Cotswold Way
Step back in time in scenic southern England on an idyllic walk through the Cotswolds to the Roman city of Bath
Step back in time in scenic southern England on an idyllic walk through the Cotswolds to the Roman city of Bath
Find useful facts and learn more about the Cotswold Way below. Select the blue tabs below for more details.
Extending from the quintessentially English market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath, the 102 mile (164 km) Cotswold Way has existed as a promoted long-distance walk and had its 50th anniversary in 2020, celebrations were delayed due to the pandemic until September 2021.
Following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, the route journeys through rolling pastures, beech woodland and honey-coloured villages built from Cotswold stone.
You will explore ancient commons in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, pass Neolithic burial barrows, stately homes and historic battle sites. The stunning path along the Cotswold escarpment offers ever-changing views to the west towards the River Severn and the Malvern Hills.
Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Cotswold Way, although many walkers are surprised at the frequency of steep climbs.
The National Trail is very well way-marked so following the route is easy. But it is always a good idea to take a guidebook or map.
The Cotswold Way can be walked in all seasons. However, if you want to enjoy clear views from the Cotswold escarpment, then crisp winter days, autumn and spring may be the best time to visit. Late spring and early summer are great times to see the grasslands in all their glory and the beech woodlands are at their best in spring and autumn.
The Cotswold Way is managed and mantained by Cotswolds National Landscape and our amazing team of Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.
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Renowned for its sheer diversity, the Cotswold Way incorporates some of England’s prettiest villages and passes historic sites such as the City of Bath World Heritage Site, the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle, Hailes Abbey and many churches and historic houses.
One minute you will be in wildflower meadows, the next shaded woodlands. You could breakfast in a sleepy village, lunch in a thriving market town and eat dinner under the stars – no two days will be the same!
Visit our Walking Holidays Page for holiday inspiration for the Cotswold Way.
Visit our News Page for the latest interesting and exciting news on the Cotswold Way National Trail
Take a look at our Events calendar to find details of the enjoyable events that are taking place along the trail.
If you want, you can even add your own event.
Explore the honey-coloured Cotswolds and find picturesque places to visit, Neolithic sites and fascinating attractions, ending in historic Bath..
Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail here.
