Cotswold Way

In this weeks blog post I’ll describe our 7 day through hike itinerary of the Cotswold Way in South West England. I’ll tell each day as we experienced it and where we stayed on each leg. Any questions or if you fancy trying out a similar itinerary drop me a comment below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ7sUU_AMbY

Day 1 – Bath to Tomarton

On our first day we got the train the Bath Spa then from the train station we walked to Bath Abbey, the starting point of the Cotswold Way before we headed the the North of the city for the first leg.

We hiked up our first climb and stopped for a break with views over Bath Easton. We then heading on passing Kelston Round Hill, Bath Racecourse, a golf course and Sir Bevil Grenville’s Monument on the Battle of Landsdown.

In the afternoon we passed Cold Ashton village and Dyrham Park National Trust house and garden (which is worth exploring if you have the time). Before it was time from lots of road crossings including the M4. We did have to do a short diversion here, but all was find just follow the signs.

We then reached our hotel for the night, Best Western Compass Inn. Where we enjoyed a warm shower, filling meal and a good nights sleep.

Day 2 – Tomarton – Wotton under Edge

Our second day started early with a good breakfast before heading back to the trail. We started the day’s hike with a stroll through Dodington Park before reaching Old Sodbury.

We then walked through the first (of many) hill forts on the trail, Little Sodbury Hill fort. Before we past through the villages of Little Sodbury, Horton and onto Hawkesbury Upton.

We past the Somerset Monument and enjoyed some snacks. Through the afternoon we passed through more villages of Lower Killcott, Alderley and Wotley before reaching Wotton under Edge. We stayed at The Swan and as it was Sunday enjoyed a fantastic Sunday roast.

Day 3 – Wotton under Edge to Stroud

The next morning started with a climb back up onto the trail, up to Wotton Hill. Then following the hill around we eventually exited the woods at the William Tyndale Monument which we climbed for fantastic views before we headed down to North Nibley.

From there we headed onto Dursley where we grabbed some lunch in the Sainsbury’s and the first rain of our trip started. We headed out over Cam Long Down then up through Coaley Woods to Uley Long Barrow. The Coaley Peak and Neathfield Long Barrow. This was for sure the hardest leg of the trip with the most accents and depends.

From here we followed the path through the woods to King’s Stanley. As we couldn’t find accommodation for the night we needed in King’s Stanley we headed on at slightly off the trail to Stonehouse. Where after a short walk down the canal path we found our accommodation at Stonehouse Court Hotel. This was a very nice hotel, we fantastic food on offer for the evening meal and breakfast the following day.

Day 4 – Stroud to Birdlip

The next day we headed back down the canal path to rejoin the trail. We then headed up across fields and a vineyard to Standish Woods. We followed the path through Standish Woods to Haresfield Beacon where we stopped for a brief snack break.

From here we continued to Rudge Hill Nature Reserve where we crossed the A4173, walked down the lane and across fields to find the half way marker. We then proceeded to Painswick were we stopped at a cafe for lunch.

Painswick is a very pretty town and taking time to at least pass through St Mary’s church is well worth it. After lunch we finished exploring Painswick and headed out of the town up onto the golf course to continue the trail. We past Painswick beacon and headed into the woodland before emerging at Copper’s Hill (famous for cheese rolling).

We descended Copper’s Hill and took a quick diversion to the Roman Villa which although smaller than some we have seen was a nice stop. From here we continued through the woods to Birdlip, where we stayed at the Royal George and enjoyed some pub food here.

Day 5 – Birdlip to Cleeve Hill

After a good nights sleep and filling breakfast we headed back down the road to rejoin the trail. We then headed to Birdlip viewpoint, before a tricky rush hour roundabout road crossing and heading into Crinkly Hill Country Park. Eventually descending from here through woodland we passed onto another Greenway Lane and past a new housing development.

Next we headed up along side another golf course and out onto Leckhampton Hill and past Devil’s Chimney. From there we headed past the lookout point and lime kiln remains to continue around the hill with spectacular views before descending to meet the road.

We then walked along the side of fields and through woodlands before crossing the A40 and the end of Lineover Wood. After crossing the road we ascended past the Reservoir onto open fields. Following tracks and lanes we made into onto Cleeve Common. We then crossed to the other end of Cleeve Common where we stayed at The Rising Sun.

Day 6 – Cleeve Hill to Broadway

We walked back up onto the trail towards to golf club to start the sixth day. Then we headed onto Postlip farm and through woods, fields and tracks on the way to Bela Knaps Long Barrow. From there we descended across fields and woods to Winchcombe, first passing the cricket club then onto the town where we got some lunch in the supermarket.

We left the town from Puck Pit Lane and headed towards Hailes Abbey. The Abbey looked great to explore but as we were pushed for time we decided not to this time. We passed the fruit farm and ascended through the woods and across fields to Cromwells seat.

From here we crossed lots more fields before reaching the villages of Wood Stanway and Stanway. Then onto the pretty village Stanton. We continued for our final leg of the day to Broadway. We stayed at the Crown & Trumpet and got burgers for dinner at the Flipside, which I’d definitely recommend.

Day 7 – Broadway to Chipping Camden and onto Moreton in the Marsh

We set out early on our final day to make sure we had time to get to our train. We started by climbing up to Broadway tower, for spectacular views. We then headed to Fish Hill and onto Dover Hills for the very final walk into Chipping Camden.

Making it to the Market Hall, the official start / end of the Cotswold Way we took a moment to look back on what we had achieved and then took some time to explore Chipping Camden. As we hadn’t yet had breakfast we headed to Katie’s of Chipping Camden for a breakfast bap and a coffee.

After our breakfast we began our homeward journey which the first leg would be walking to Moreton in the Marsh. We left Chipping Camden and headed for the villages of Broad Camden and then Blockley before reaching Moreton in the Marsh. This was a very nice walk and a change from being on the trail as it was a lot quieter. We made it to the train station in good time and made our way home on the train via Oxford.

Takeways

This was a great walk for our first long distance trail. It was largely easily assessable by public transport and there were good, affordable hotel stops placed close to the trail. As well as towns and villages to stop for food during the day. I would highly recommend this trail for those new to long distance walking.

Until next time, happy exploring,

Katherine