The Cotswold Way
Follow this famous National Trail as it snakes along the
western escarpment of the Cotwolds with far-ranging views.
We follow the route from Chipping Campden to
Wotton-under-Edge, passing through beautiful countryside
with nearby historic sites.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
 |
 |
72 miles with 11 to 13 miles and up to 1,550ft of ascent
in a day. |
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Chipping Campden to Stanway
Distance: 19km (12 miles)
We leave our Country House accommodation by coach to Chipping Campden where the walk commences
with an ascent to Dovers Hill, 700 feet above the town. We continue to Broadway
Tower, a folly built in 1799 by the Earl of Coventry. 500 feet down we enter Broadway,
a busy tourist spot. We continue through fields to the escarpment with views of
Buckland, to Stanton and finally Stanway for the coach home. Stanway is notable
for its thatched village cricket pavilion, its Jacobean mansion with a magnificent
gateway, and a wonderfully preserved tithe barn now used as a village hall.
Day 3: Stanway to Cleeve Common
Distance: 20km (12½ miles)
Returning to Stanway, we walk by field paths to Stumps Cross, 400 feet above the
start, then down to Hailes Abbey. This was one of the last abbeys founded by the Cistercians, in 1215.
The abbey became very famous because it housed a phial reputed to hold some of
Christ's blood. After lunch, we continue to Winchcombe, once
capital of Mercia, then climb with a view of Sudeley Castle
to Belas Knap. Via a steep and rather strenuous ascent we arrive at Cleeve Common, we are now near
the highest point of the Cotswolds. Some parts of the Common
are over 1,000 feet above sea level. The coach returns us to
Bourton-on-the-Water.
Day 4: Cleeve Hill to Ullen Wood
Distance: 21km (13 miles)
Starting again from Cleeve Hill, enjoying views possibly as
far as the M4 bridge at Bristol, we walk around the edge of
Cleeve Common with views over Cheltenham, and then by field
paths to Dowdeswell Reservoir. Climbing through fields and
woodlands, we may have time for a detour to Seven Springs,
the source of the Thames. An ascent follows to Charlton Kings
Common, with excellent views from the escarpment. We move
on to Leckhampton Hill with a visit to the Devil's Chimney
- some say left by a quarryman as a joke. The coach meets
us at Cotswold Hills Golf Course.
Day 5: Ullen Wood to Painswick
Distance: 18½Km (11½ miles)
From Ullen Wood, we walk on through lanes to the ridge, with
splendid views to the right, to Crickley Hill Camp. Archaeologists
have been at work here for nearly 20 years, unearthing remnants
from different occupations dating back to about 4000 BC. We
pass the Devil's Table and walk along field paths below Barrow
Wake. Beyond Birdlip, a long walk follows through Witcombe
Wood to Coopers Hill and finally Painswick for, hopefully,
a short sightseeing stop. There is plenty to see, including
some "spectacle" stocks, a wonderful church and
delightful woodcarver and butcher-cum-cheese shops.
Day 6: Painswick to Coaley Peak Country Park
Distance: 19km (12 miles)
We leave our Country House accommodation by coach to Painswick and on to Edgemoor
Inn. We walk across open common land and into woods, passing
after a while Cromwell's Siege Stone, then on to Haresfield
Beacon. On a good day we have wonderful views across the Severn
and to South Wales. After crossing an open common the walk
continues through Standish Wood, through Westrip and by field
paths to Ryeford. We then bypass Middle Yard to Stanley Wood,
ending the walk at Coaley Peak Country Park.
Day 7: Coaley Peak to Wotton-under-Edge
Distance: 17½km (11 miles)
We leave our Country House accommodation by coach at the earlier time of 9am, heading
for Coaley Peak. From here we walk the edge of the scarp with
good views to the west. Some nice descents and ascents in
woods take us to Cam Long Down. The town of Dursley is our
first since Winchcombe, after which comes an ascent to Stinchcombe
Hill Golf Course. Descending to North Nibley, we view the
Tyndale Monument, a 111 feet commemoration to William Tyndale,
who suffered martyrdom for translation of the New Testament
into English. After this we walk steadily through woods to
reach Wotton-under-Edge for the completion of our part of
the Cotswold Way.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast
[Back to the top]
| Dates and prices |
|
| The Cotswold Way |
Sat 17 May 2008 |
7 |
£609 |
| The Cotswold Way |
Sat 12 July 2008 |
7 |
£609 |
| The Cotswold Way |
Sat 27 September 2008 |
7 |
£579 |
Premium single & twin room supplement: £5 per person, per night
[Back to the top]
| Average temperatures |
|
| May |
7°C |
16°C |
| July |
12°C |
22°C |
| Sept |
11°C |
19°C |
[Back to the top] |
You'll be based for the entire week in our fine Country House accommodation, Harrington
House, in the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. Each
day you and your party will be taken to the days starting point. No need to repack
your bags each day!
|
|
Want to know more?
|
|
 Click
here for our frequently asked questions
|
|
Bookmark us now |
| Click here if you would like to add us to your favourites.
|
|
