The Cotswold Way

Your Cotswold Way hike continues, departing from the charming village of Chipping Campden, you join the Cotswold Escarpment where you will have gorgeous views to the west as you walk over Dover’s Hill and past Broadway tower. Explore the village of Broadway with its distillery, falconry centre and variety of museums or take a rest before heading to the charming, unspoilt village of Stanton. Transfer to your accommodation at either Toddington or Broadway.

Today’s route from Stanton takes you through some lovely countryside. Pass Stanway, home to Stanway House, an impressive Jacobean manor house with remarkable gardens and water feature, and then continue on towards Winchcombe passing the ancient remains of Hailes Abbey on the way. From Winchcombe, you climb up Cleeve Hill home to the highest point of The Cotswolds, passing the ancient burial mound of Belas Knap as you go.

Navigate Cleeve Hill and admire the views to the West over Cheltenham where you can see the Malverns, Forest of Dean and Welsh Mountains in the far distance, one of the finest views you will see along your trip. Head to Dowdeswell through woodland before making your way across Leckhampton Hill, complete with the Devil’s chimney rock feature. Transfer to your accommodation in Cheltenham.

Set off from the charming hamlet of Seven Springs, where the famous springs meet, and enjoy a scenic walk through lush countryside. Pass through the serene woodlands, with gentle hills offering glimpses of the surrounding Gloucestershire hills. As you approach Painswick, known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds”, take in the picturesque scenery surrounding the village. Explore its stunning architecture, including its renowned 18th-century church, St. Mary’s, with its unique yew trees lining the churchyard. Wander through the quaint streets and relax in the peaceful ambiance before resting for the night in this lovely village.

Continue through woodland and with open sections revealing sweeping views. Overnight in Kings Stanley, home to the oldest Baptist church in the county.

Continue your Cotswold adventure as you pass ancient burial sites and hill forts on day 7. Explore the small town of Dursley before rejoining the escarpment and continuing to Wotton-under-Edge.

The walking today is punctuated with many small valleys and streams as far as Hawkesbury Upton, where you leave the escarpment to complete the rest of the day. Passing small villages along the way, this section is pleasantly quiet and fairly easy going the rest of the way to Old Sodbury.

Depart from the quaint village of Old Sodbury, known for its historic St. John the Baptist Church and charming countryside surroundings. As you leave, enjoy a leisurely walk through the rolling hills and tranquil farmland, with scenic views of the Gloucestershire countryside. Arrive at the peaceful village of Cold Ashton. Explore the striking Cold Ashton Manor, an impressive building dating back to the 16th century, and take in the serene atmosphere of the village.

The final day of walking is predominantly through fields and pastureland and there are some stunning vistas to be had enjoyed before descending into Bath. Highlights include Dyrham Park and there are many interesting memorials and sights along the way. Admire this UNESCO world Heritage site with its attractive regency architecture and rich history dating from the Roman era.

Departure after breakfast.