Self-Guided North Trail in the Cotswolds

NORTH TRAIL

 
47 miles with 7-12½ miles and up to 1,430 feet of ascent in a day.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Chipping Campden to Stanton - Today’s walk offers panoramic views, passing Broadway Tower, and the pretty village of Broadway. Explore before continuing to the equally charming village of Stanton, where you will be picked up by taxi and taken to your accommodation. 10 miles, with 1,310 feet of ascent

Day 3: Stanton to Winchcombe - Return to Stanton to continue your walk. This part of the Cotswold Way takes you past Stanway House, famous for its late-renaissance architecture. Stop and explore the historic ruins of Hailes Abbey en route, before continuing to Winchcombe, where you can visit the impressive Norman fortress of Sudeley Castle. 8 miles, with 670 feet of ascent

Day 4: Winchcombe to Dowdeswell Reservoir - The trail continues through pretty countryside to the 4000-year-old burial mound of Belas Knapp Long Barrow. Enjoy the pleasant scenery and walk to Dowdeswell Reservoir, from where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation. 12½ miles, with 1,430 feet of ascent

Day 5: Dowdeswell Reservoir to Birdlip - From Dowdeswell Reservoir continue past the Devil’s Chimney, admiring distant views of Gloucester. Relax, with a break at the Air Balloon pub, before completing today’s walk to Birdlip. 9½ miles, with 1,300 feet of ascent

Day 6: Birdlip to Painswick - Entering Wincombe Wood, pass the remains of a Roman Villa and carry on to Cooper’s Hill. Stop and enjoy the view before continuing towards Prinknash Abbey and Bird Park, and the idyllic village of Painswick. 7 miles, with 986 feet of ascent