Cotswold Way North and South Guided Trail

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The Cotswold Way covers 100 miles of rolling English countryside, dotted with medieval churches, timber-framed villages, and historic stately homes. In 2027, this guided trail holiday can be taken in two parts: a northern and southern section. The northern part starts in leafy-laned Chipping Campden and ends at Coaley Peak, with the southern portion wrapping up the remainder and finishing at Bath, the English spa town with over 2,000-years of Roman history. Along the way, we’ll visit several standout highlights including the ghostly ruins of the 13th-century Hailes Abbey and Cooper’s Hill – home of Gloucestershire’s famously weird and wonderful cheese-rolling championships.


Walking grades and options

This Guided Walking /Hiking Trail is graded 3 which involves walks / hikes on well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas. These may be rough and steep in sections and will require a good level of fitness. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant fitness required to join this holiday.

Your fitness

We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of each walking day and get the most out of your holiday. Please be sure you can manage the mileage and ascent detailed in the daily itineraries. It is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some on hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina.


What You’ll Love

·     Exploring miles of English countryside from Chipping Campden to Bath

·     Visiting honey-coloured villages and charming market towns

·     Discovering the region's rich history

·     Passing historic sites, such as Hailes Abbey and Stanway House (Northern Section)

·     Exploring the Roman-founded city of Bath (Southern Section)

·     A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people in 2026 and 16 people in 2027)


What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning

  • Daily packed lunches

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee

  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader

  • All transport to and from walks where necessary

  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

 


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Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

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Daily Walk Options

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

More Information

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Code: BTN07-LCV01

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Dates & availability

Cotswold Way North and South Guided Trail

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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