Cotswold Way South

Walk Overview

The Cotswold Way is one of the United Kingdom’s 16 specially protected “National Trails”. It’s up there amongst the most celebrated of the National Trails as its 164 kilometres (102 miles) route between Chipping Campden in the north and Bath in the south takes in quintessential English countryside and a number of England’s most attractive villages.

The Cotswold Way South covers 88 kilometres (55 miles) of the southern section of the Cotswold Way between Painswick and Bath. It’s a great option for those with limited time and whose itinerary includes Bath.

The path broadly follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills escarpment thus affording magnificent views, particularly to the west over the River Severn towards south Wales. While you’re mostly up on an escarpment, it’s an escarpment eroded by the centuries and so the trail has many (mainly gentle) ascents and descents. The trail passes through beech woodlands, open rolling farmland and harsher upland areas. In spring and summer, the path is adorned by a vivid profusion of wildflowers and in autumn the more subdued plant-life puts on a show of pastel colours.

The walk starts at the beautiful town of Painswick which is widely known as “The Queen of the Cotswolds” because of its stunning ancient stone architecture. A star attraction in Painswick are the 99 sculpted yew trees in St Mary’s churchyard. Once known for its wool trade, Painswick has become a haven for artists who are celebrated in the local Art Burst Festival in August.

There are many other highlights on the walk, including:

• Numerous historical sites en route including ancient hill forts (such as Haresfield Beacon and Uleybury), Neolithic burial chambers and Roman villa ruins.

• Stately homes and gardens including, the Rococo Gardens at Painswick House, Woodchester Mansion and Gardens, Horton Court and Dyrham House with its ancient deer park.

• Most of the villages along the path offer an array of eating options, interesting shops and local attractions.

The Cotswold Way South officially ends at Bath Abbey in the centre of this magnificent Georgian city. There is much to explore in Bath including the Royal Crescent, the Circus, the Botanic Gardens, the Roman Baths and Pumproom and the River Avon.

The Cotswold Way South covers 88 kilometres (55 miles) and generally takes about five days of walking. Your total trip duration then depends on whether you incorporate rest days and, if so, how many.

A five day itinerary is described below. The itinerary involves an average daily distance of 18 kilometres (11 miles).

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in walking the Cotswold Way South, click the button below.

• For more information on walking in the Cotswolds, click the button below.

• For a Walk Travel Advisory Blog description of walking the Cotswold Way, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes about 5 days to complete. A typical 5 day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Painswick to King Stanley

Distance: 14 km

Time: 3.5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2

King Stanley to Wotton-under-Edge

Distance: 24 km

Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3

Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury

Distance: 21 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Walk Options

Guided

There are currently no tour operators who offer this walk as a guided trip on a regular basis. There are a few operators who offer to guide the walk on designated dates each year. Generally, with these options, comfortable accommodation is offered at one central base and walkers are transferred to a section of the walk each day.

Typically, the package offered by these operators include:

• 6 day tour with professional guides; 5 days of walking

• 6 nights accommodation at a central base

• All meals

• Transfers between the track and the accommodation

Assisted self-guided

Many tour operators offer self-guided trips on the Cotswold Way South.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation, usually with ensuites (the range and quantity of accommodation available in some villages is limited; also, the basic package offered by some tour operators might not always extend to ensuites)

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 support

The duration of the self-guided options varies depending upon how far you wish to walk each day. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

There are some camping areas along the route that make camping on some nights a possibility. It’s also quite feasible to book accommodation along the route yourself and, if you require luggage transfers, to arrange that independently.

For those considering this option, it’s worth noting that the self-guided tour operators often have preferred rates with accommodation providers and luggage transfer companies. They also often have reserved allocations at the best-located/most suitable accommodation for the particular walk, so sometimes when accommodation shows no availability to an independent inquiry there’s still availability through a self-guided operator.

Also, be aware that the Cotswolds is a popular destination for both local and overseas travellers, so during the holiday season it will usually be necessary to book accommodation well ahead of your visit.

Essential Information

Access

The starting point for the Cotswold Way South is either Painswick or Bath. 

Painswick and Bath are both readily accessible by public transport:

•  For Painswick, there are regular trains between London’s Paddington Station to Stroud. From there, it’s a short bus or taxi ride to Painswick.

• From Bath, there are direct and regular trains to London’s Paddington Station.

Best time

The best time to do the walk is between March and November.

In spring and summer vivid wildflowers (especially bluebells and daffodils) adorn the route and then in September and October the autumnal foliage colours the landscape with various shades of pastel.

Difficulty

This walk is rated at a difficulty level of easy to moderate. It is waymarked and is generally well-defined and maintained.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options at either end of the Cotswold Way South (Painswick and Bath) and, generally, plenty along the route. Accommodation options include camping, hostels, B&B’s, guesthouses, inns and hotels. If finishing in Bath, there are some unique accommodation options in the vicinity that provide a highly memorable experience.

Many of the accommodation providers, particularly those near to the route, are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers. 

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing special dining options along the route.

Other activities

As a popular tourist destination, the Cotswolds offers many attractions in addition to the Cotswold Way South.

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other attractions. Some will do that through rest days along the trail; others prefer ‘add-ons’ at the end of the walk. Some do both!

We can assist walkers to explore the many attractions of the Cotswolds.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.