Cotswold Way walking itinerary

Distance:
100 miles (161 km)
Airports:
Bristol

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

The Cotswold Way National Trail runs between the city of Bath and the town of Chipping Campden. The trail runs for most of its length on the Cotswold escarpment and is renowned for its stunning views over the Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean, the Malverns and on a clear day - Wales!

Day 1: Bath - Tormarton

Bath - Tormarton: 16 miles (26 km)
Totals for Day: 16 miles (26 km)

Bath

The Cotswold Way National Trail starts in the World Heritage City of Bath. This historic city has some of the finest architectural and historic treasures in Europe, including the Roman Baths and Pump Room, and the 15th century Bath Abbey. Don't miss the Thermae Bath Spa, the only place in the UK where you can bathe in naturally warm waters.

Must see & do:

Alexandra Park | Number 1 Royal Crescent | Jane Austen Centre | Sally Lunn's House & Museum | Fashion Museum

Tormarton

Your second destination for today is the village of Tormarton, in Gloucestershire. The village is situated on the old Bath to Gloucester coach road, and is within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This charming village is steeped in history, such as St Mary Magdalene Church, which dates back to the Saxon period.

Must see & do:

Dyrham Park | Castle Combe Museum | Horton Court

Day 2: Tormarton - Wotton under Edge

Tormarton - Wotton under Edge: 14 miles (23 km)
Totals for Day: 14 miles (23 km)

Wotton under Edge

Today the trail takes you to the charming town of Wotton under Edge. The trail passes through the main shopping streets of the lively town, so you can stop and relax, taking in the beautiful buildings - some of which date back to the 16th century. Don't miss the Ram Inn, the oldest house in Wotton, which dates back to 1350.

Must see & do:

Newark Park | Kindswood Abbey Gatehouse | Berkeley Castle

Day 3: Wotton under Edge - Uley

Wotton under Edge - Uley: 9 miles (15 km)
Totals for Day: 9 miles (15 km)

Uley

Today, visit the village of Uley, which is full of historical gems. The village was home to Roman temple at West Hill, and the fascinating findings are now on display at the British Museum. Visit Hetty Pegler's Trump, a Neolithic burial ground to the north of the village, and Owlpen Manor, a Tudor manor with 16th century gardens.

Must see & do:

Nympsfield Long Barrow | Woodchester Mansion | Woodchester Park

Day 4: Uley - Painswick

Uley - Painswick: 14 miles (23 km)
Totals for Day: 14 miles (23 km)

Painswick

The town of Painswick is your next stop on the trail. Known as the Queen of the Cotswolds, Painswick is full of fine 17th century buildings. On the outskirts of the town, you'll find the 18th century Rococo Garden. This beautiful garden is the only complete Rococo garden in England, and dates back to 1720.

Must see & do:

Prinknash Bird Park | Parish Church of St Mary | Cooper's Hill Nature Reserve | Museum in the Park

Day 5: Painswick - Prestbury

Painswick - Prestbury: 15 miles (22 km)
Totals for Day: 15 miles (22 km)

Prestbury

Prestbury is a village in the heart of the Cotswolds, on the outskirts of Cheltenham. This fascinating village is famous for being the most haunted village in England, and is home to the Headless Horseman, who is believed to ride around the village, as well as the White Lady and the Black Abbot, who are said to roam the churchyard.

Must see & do:

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum | Burlington Contemporary Art Gallery | Sandford Parks Lido

Day 6: Prestbury - Winchcombe

Prestbury - Winchcombe: 6 miles (9 km)
Totals for Day: 6 miles (9 km)

Winchcombe

The town of Winchcombe is your next stop on the trail. This small, unspoilt Cotswolds town is an ideal base for walking in the Cotswolds. Winchcombe dates back thousands of years, and you can still see evidence of its past occupants today in the gothic doorways, gruesome gargoyles and mysterious carvings.

Must see & do:

GWR Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway | Winchcombe Folk and Police Museum | Belas Knap Long Barrow | Winchcombe Pottery

Day 7: Winchcombe - Chipping Campden

Winchcombe - Chipping Campden: 18 miles (30 km)
Totals for Day: 18 miles (30 km)

Chipping Campden

The Cotswold Way National Trail finishes in the town of Chipping Campden. Truly unspoilt, it has many beautiful buildings and an impressive 15th-century church. Chipping Campden is the 'flower of the villages of all England', so take a well-deserved rest and admire this beautiful village and all it has to offer.

Must see & do:

Hidcote Manor Garden | Snowshill Manor | Stanway House and Garden | Cotswold Falconry