The Cotswolds might be one of the most famous natural scenic areas of Great-Britain. For most people, when thinking about England, the old stone Cotswold houses and glowy, rolling hills come to mind. Walking the Cotswold way is on top of the bucket lists of many hikers, and they are right to have put it there.
On this 8-day walk (6 stages), you will start in Painswick and work your way down south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath (nearby Bristol). In the beginning you will spend your way walking through the tiny villages, but it won’t be long before you smell the wild flowers in the English meadows or wander around the beech tree forest, while enjoying some shadow. The end point of the Cotswold Way is the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath. Here, you will find the beautiful Roman Thermal Spas that mark the beginning of the history of the city.
The stage begins with a steep descent from Painswick, crosses the Wash Brook, and climbs up to open grassland and heathland areas such as Edge Common.
You then descend through wooded sections, passing by the ancient fort at Haresfield Beacon, until you approach the wide Stroud Valley. From there, the trail continues to Stonehouse, a historic village with roots dating back to the Domesday Book.
Enjoy the rich blend of history, panoramic views, and the quintessential Cotswold landscape along this beautiful stage. Be mindful of the occasionally steep terrain, but let yourself be surprised by the beauty along the way!
The walk from Stonehouse to Uley/Dursley is a beautiful and varied stage. This route takes you through the characteristic Cotswold landscape of open fields, woodlands, hills, and spectacular viewpoints.
You start in Stonehouse and follow quiet paths and country lanes heading west. Before long, you will pass through the wooded area of Penn Wood and begin a steady climb to the well-known viewpoint Coaley Peak, where you're rewarded with panoramic views over the Severn Valley.
Next comes one of the highlights of this stage: Stinchcombe Hill. This limestone plateau is a favourite among hikers for its wide-open views, rolling terrain, and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you follow winding paths along the forest edge and across grassy slopes. This stage offers the perfect blend of nature, elevation changes, and tranquility.
The walk from Uley/Dursley to Wotton-under-Edge is one of the most impressive stages of the Cotswold Way. This route leads you across ridge lines, past spectacular viewpoints and through picturesque villages, a beautiful blend of nature and history.
You begin with a steep climb from Dursley towards Stinchcombe Hill, a limestone plateau known for its wide-reaching views over the Severn Valley and the rolling hills beyond. At Drakestone Point, an iconic viewpoint, you will enjoy a panoramic vista considered one of the finest along the entire trail.
After descending, you reach the small village of North Nibley, where the path climbs once again toward the imposing Tyndale Monument. This tall memorial is dedicated to William Tyndale, a pioneer in translating the Bible into English, and offers a stunning view from the top. You then descend gently via Wotton Hill, with its distinctive commemorative trees, toward the stage's final destination: Wotton-under-Edge.
This charming market town is the perfect place to end your walk with a drink or a meal at one of the many welcoming pubs or cafés.
This varied stage takes you from the charming town of Wotton-under-Edge to the peaceful village of Old Sodbury.
You begin with a climb to the edge of the Cotswold escarpment, where you're rewarded with beautiful views. The route continues through open fields, woodlands, and past the village of Alderley. You then pass the historic Little Sodbury, known for its medieval church where William Tyndale may have once worked.
One of the highlights is the impressive Old Sodbury Hill Fort, offering panoramic views over the Severn Valley. The day ends in Old Sodbury, where you can relax at a local pub or B&B.
The walk from Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton/Wick is a peaceful yet enchanting stage of the Cotswold Way. This route offers a beautiful variety of rolling landscapes, grand estates, and characterful villages, making it ideal for walkers seeking tranquility, open space, and a touch of history.
You begin the day with a relaxed walk from Old Sodbury, and soon enter the expansive Dodington Park, an impressive 18th-century estate once designed by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown. With its ancient trees and park-like setting, it provides a picturesque start to the stage.
The route continues along rural paths to the idyllic village of Tormarton, where time seems to stand still. It's a lovely place to pause for a break by the village pond or the small church. From there, the path leads you through Dyrham Woods, offering peaceful, shaded woodland sections.
One of the highlights along the way is the view over Dyrham Park, a majestic National Trust estate known for its baroque architecture, vast deer park, and formal gardens. While you don’t enter the estate, you will enjoy an excellent view from the trail above. The day ends in Cold Ashton or Wick.
The final stage of the Cotswold Way is a beautiful and symbolic conclusion to this iconic long-distance walk. From the peaceful and rural Cold Ashton/Wick, you make your way over rolling hills, through quiet woodlands, and past historic landmarks toward the elegant city of Bath, where you can end your journey in style.
The route begins with a relaxed walk through meadows and small wooded areas, followed by a descent toward the historic battlefield of Lansdown. From there, you gradually climb uphill and are rewarded with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.
A special moment is the view from Prospect Stile, where you catch your first glimpse of Bath nestled in the valley, a breathtaking sight after days of walking through nature.
After one final descent, you eventually reach the center of Bath. Here, among Roman baths and elegant Georgian buildings, you can celebrate your well-earned arrival.
