The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile National Trail running between the market town of Chipping Campden and the magnificent city of Bath. It follows the Cotswold escarpment along most of its length, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys, dotted with ancient sites and pretty villages.
We’re not suggesting you take on the entire Cotswold Way during your stay in the Cotswolds, because it could take you over a week to complete. But we do recommend trying one or two of the lovely circular walks based on the trail; these include one- and two-day walks, as well as shorter easy access walks.
Depending on which stretch of the Cotswold Way you choose to walk, you might encounter a steep climb or two, but the trail is very well-marked and definitely worth the effort. Whatever the season, you will discover breath-taking scenery all around. Winter often offers the clearest views; late spring and early summer unveils a riot of wildflowers (including some rare orchids) and autumn ensures glorious tree colour.
At the northern end of the trail are some lovely places to visit including Broadway Tower, Hailes Abbey and Sudeley Castle, as well as panoramic views of the long spine of the Malvern Hills. As the route follows the Cotswolds escarpment in a southerly direction, you will encounter far-reaching views to the west opening onto the Welsh hills of Monmouthshire, the Black Mountains and the wide valley of the River Severn. You may also spot Gloucester Cathedral, the Tyndale Monument and the site of the Battle of Lansdowne (1643) before the trail finishes in the beautiful setting of Bath Abbey.
The Cotswold Way circular walks are between 2.5 miles and 6 miles in length. They include walks that finish in some of the beautiful Cotswolds’ towns and villages such as Chipping Campden, Broadway, Winchcombe, Old Sodbury, Wotton-under-Edge and Bath.
For more details of all the walks and local information and sites of interest along the Trail, take a look here.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.
Images copyright Nick Turner and Cotswold Way National Trail
