Boots, Butterflies and biodiversity: Walking the Cotswold Way & South Downs Way

When it comes to walking in the UK, the most rewarding experiences are often found just off the beaten track, on routes that aren’t as widely known. As the UK Destination Manager for RAW Travel, I’ve spent years exploring the UK’s National Trails and, in that time, I’ve had the privilege of walking both the South Downs Way and the Cotswold Way.

These paths have left a lasting impression on me, not only for their stunning landscapes but also for their vibrant biodiversity. What I love most about them is their under-the-radar charm. There’s something special about feeling like you’re discovering a hidden gem – surrounded by breathtaking scenery, rich history, and a surprising variety of wildlife. Both trails offer a unique chance to connect with England’s countryside in a way that feels intimate and enduring, where the natural world truly unfolds around you.

What I love most about them is their under-the-radar charm. There’s something special about feeling like you’re discovering a hidden gem.

When I was designing these hikes, one of the things I wanted to do was create a trail experience that went beyond just the walking. As an Australian adventure hiking company, we understand that our guests are not just hikers, but travellers too – people who want to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and essence of the places they visit. This is why I’ve included some special elements on both the South Downs Way and the Cotswold Way that allow you to connect even more deeply with the surrounding landscapes and history.

For example, on the South Downs Way, I added a detour to Arundel, a town steeped in history, with its magnificent castle and charming streets. It’s a perfect way to enhance your journey, offering a taste of something different from the typical trail experience. With the Cotswold Way, I wanted to start the walk in Stratford-upon-Avon, not only because of its literary significance but also because it’s a place that captures the imagination. We link up with the Cotswold Way using the Monarch’s Way, offering an additional historical layer as you walk.

A detour to Arundel is the perfect way to enhance your journey, offering a taste of something different from the typical trail experience.

Our South Downs Way itinerary, with the addition of the Arundel loop, winds for 175km from Winchester to Eastbourne along easy to moderate terrain, making it an accessible choice for a wide range of walkers. The straightforward navigation, on clear paths and well-marked routes, and manageable elevation, make it particularly attractive to those who may have thought their trail walking days were behind them. Its forgiving terrain, with rolling hills and wide-open landscapes, allows older hikers, in particular, to enjoy the physicality of walking without the strain of steeper, more demanding routes. But it’s not just for experienced hikers – this path also provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to hone their hiking skills. With well-maintained paths and few technical challenges, it’s the perfect trail for anyone wanting to get a feel for long-distance walking at a comfortable pace.

The straightforward navigation, on clear paths and well-marked routes, and manageable elevation, make it particularly attractive to those who may have thought their trail walking days were behind them.

What also makes the South Downs Way so appealing is the sense of tranquillity it offers, despite its excellent transport links and close proximity to vibrant towns and villages. The trail itself is well-connected, with easy access to mainline train stations and bus routes, making it easy for walkers to access the path. The trailhead, at the bustling city of Winchester offers direct train connections to London and beyond, while Eastbourne offers trains to London and other popular destinations on the South Coast. Between these two endpoints, towns such as Alfriston, Amberley, and Pyecombe lie just off the trail, making them easily accessible as rest stops, lunches and overnight accommodation.

Walkers are often surprised to find how much solitude they can experience as they walk through open fields, quiet woodlands, and expansive downlands. Villages and small hamlets that lie just off the path seem to offer a perfect balance of accessibility and tranquillity. The surrounding landscape, with its rich biodiversity and dramatic chalk cliffs, provides a perfect backdrop for reflective moments and wildlife spotting. The trail passes through five National Nature Reserves and numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), making it a true haven for nature lovers. The wildflower-filled chalk downland is particularly stunning in late spring and summer, with an abundance of butterflies fluttering across the path – admirably showcasing species such as the iconic Adonis blue and chalkhill blue. The variety of butterflies found here makes the South Downs Way a pleasure for a slow-paced hiking experience.

The wildflower-filled chalk downland is particularly stunning in late spring and summer, with an abundance of butterflies fluttering across the path.

Just a short way from the trail, you could visit Knepp Wilding, a pioneering rewilding project that offers a fascinating glimpse into the UK’s conservation efforts. This remarkable landscape is home to wild deer, longhorn cattle, and rare birds. Nearby Arundel, where you stay overnight, with its iconic castle, provides a cultural highlight. Additionally, the Seven Sisters cliffs near Eastbourne offer some of the most photographed views in the country, and the charming Cuckmere Haven provides good opportunities for wildlife watching and offer walkers a chance to further enjoy the area’s history and wildlife.

The Cotswold Way, stretching through the stunning Cotswold Hills, offers a more challenging experience but rewards walkers with panoramic views and a rich sense of history. The terrain is more varied here, with steeper inclines and rugged hills, making it an ideal choice for those who want a physical challenge, but not one that’s overwhelming. The Cotswold Way is an adventure that pushes you to take in more of the landscape with its breathtaking views of meadows, stone walls, and idyllic villages. And, much like the South Downs Way, the Cotswold Way is easily accessible, with both Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath well-served by rail links. This makes it convenient for walkers to travel to and from the trail.

The Cotswold Way is an adventure that pushes you to take in more of the landscape with its breathtaking views of meadows, stone walls, and idyllic villages.

As you walk, you’ll pass through honeyed stone villages like Chipping Campden, Painswick, and Winchcombe, each steeped in the charm of centuries-old stone buildings and narrow lanes. The trail leads you past Iron Age hill forts, medieval churches, and ancient stone circles, offering plenty of opportunities to step back in time. Its natural environment, with deer, and a wealth of birdlife, offers a dynamic walking experience, with varying habitats of woodlands, meadows, and farmland to explore. The Cotswolds are also home to many species of butterflies, including the Marbled white and Small heath, which are often spotted flitting through the meadows and grasslands that line the path. The butterflies here are part of a thriving ecosystem, adding to the vibrant natural atmosphere of the trail.

Its natural environment, with deer, and a wealth of birdlife, offers a dynamic walking experience, with varying habitats of woodlands, meadows, and farmland to explore.

Among its many highlights, the Cotswold Way features grand houses and gardens, such as Sudeley Castle, set in beautiful gardens with a rich royal history, and the tranquil grounds of Hidcote Manor Garden, one of the UK’s most famous Arts and Crafts gardens. Whether you’re exploring the historic interiors or enjoying the tranquil settings of these estates, they add an extra layer of charm to the trail and provide plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the surrounding beauty.

The Cotswold Way also offers several beautiful spots for relaxation and reflection. The meandering path through Dovers Hill gives you views of the Cotswold countryside stretching for miles, while the Wye Valley offers a gentle change of pace with its quiet, picturesque setting. The variety of terrain – from open fields to thick woodland – keeps things interesting throughout the walk.

Both trails provide a mix of history, nature, and breathtaking scenery, all wrapped in the comfort of accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or a beginner, these trails offer an unforgettable experience. For those seeking a gentle, immersive connection with nature, the South Downs Way offers a peaceful and accessible adventure. If you’re looking for a more physically challenging walk with historical significance, the Cotswold Way will not disappoint.

Whether you’re a seasoned walker or a beginner, these trails offer an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the immersive experience along the trails themselves, both routes offer great opportunities to delve deeper into local culture and history. Whether it’s exploring the medieval towns of the Cotswolds or the wild, rewilded landscapes of Knepp, each stop provides a sense of both timelessness and discovery.

Both trails offer a rare opportunity to experience England’s countryside in its purest form – a place where nature, history, and the simple joy of walking come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal cliffs of the South Downs or the rolling hills and stone villages of the Cotswolds, these paths provide an ideal mix of tranquillity, adventure, and cultural richness.

Looking for an exceptional adventure? We’ve got the best walks in the UK. Go self-guided and navigate easily on the trail with our unique app or elevate your experience with our expert local guides. With all our walks, you’ll enjoy first-hand advice from our destination experts, seamless luggage-transfers, excellent handpicked-accommodation, unrivalled resources and the best local support in-country!