For a taste of all that is quintessentially English, the Cotswold Way is a footpath that offers it all. Historic castles, ancient abbeys, stately homes and country parks, all set within glorious countryside with views to remember.

Highlights Enjoy relaxed walking through rolling hills, with panoramic views across meadows and fields Wander through rural English villages, past country cottages and beautiful flower-filled gardens Eat out and enjoy fine English food at traditional country pubs and restaurants Visit historic castles, ancient abbeys and country parks Spend time in the glorious Roman City of Bath

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Type of walking
	Dates and prices
	Travel to and from your holiday
	Your accommodation and meals
	Average temperatures
	Extend your stay
	Why not try...

Detailed itinerary

NORTH TRAIL - Chipping Campden to Painswick
Day 1: arrive at the pretty village of Chipping Campden.

Day 2: visit Broadway village and tower on your walk from Chipping Campden to Stanton. (10 miles, 1,310ft of ascent)

Day 3: pass Stanway House and the historic ruins of Hailes Abbey as you walk from Stanton to Winchcombe. This afternoon visit Sudeley Castle. (8 miles, 670ft of ascent)

Day 4: Winchcombe to Dowdeswell Reservoir - a day of magnificent views. (12½ miles, 1,430ft of ascent)

Day 5: continue from Dowdeswell Reservoir to Birdlip, enjoying panoramic views of the countryside and passing the Devil's Chimney. (9½ miles, 1,300ft of ascent)

Day 6: walk from Birdlip to the beautiful village of Painswick, past Prinknash Abbey and Bird Park. (7 miles, 986ft of ascent)

SOUTH TRAIL - Painswick to Bath
Day 7: walk from Painswick to Uley Bury visiting the Rococco Gardens en route. (12 miles, 1,600ft ascent)

Day 8: enjoy 360 degree views of the area as you follow the trail from Uley to Wotton-under-Edge. (9½ miles, 1,400ft of ascent)

Day 9: walk from Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury discovering some of the oldest houses along the Cotswold Way. (12 miles, 1,330ft of ascent)

Day 10: walk past the lovely grounds of Dyrham Park as you walk from Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton. (10½ miles, 600ft of ascent)

Day 11: your final day's walk is from Cold Ashton to Bath, where you can enjoy the elegance of this World Heritage Site. (10 miles, 470ft of ascent)

Day 12: depart after breakfast.

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Type of walking

Choose whether to complete the trail in one go or complete it over two sections.

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Dates and prices

Daily departures from March to October 2008

We have designed our holidays to be completely flexible so that you have the freedom to decide when to go, where to go and for how long. The sooner you book your holiday however, the easier it will be to match your preferred holiday dates. If you wish to travel around bank holidays or during the peak summer season we recommend that you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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Travel to and from your holiday

This is not included in the price of your holiday.

By road: Chipping Campden is 45mins from the M40. Painswick is 20mins from Stroud.

Parking
It is usually possible to park your car at one of the guesthouses at the start or the end of your trail, and we can check this for you once your booking has been confirmed. We provide you with details of how to make your way to the start of the trail, or to get back to your car at the end of your stay. The cost of this transfer is not included in the price of the holiday, but is usually quite inexpensive when travelling by local public transport. Direct taxi journeys can also be arranged. Parking is at guests' own risk. In places of very limited parking guesthouses and hotels may charge a small parking fee (approximately £3 per night).

By train: for Chipping Campden take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh and then by bus or taxi. For Painswick take the train to Stroud then by bus or taxi.

The following websites should help you to plan your journey:

By road: www.theaa.com
By rail: www.thetrainline.com
By coach: www.nationalexpress.com

More detailed travel information is provided in the personal information pack.

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Your accommodation and meals

You stay in small, friendly guesthouses, family-run hotels, farmhouse bed and breakfasts and country inns all offering you the warmth of traditional British hospitality.

We offer en-suite rooms wherever possible, although in more remote regions where accommodation is limited they may not be available. You may stay for one night or spend several nights at one guesthouse and where this is the case we will provide a pick up and drop off service for your day's walk. You will receive a complete list of your accommodation with contact details in your personal information pack.

All accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfast basis, allowing you the freedom to choose where and when you would like to eat your lunch and evening meals. In many cases the guesthouses where you stay offer excellent evening meals or your personal information pack provides details of recommended restaurants and traditional British pubs.

Information about which of the guesthouses provide a packed lunch, and how much this costs is provided in our local information booklet included in your personal information pack. If the guesthouses en route are unable to offer this service we provide information about where you can buy food in local shops nearby. Alternatively, you may like to stop for lunch and sample the local cuisine at traditional pubs and cafes as you choose.

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Average temperatures

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Extend your stay

We can add rest days at the end of your trip to extend your holiday by as long as you wish.

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Why not try...

A Guided Long Distance Trail following the Cotswold Way
Why not explore further afield and spend some time at our lovely Country House accommodation in the Cotswolds at Bourton-on-the-Water. Guided walking is also available from this location.

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