length

8 Days

difficulty

Moderate

trip cost

from $1820 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

8 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $1820 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Self-Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • navigation app
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • Similar walks

Overview

South Cotswolds

The gently rolling hills of the Cotswold Way skirts England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This stunning region is home to chocolate-box villages surrounded by picture-perfect countryside. This is quintessential England as described in Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie.

Meander through a patchwork of sheep-dotted fields, see miles of enchanting dry stone walls and enjoy quiet country lanes and lush pastured farmland. Enjoy meandering through gorgeous south Cotswold villages including medieval Painswick and the World Heritage Listed Bath, famed for its stunning Georgian architecture and healing thermal waters.

North Cotswolds - Cotswold Way

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Glorious jumble of stunning landscapes and wonderful biodiversity
  • Roman baths and marvel at the fine architecture UNESCO-listed Bath
  • Meander slowly amidst ancient beech trees along quiet woodland trails
  • Bath’s exceptional local cuisine and posh gastro pubs and restaurants 
  • Grand gardens designed by famous landscape architect Capability Brown
  • Painswick’s famous Rococo gardens and 99 yew trees at St Mary’s Church
RAW Travel App

navigation app

finding your way

Our unique RAW Travel walking app has been designed to help you navigate easily through the Cotswolds. Simply download your map with the unique link we send you and you’ll be able to follow your route with ease, showing your location in real-time without any internet connection needed or cumbersome pages of notes. The app has many great features: it shows the location of each night’s accommodation, weather forecasts localised for your overnight stops, plus important reminders, safety information, videos and emergency contact details. It also has a unique audio feature that can tell you about places and points of interest as you approach them on the trail.

Itinerary

Daily Details

IMPORTANT INFO

Accommodation along the Cotswold Way is limited so daily distances may vary from that in your walk notes depending on where your accommodation is located and if you take any optional diversions.

Day 1: Arrive Painswick

Often referred to as “The Queen of the Cotswolds” this town is one of the best-preserved villages in the Cotswolds, and is famous for its Rococo Gardens and 99 yew trees surrounding St Mary’s church. According to legend, should a 100th tree grow, the devil would pull it out.

Day 2: PAINSWICK TO KING’S STANLEY (14KM)
  • Ascent 550m
  • Decent 650m

A pleasant descent leads to woodlands, then gentle uphills and open meadowland to Edge Common with views back over Painswick. The path dips then climbs once more for spectacular views over the River Severn and the Vale of Berkeley. Standish Woods offers exquisite spring-time displays of bluebells and wood anemone. Passing between Stroud and Stonehouse on the low level route, the trail crosses the Stroudwater Canal before arriving at King’s Stanley, nestled at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment.

Meals: B

Day 3: KING’S STANLEY TO WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE (23KM)
  • Ascent 875m
  • Descent 850m

In spring, the scent of wild garlic will greet you on the lovely woodland trails of Penn Wood. There are a few ups and downs today, but you’ll enjoy great views all along the ridge as you dip in and out of various valleys and hills. The trail also passes by another Neolithic burial ground called Nympsfield Long Barrow. There are some longer scenic options, so at this point, you’ll need to make a choice: if it’s a clear day, we suggest the longer route. On the way is the Tyndale Monument, dedicated to writer William Tyndale, translator of the New Testament into English in 1525. After the monument, the woodland path descends into the bustling market town of Wotton-under-Edge.

Meals: B

Day 4: WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE TO OLD SODBURY (20.5KM)
  • Ascent 550m
  • Descent 525m

As you leave Wotton, take a moment to visit the 13th-century parish church of St Mary the Virgin. You’ll see stunning views from atop the craggy Cotswold hills before journeying through open fields, valleys and small sections of woodlands. Savour the charm of every little hamlet and the gloriously-named valley Nanny Farmer’s Bottom as you stride the easy paths into quaint Old Sodbury with its 900-year old Norman church. Here we recommend a refreshing ale at the 500-year-old Dog Inn.

Meals: B

Day 5: OLD SODBURY TO COLD ASHTON (14.5KM)
  • Ascent 250m
  • Descent 175m

Today’s short but rewarding walk takes you past some impressive old manor houses reflecting both the past and present wealth of the Cotswold region. Amble through the grand gardens and rolling parklands of Dodington Park. This estate was designed in 1764 by famous landscape architect Capability Brown. The trail skirts the perimeter wall of the National Trust’s baroque-style Dyrham Park which featured in the movie The Remains of the Day. From the village of Dyrham, the trail climbs up through Dyrham Woods before continuing through fertile sheep-filled farmland into charming Cold Ashton with its fine views over the valley.

Meals: B

Day 6: COLD ASHTON TO BATH (17KM)
  • Ascent 285m
  • Descent 475m

Your final day on the delightful Cotswold Way sees you descend into the peaceful, secluded valley of Lower Hamswell. Climb again to reach the site of the 1643 civil war battle of Lansdown before crossing a plateau to emerge at Prospect Stile. Here, across a patchwork of fields, you’ll see your first views of Bath. As the walk becomes more urban, take the time to reflect on the picturesque golden villages, wild-flower meadows, rare butterflies and welcoming locals you’ve seen on your Cotswold Way adventure. Nearer the city, catch glimpses of fine parks and wonderful Regency architecture as you make your way to beautiful Bath Abbey. A hand-carved blue limestone disc featuring place names from along the route has been set into the pavement outside the ornate west doors to mark the end of the Cotswold Way.

Meals: B

Day 7: DAY IN BATH

Grand Bath is the original wellness destination retreat, so pamper yourself with a therapeutic spa in the natural hot springs of the Roman baths, or visit one of its many galleries, museums or chic boutiques.

Meals: B

Day 8: DEPART BATH

Enjoy a hearty English breakfast before your departure any time prior to 10am.

Meals: B

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Map

Explore

Painswick

Historic Painswick is often referred to as “The Queen of the Cotswolds”. This town is one of the best-preserved villages in the Cotswolds, and is famous for its Rococo Gardens and 99 yew trees surrounding St Mary’s church. According to legend, should a 100th tree grow, the devil would pull it out.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
King’s Stanley

King’s Stanley surprises visitors with its rich industrial heritage. It was once a hub for the production of woollen cloth and boasts historic mills and canals that whisper tales of its past.

Wotton-under-Edge

In the bustling market town of Wotton-under-Edge you’ll find notable landmarks including the 13th-century St Mary’s Church and the imposing Ancient Ram Inn.

Old Sodbury

Savour the charm of every little hamlet and the gloriously-named valley Nanny Farmer’s Bottom as you stride the easy paths to tiny Old Sodbury. Here we recommend a refreshing ale at the 500-year-old Dog Inn.

Cold Ashton

Cold Ashton offers a glimpse into its rich past through well-preserved 17th-century limestone cottages. St. Gabriel’s Church, a medieval gem, adds to the village’s historical appeal.

Bath

Bath is the original wellness destination retreat! Pamper yourself with a therapeutic spa in the natural hot springs of the Roman baths, or visit one of its many galleries, museums or chic boutiques.

Inclusions

What's Included?

Included
  • Hassle-free walking with exclusive use of RAW Travel’s specifically designed navigational hiking app
  • 7 nights in quintessential Cotswold accommodation including B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels
  • Daily breakfast including fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals and/or a hearty, cooked English breakfast to support your day on the trail
  • Pack-free walking with luggage transfers on each hiking day (1 x 20kg bag per person)
  • RAW luggage tags
  • Pre-trip guidance and planning from experienced and dedicated RAW Travel Destination Experts
  • Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker
Excluded
  • Single supplement $840
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunch and dinners
Lazy afternoon in the Cotswolds; Shutterstock ID 680485537

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Amazing (even with unseasonal weather)! Really enjoyed the incredible scenery and time alone.

Sherryn Hepher, Trevallyn (TAS) - August 2023

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TRIP date selection

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Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

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