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Walking the Cotswold Way had been on my bucket list for over a year. There was something romantic about the idea of wandering through the rolling English countryside, past honey-colored villages, ancient monuments, and sheep-dotted hillsides. After some aligned nudges from the Universe, I finally laced up my boots and completed it over 12 days walking from Chipping Campden to Bath.
In this guide, I’m sharing my full itinerary, where I stayed, highlights along the way, tips for planning, and a suggested packing list. Whether you’re already planning your trip or just dreaming of walking through one of England’s most iconic landscapes, I hope this helps.
Planning the Cotswold Way Walk
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile (164 km) National Trail that runs north to south from Chipping Campden to the city of Bath. Most walkers take 7–14 days to complete it, depending on pace and preference. I took 12 days with one rest day built in, which felt just right for enjoying the scenery without rushing.
- BEST TIME TO WALK: April through October. I walked in early April and had mostly dry weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. It can get quite warm in June and July if you’re walking in the summer so be prepared for that. September is the busiest time of year to walk it.
- NAVIGATION: The trail is very well marked with signposts and acorn waymarkers. I used the All Trails app to help with navigation and keep my distance and pace. I also purchased a physical map in the Chipping Campden Post Office for extra peace of mind.
- ACCOMMODATION: This is known as an Inn-to-Inn walk, meaning most people stay in hotels, Inns, and B&Bs each night. I’ve seen a few people talk about camping, but would encourage you to look into the rules of public land camping in England before choosing this option.
- Booking accommodation in the smaller towns can be tricky, and it’s generally good to book in advance. However, it doesn’t leave much room to change your plans while on trail. In the height of the season (Jun – Sep), I recommend booking as far in advance as you can and sticking to your route.
- As I hiked in early April, I took advantage of the smaller crowds and typically booked 2-3 nights out at a time so I could adjust my route as my body needed. But the towns are small and there are only so many rooms available (especially if you are on a specific budget) so definitely weigh the risks on booking last minute.
- Booking accommodation in the smaller towns can be tricky, and it’s generally good to book in advance. However, it doesn’t leave much room to change your plans while on trail. In the height of the season (Jun – Sep), I recommend booking as far in advance as you can and sticking to your route.
- LUGGAGE SERVICE: There are many luggage services available for Cotswold Way walkers. Since I wanted more flexibility on trail and to save a little money, I chose to carry my belongings in my 44L Hynes Eagle Backpack (more on this in the packing section below).
- Many people use the luggage service and it’s a great benefit to this hike! My friends used Carryabag and had a positive experience. It’s certainly nice to only carry a small day pack every day. I don’t think one way is better than the other, it’s just whatever works best for you.
How to Get to Chipping Campden from London
I flew into London Heathrow and spent a night in London at Paddington Park Hotel. The next day I took a train from London Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh then a taxi to Chipping Campden (about 20 GBP). Buses also run between the towns but they aren’t frequent so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
If you are starting your hike in Bath, you can take a train directly from London Paddington to Bath Spa.
My Cotswold Way Itinerary & Accommodation Reviews
Day 0: Chipping Campden
I arrived to Chipping Campden around 4pm the night before I would start hiking. I purchased a physical map from the local post office, ate dinner at the Indian restaurant and enjoyed some of the nice weather before trying to get an early night’s sleep. There were a handful of other walkers staying here and I ended up meeting a few girls that I ended up walking with for the first few days.
- Stay: Volunteer Inn – 7.5/10. Comfortable room, sociable, nice outdoor beer garden. Delicious Indian restaurant on-site for dinner and breakfast included.
Day 1: Chipping Campden to Broadway
Trail Highlights: Dover’s Hill, Broadway Tower, Snowshill for a pint, and the charming village of Broadway.
I met up the with the girl’s I had met the day before and we set out around 9am. We walked to Broadway Tower where we stopped to have some tea and cakes. It’s also a good place to use the toilet. My Airbnb was right near here so I checked in to drop off my bag and we made a detour to Snowshill before ending in Broadway for dinner at the Lygon Arms.
This day was a bit unusual compared to normal trail hikers. The girls were staying back at the Volunteer Inn for the night and the glamping hut was the only accommodation I could find for that night, which is why I didn’t hike too far on the first day. It worked out for all of us, but definitely not a normal day on the Cotswold Way.
- Stay: Rookery Farm Glamping – 5/10. Cute but inconvenient for walkers; no food on-site and doesn’t get you very far on day 1. It was the ONLY thing I could find as I booked things a little last minute so it worked in a pinch, but I wouldn’t recommend for Cotswold walkers. Perfect for a weekend away from the city and if you have a car though!
Day 2: Broadway to Cleeve Hill
Trail Highlights: Hailes Abbey, Hailes Abbey Farm, Belas Knap, panoramic ridge views.
I met up with the girl’s at Broadway Tower the next morning and we set out. This was a tough day on trail with lots of hills, but a lot of beautiful views and sheep fields along the way. I was starting to deal with blisters and getting used to carrying my bag for a full day, so that added to my challenges.
We had lunch at the Mount Inn in Stanton, which was really good. Beware that it’s at the top of a really steep hill. There wasn’t any place after that until Hayles Fruit Farm. We stopped here for a coffee, fruit juice and a snack. They also have nice toilets. We ended the day in Winchcombe where the girls were staying at White Hart Inn (they said it was their favorite hotel on the whole trail) and had dinner at the Indian restaurant next door, per a local’s recommendation.
I had already booked my accommodation in Cleeve Hill and instead of continuing on the trail, I chose to hang out with my new friends and have dinner with them in Winchcombe. After dinner I was able to call an Uber and taxi the few miles to my hotel in Cleeve Hill.
- Stay: Rising Sun Hotel – 7/10. Solid location near the trail, good breakfast. First of many Greene King Hotels I stayed at along the trail. Rooms are a bit older but with plenty of space.
Day 3: Cleeve Hill to Birdlip
Trail Highlights: Cleeve Hill views, Crickley Hill, Cheltenham views, quiet woodland paths.
This was the worst day on trail for me, mainly due to the blisters I had acquired the previous two days. I switched from my hiking boots to my walking shoes and toughed it out, but it was another big mileage day and I was walking very slow. It was also my first day walking solo and doing all the navigating myself.
It’s important to note that you do not pass through any towns on the trail this day, so you need to bring your own food and snacks and plenty of water. The trail is pretty challenging with a lot of steep hills, but the views are absolutely gorgeous! The trail also changes frequently today keeping it interesting throughout.
As for stops, the Cleeve Hill Golf Course is public so you can pop into the clubhouse there if needed. There is a food truck as you approach the Seven Springs roundabouts, where you can get drinks and snacks. Right after this, there is an option to cut the Cotswold Way a little short by taking Hartley Lane across instead of walking around Leckhampton Hill. And if you get there early enough Crickley Hill Cafe is a good stop for coffee and cake.
- Stay: Royal George Birdlip – 7.5/10. Very lively, friendly staff, comfortable rooms. I ended up staying here 2 nights and I really liked it. They have a nice beer garden in the back and the food was good. Another one of the Greene King hotels.
Day 4: Rest Day in Birdlip
There isn’t much right around The Royal George but I was able to Uber into the nearby town to stop at the pharmacy and get blister patches and some more snacks. I also used this day to do laundry (using my Scrubba), book some more accommodation since I was doing it as I went along, and re-evaluate the remaining days on trail. I was also reunited with my new friends!
Day 5: Birdlip to Painswick
Trail Highlights: Cooper’s Hill (cheese-rolling hill), beautiful beech woods.
This was one of my favorite days on the trail. The scenery changed from sheep farms and hilltop views to more forest-y and shaded trail. Right before getting to Cooper’s Hill a local had set up a table with handmade cards for sale, which we all purchased. Then seeing the infamous Cheese Rolling Cooper’s Hill in person was fun! (If you don’t know what this is I suggest looking up some videos – it’s wild!)
Before getting into town, you walk through the Painswick Golf Course where we stopped at the club house and had some coffee and cake. We made it into Painswick around 2pm that day which gave us quite a bit of time to look through the local shops and see a bit of the town. It’s one of the cutest towns on the trail so I was happy we had a little extra time to explore. We had dinner at The Falcon, where I was staying. It was a bit pricier than other hotel restaurants but the food was good.
- Stay: The Falcon – 9/10. Very comfortable and nice rooms, great location across from the main church and near the trail, a bit under staffed but one of my favorite places I stayed.
Day 6: Painswick to Stonehouse
Trail Highlights: Rolling farmland, quiet valleys, flower field.
This was my other favorite day on trail. I felt like the hike and scenery was everything I expected from the Cotswold Way. It was just absolutely beautiful. Also at this point, my blisters were feeling much better and I was getting used to the long walking days with my bag so I think that helped as well.
You walk through a lot of National Trust trails and areas so we passed a lot of people this day, mostly locals walking their dogs or just for a walk about. We had lunch at the Carpenter’s Arms in Westrip, which is owned by a lovely lady that we had some good laughs with. It was here that I said my last goodbyes to my new friends and took an Uber to my hotel, Stonehouse Court, for the evening.
- Stay: Stonehouse Court Hotel – 9/10. Beautiful and historic manor, turned into a hotel. Best breakfast of the trip. Friendly staff, nice common areas, good food and lovely grounds. I’m not sure many walkers stay here, but I absolutely loved it and it was a nice treat towards the end of the hike. One of my favorites along with The Falcon.
Day 7: Stonehouse to Dursley
Trail Highlights: Wooded escarpments, peaceful paths, Nympsfield Long Barrow, Coaley Peak.
This was another really nice day on trail. It had some tough climbs and the steepest of the entire trail in the last hill to get into Dursley. But I enjoyed the change up in the path from open public areas, to forest cover, to sheep farms, to beautiful hilltop views. It’s a little mix of everything on this section.
In Dursley, I stopped at the Bank Cafe for a milkshake before checking into my Airbnb. For Dinner, I went to Della Casa for Italian. Dursley is also a good place to visit the pharmacy or grocery to stock up on any supplies you might need as everything is right there in the middle of town.
- Stay: Airbnb with Sarah – 4/10. Fine for a night, small room with shared bathroom but decent location near town. There is a hotel in town called the Ye Olde Dursley that is a good location.
Day 8: Dursley to Wotton-under-Edge
Trail Highlights: Tyndale Monument, beautiful woodland.
The day starts with a steep climb to Stinchcombe Hill Golf Course. You have a decision right away to walk 2 miles around the golf course or just cut straight through. I chose to cut through and save my feet. There are some nice views today and because this was my shortest day on trail, I took my time and really enjoyed it.
Because it was the weekend, there were a lot of families picnicking and hanging out at the Tyndale Monument. I figured I didn’t have anywhere to be so I hung out for a bit and had some snacks in my bag for lunch. I was obsessed with the trees in the area and their cool looking roots. In Town, I stopped at the Wotton Coffee Shop for food and then picked up a microwave dinner from Sainsburys.
- Stay: Airbnb with Jayne – 8/10. Exceeded expectations, very accommodating and comfortable, had everything I needed for the night, and very close to the trail start in the morning. The only Airbnb I booked that I would stay in again.
Day 9: Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury
Trail Highlights: Not much elevation gain, nice open fields with good views
The trail today was ok, nothing too special but also not too challenging. It was another shorter day mostly through open fields with nice views. I made a new friend on trail and we walked together most of the way. My hotel this night was about a mile off trail and not much else around it. I had dinner here and called it a night.
- Stay: Cross Hands Hotel – 6.5/10. The last of my Greene King stays. This one wasn’t as nice as the others, but operated similarly so I knew what to expect in regards to food. Staff was friendly but not as near the trailhead as I would have liked.
Day 10: Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton
Trail Highlights: Dyrham Park, peaceful countryside, Cotswold Way Message Book.
This was the only day I had poor weather and it definitely affected my mood. Despite that, the trail today was really pretty in many different parts. From old church yards to historical houses to beautiful fields it had a little bit of everything. Dyrham Park is a great place to stop, enjoy the gardens, get some food or drink and use a toilet. You can also pay to go through the house if you would like.
This was the first day where I hadn’t seen a single person on the trail so Dyrham Park was a nice surprise and to not feel so isolated. As you get close to Cold Ashton you’ll find a Cotswold Way Message Box which you can sign and leave a little message. It was really cute and seeing how many people had come through gave me some extra determination to finish the day. I ended the day at my farm B&B and ordered delivery.
- Stay: Toghill House Farm – 7/10. Charming B&B and very nice rooms, but isolated from much else. Food delivery took over an hour and it was confusing to find. Once found, it’s actually not too far off trail, and the breakfast was nice, but I don’t know that I would stay here again. There is another B&B directly on the trail called Hill Farm B&B that I would try to book instead.
Day 11: Cold Ashton to Bath
Trail Highlights: Sweeping views approaching Bath, finishing at Bath Abbey.
Last day on trail! You start to pass more cottage houses regularly and walk through more sheep farms again. I really enjoyed this part of the trail, there is a mix of historical sites, interesting walking paths and views and a mix of people out on walks. You really start to feel like you’re coming into society again. It really kind of feels like you get a little bit of everything you’ve experienced on the trail in one day! Including one last golf course.
But don’t think the hills are done once you enter into Bath. Some of the steepest inclines come once you make it into Bath!! But keep going you’re almost done. The Cotswold Way ground marker is right in front of Bath Abbey near the Roman Baths entrance. After some pictures, I popped into Mrs. Potts and celebrated my completed pilgrimage with a S’mores Hot Chocolate.
- Stay: Edgar Town House – 7/10. Good location, not much atmosphere, room was decent.
Day 12: Explore Bath
Enjoy Bath!! Take time to relax, enjoy the Roman Baths, or have a celebratory tea at the Pump Room. There is a ton of history and things to do in this beautiful city. And once you’re ready to leave you can catch a train from Bath Spa directly to London Paddington.
Highlights of the Cotswold Way
- Broadway Tower and the surrounding countryside
- Belas Knap Neolithic tomb
- Cooper’s Hill, home of the cheese rolling race
- Nice Public Golf Courses with welcoming club houses
- Many animals along the way – sheep, cows, horses, birds
- Beautiful Nature and panoramic views
- Tyndale Monument built in the 19th century
- Finishing in Bath, one of England’s most beautiful cities
Tips for Booking Accommodation
1) Always check proximity to the trail—you don’t want a long detour at the end of a hiking day
2) Book in advance if possible, especially for weekend stays
3) Mix it up: pubs, inns, Airbnbs, and hotels all offer different vibes
4) If the accommodation doesn’t have a restaurant on-site make sure there are other food options nearby
5) Stays that include or offer breakfast are best as it’s one meal you don’t have to worry about and sets you up for a long day of walking!
What to Pack for the Cotswold Way
FOOTWEAR
- Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes
- I started with my Keen hiking boots and switched to my On Cloud Running shoes after a couple of days
- Comfortable sandals or slip-ons for the evening
CLOTHING
- 2–3 hiking outfits
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sleepwear and casual clothes for the evening
- Plenty of socks and underwear
- Sun Hat and/or Beanie (depending on season)
- Lightweight fleece or puffer jacket (season dependent)
GEAR
- Daypack
- I carried the 44L Backpack from Hynes Eagle
- If you’re using the luggage service you can carry a smaller backpack each day
- Hydration system or reusable water bottle (I have an Owala)
- Portable power bank, charging cables and international adapter
- Small first aid kit (especially blister care)
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
- I purchased mine in London at Decathlon for 6GBP
TOILETRIES and OTHER
- Quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries in travel size
- Scrubba for laundry and travel laundry sheets
- Snacks
- It’s not always possible to stop and get a meal while on the trail so having snacks is helpful. There’s not always a grocery nearby your hotel so be sure to bring enough for multiple days.
Training for the Cotswold Way
I decided to hike this about a week before I found myself in England so didn’t have much time to train, however it would’ve been helpful. The trail was a bit harder than I anticipated with quite a bit of up and down and elevation gain each day, so if you don’t already walk trails like this here are some things you can focus on:
- 2-3 mile runs or trail running
- Long walks (4-6 miles) if you live in a flat area
- Walking at an incline on a treadmill
- Stairmaster workouts
I also recommend training in the shoes you intend to wear to help break them in and make sure your feet are comfortable in them. Also, if you do plan to carry your bag and not use the luggage service, training with extra weight, such as with a weighted vest, would also be a good idea.
Final Thoughts
I viewed this hike as a personal pilgrimage and really enjoyed all aspects of it (the good and the challenging). This trail has a perfect mix of scenic beauty, English charm, and peaceful solitude. The signage was excellent, the villages were out a storybook, and making it to the end in Bath was unforgettable.
If you’re thinking of walking the Cotswold Way, do it—you won’t regret it. Leave a comment if you have any questions about planning your walk.
Happy hiking!
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