campden for the night.
Distance: 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1400/1500 ft.
Transfer back to Stanton to begin your hike with a lovely ramble through the hamlet of Stanway. Continue to Haile’s Abbey, built by the brother of Edward III. Enjoy lunch in Winchecombe before continuing to the Cotswold Way high point on Cleeve Common. Spend the first of two nights in a well-appointed B&B in Cleeve Hill. For a shorter option, transfer to Hailes Abbey to start your hike.
Distance: 13 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1000/700 ft.
Shorter option distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1000/700 ft.
Spend the day exploring high above Cheltenham, one of England’s picturesque spa cities, renowned for its steeplechase grounds. Stop for lunch before ascending through the scenic woodlands of Lineover Wood and Ravensgare Hill. Finish at Seven Springs, a historic landmark and the ultimate source of the River Thames. Transfer back to Cleeve Hill for the night.
Distance: 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1100/1300 ft.
This wooded stretch of the Cotswold Way begins in Witcombe Wood, visiting the fascinating Witcombe Roman Villa. Next you pass Cooper’s Hill, home to the famous Double Gloucester cheese rolling, before continuing to Painswick, the “Queen” of the Cotswolds. Overnight in a charming B&B.
Distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 850/1100 ft.
Begin with a long and pleasant traverse through Stockend Wood before ascending to the Haresfield Beacon, a Roman Hill fort. Continue through the atmospheric Standish Wood and begin a lengthy descent into Selsley Common, located just outside of the town of Stroud. Finish the day at the Bell Inn in Selsley, where a taxi will transfer you to your nearby hotel.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1150/1300 ft.
A taxi transfer takes you to the trailhead at Selsley Common. Pass the famous Long Barrow and Hetty Pegler’s Tump, a Neolithic chambered mound. Ascend and cross the picturesque Cam Long Down before descending to Dursley for a pub lunch. Afterward, climb to the striking Tyndall Monument, then descend into Wotton-under-Edge and find your top-rated B&B.For shorter options, transfer either to Dursley or Coaley Peak to start your hike.
Distance: 12.7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2050/2200 ft.
Shorter option distances: 5 – 9 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 850 ft. up to 1800 ft.
Walk through the charming hamlets of Alderley and Hillesley. Continue down Bath Lane to the beautiful hamlets of Horton and Sodbury. Walk through isolated rural villages and enjoy the lovely English countryside on your way into Old Sodbury. For shorter options, transfer either to Lower Kilcott Fishing or Hillesley stt. Kenelm Church to start your hike.
Distance: 12.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500/1350 ft.
Shorter option distances: 7 – 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 650 ft. up to 850 ft.
Begin today’s hike with a short taxi ride to Dyrham, then walk through scenic farmland to the historic battle site of Lansdown Hill. Pass Bath Racecourse before descending into the city, where the route winds past the stunning Royal Crescent and finishes at the Roman Baths. Overnight in a top-tier hotel. To shorten the hike, start in Cold Ashton or farther along the route.
Distance: 13 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1350/1700 ft.
Shorter option distance: 6.5 – 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 700 ft. up to 1550 ft.
Afternoon flights out of London can easily be met.
Trip Rating
COMFORT
EFFORT
TERRAIN
Self-Guided Tour
March-October
Pricing
$3,090 per person double
Single (+$690)
Private Guided Tour
May-October
Pricing
$6,060 per person double
Single (+$690)
*Price based on a group of four
Learn MoreTrip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
9 nights/10 days
Walking days of up to 13 miles with ascents reaching 1,800 feet are included in the recommended itinerary but can be shortened with car or van shuttles if desired.
Tour Package Includes
Custom route descriptions
Four-color topo maps
GPX tracks for each day hike
Travel instructions
Luggage transfers
Cultural information and more
Accommodations
9 nights in charming inns and B&Bs
Breakfast + Dinner
Breakfast included daily
Lunch and dinner not included
Luggage Transfer
All days
Transportation
Any taxi transfers outlined in the standard itinerary are included. Extra taxi transfers and public transportation are not included. Custom itineraries for public transportation will be provided.
Gateways
London, England
