Cotswold Way Uncovered – 11 Days

The walk starts in Chipping Campden and finishes in Bath Spa. The easiest option is to fly into London Heathrow or Gatwick and take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh via London Paddington, a journey of around one and a half hours from Paddington. From Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden is a 30-minute bus ride or a 20-minute private transfer, which we can arrange at the time of booking. From Gatwick, take the Gatwick Express to Victoria and connect via tube to Paddington. From Birmingham Airport, take the train to Stratford-upon-Avon and connect by bus directly to Chipping Campden, a total journey of around three hours.

At the end of the walk, Bath Spa has regular hourly train services to London Paddington taking around one and a half hours, and to Bristol Temple Meads in around 15 minutes, with onward connections across the country.

Note: Always board trains in the UK with a pre-purchased ticket. Most services do not permit onboard ticket purchases, and travelling without a ticket can result in a fine of up to £200. Booking in advance is the most cost-effective approach, and travelling off-peak — after 9:30am and outside the 3:30pm to 6:30pm window — can significantly reduce fares.

This walk is available from late April through to early October. Spring brings vibrant countryside with rapeseed fields in bloom and wildflowers filling the meadows and village gardens, though a shower or two is always possible. Summer offers long daylight hours perfect for hillside picnics and evenings in pub gardens. September is a wonderful time to walk, with harvest activity in the fields and summer warmth often lingering well into the month. Whatever time of year you choose, always pack layers and a waterproof — the English weather can change quickly at any time of day.

Please note: We recommend not commencing the walk on a Sunday, as on Night 2 in Stanton/Stanway, the only hotel (the only place to get a meal) is closed on a Monday. In addition, if your trip starts in Chipping Campden or ends in Bath over a weekend (Friday & Saturday or Saturday & Sunday), there is a 2-night minimum stay required.

The Cotswold Way is graded moderate, with daily distances of up to 25km and up to 600m of ascent and descent. The trails are well-defined and varied, covering forest tracks, woodland paths, bridleways, rolling farmland and wildflower meadows, with occasional short sections of quiet country lanes shared with other road users. A training regime of two to three times per week is recommended in the lead-up to the walk. The route is well waymarked throughout, and detailed route notes, maps and GPX tracks are provided for each day.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.