Cotswold Way: 8-Day Challenging Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Winchcombe

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Winchcombe.

DAY 2: Winchcombe to Leckhampton Hill

Distance 28km • Approximate Walking Time 7 - 10 hours • Ascent (↑) 750m

Far-reaching views from the top of Cleeve Common (at 317m - the highest point of the walk) where the Brecon Beacons in Wales are visible on a clear day. Lineover Wood, where some trees date back over 700 years is particularly impressive.

DAY 3: Leckhampton Hill to Painswick

20km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 490m

Early in the day, you pass through Crickley Hill Country Park with wonderful views from the escarpment over the plains below. The quiet walker will have a good chance to spot some of the wild deer that roam the majestic beech tree forests close to Birdlip. The trail descends via a golf course into the picturesque little town of Painswick.

DAY 4: Painswick to Dursley

27/30km • 7 - 11 hours • (↑) 770/880m

Today, after walking through open countryside for the first few kilometres, the trail leads you through some of the wonderful wooded areas on the Cotswold Way. Stockend Wood and Standish Wood are two fine examples you will pass through on today’s walk. Spend some time exploring the ancient burial grounds dating back 5,000 years at Nympsfield, with spectacular vistas over the Severn Valley.

DAY 5: Dursley to Hillesley

20km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 550m

A steep climb out of Dursley in the morning and more stunning views over the Severn Estuary unveil themselves. Moving on to North Nibley, you pass a monument dedicated to the memory of William Tyndale - a local man responsible for the translation of the Holy Bible into English in the 16th Century.

DAY 6: Hillesley to Cold Ashton

26km • 7 - 9 hours • (↑) 445m

Imagine how some of England’s wealthiest people live as you pass by the sprawling countryside estates of three wonderful old county homes at Horton Court, Dodington Park and Dyrham Park. The grounds are wonderful for walking and you may be lucky enough to spot deer, rabbit and even foxes on the trail.

DAY 7: Cold Ashton to Bath

17km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 310m

Today, your path takes you across a battlefield where, in 1643, hundreds of English soldiers died fighting one another during the English Civil War. From this beautiful, yet somehow eerie, site you descend into the majestic town of Bath. Your journey ends at the fittingly spectacular Bath Abbey next to the Roman Baths - a great end to a great walk!

DAY 8: Departure from Bath

There are regular bus & train services from Bath to London/Bristol and other destinations in the UK.