Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Cotswold Way North Section

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Cotswold Way North Section
From $1,025USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
7 days from $1,025USD
Easy quote
Beauty in the Cotswolds
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Discover the Cotswolds on foot on this 7-day self-guided walking tour along the Cotswold Way National Trail. This tour covers the northern section of the trail from Chipping Campden to Painswick, following the Cotswold escarpment to ensure fantastic views all along the way.

You’ll encounter much of the area’s rich history and archaeological treasures, which you are free to explore the Cotswold Way at your own pace.

Walk from one charming Cotswold village to the next and stay in cozy inns and bed and breakfasts. Many got their start as old coaching inns, so you’ll enjoy old-world atmosphere that’s tastefully updated with modern amenities. This 7-day self-guided walking tour in the Cotswolds is the perfect getaway in the English countryside.

England, Europe
Happiness promise

Cotswold Way North Section

Discover majestic beauty and breathtaking views on this 7 day walking holiday in England
4.90
(81 reviews)
7 days from $1,025USD
Easy quote
Duration
7 days
Season
Jan-Dec
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels / B&B
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,025USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Beauty in the Cotswolds
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Discover the Cotswolds on foot on this 7-day self-guided walking tour along the Cotswold Way National Trail. This tour covers the northern section of the trail from Chipping Campden to Painswick, following the Cotswold escarpment to ensure fantastic views all along the way.

You’ll encounter much of the area’s rich history and archaeological treasures, which you are free to explore the Cotswold Way at your own pace.

Walk from one charming Cotswold village to the next and stay in cozy inns and bed and breakfasts. Many got their start as old coaching inns, so you’ll enjoy old-world atmosphere that’s tastefully updated with modern amenities. This 7-day self-guided walking tour in the Cotswolds is the perfect getaway in the English countryside.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Discover all the wild beauty and dramatic nature of the northern section of the Cotswold Way.

Visit fascinating archaeological sites from the Neolithic period and the Iron Age.

Explore the history and architecture of landmarks such as the Broadway Tower and the Sudeley Castle.

Walk between quaint villages in the Cotswolds and stay in charming inns along the way.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Arrive in Chipping Campden
Arrive in the charming market town of Chipping Campden, settle in your hotel, and get a good night’s rest in preparation for your tour. This historic town has well-preserved historic features that date from as early as the 14th Century. The town received a charter in 1175 from King Henry II and is an early example of town planning. “Chipping” comes from the Old English word for market.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Chipping Campden
Included Meals None
Day 2
See more
Chipping Campden to Stanton
Leave town and begin the Cotswold Way trail which first leads out onto the Cotswold escarpment. Along your walk today you will enjoy the incredible view from Dover’s Hill, the site of annual “Olimpick” games dating back to 1612. Continue walking across the lovely fields to the Broadway Tower and pass through Broadway village, which is well-known for its connection to the Arts and Crafts movement. The trail continues to the village of Stanton where you will spend the night. Please note that the lovely village of Stanton, built entirely out of Cotswold stone, is very small. If no accommodations are available, you may need to extend your walk to Stanway, a nearby village along the trail.
Distance 10 miles / 16 km
Overnight Location Stanton
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
See more
Stanton to Winchcombe
Today begins with a steep but rewarding climb up to the escarpment. Enjoy the amazing view across the Vale of Evesham toward the Malverns. Continue along the trail and pass Beckbury Camp, a hill fort from the Iron Age. Walk through peaceful farmland until you reach the town of Winchcombe. This town is proud to be certified that “Walkers are Welcome” and offers plenty of history to explore from the Neolithic, Roman, and Medieval time periods. Don’t miss the Sudeley Castle and Gardens, the UK’s only private castle and burial place for the last wife of Henry VIII, Catherine Parr. Enjoy an overnight stay in this remarkable town.
Distance 8 miles / 12.5 km
Overnight Location Winchcombe
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
See more
Winchcombe to Cheltenham
Today’s incredible hike begins by leaving Winchcombe through the grounds of the Sudeley Estate. The trail climbs steadily to Belas Knap, an ancient long barrow from the Neolithic period, and continues to Cleeve Hill, which is the Cotswolds’ highest point. Your journey to Cheltenham gives you several opportunities to view the town from above, first from Cleeve Common and then from Charlton Kings Common. Both offer spectacular views of Cheltenham and the surrounding area. Follow the trail along the escarpment to Leckhampton Hill, where you can see the Devil’s Chimney, a very distinctive pillar of rock. Leave the Cotswold Way and take the Gustav Holst Way to descend into Cheltenham. This historic town is known as the UK’s most complete Regency Town, offering many examples of period architecture. Take advantage of its well-known foodie scene, then visit one of its museums dedicated to famous sons of Cheltenham, such as composer Gustav Holst and naturalist Edward Wilson.<br />Be aware that today’s walk is comprised of 10 miles along the Cotswold Way, plus 2 miles to descend into Cheltenham. An optional taxi transfer into Cheltenham is also available. Spend the night in this delightful town.
Distance 10 miles / 16 km + 2-3 miles into Cheltenham
Overnight Location Cheltenham
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
See more
Cheltenham to Birdlip
The Cotswold Way continues along quiet paths, tracks, and lanes until it reached the Crickley Hill Country Park. Stop here to enjoy marvellous viewpoints and fascinating archaeological history, including evidence of settlements from the Neolithic Period, and a hill fort from the Iron Age. Pause for refreshments at the cafe before continuing on the trail across rolling grassland hills of Barrow Wake. Head into a woodland area and emerge at the village of Birdlip, where you will spend the night.
Distance 12 miles / 19 km
Overnight Location Birdlip
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
See more
Birdlip to Painswick
Walk today from Birdlip, passing by the Great Witcombe Roman Villa remains and through a beech forest to reach Cooper’s Hill. Each May, Cooper’s Hill hosts a crazy event known as a Cheese Roll, in which a wheel of cheese is rolled down a steep hill and competitors chase it in a race to the bottom. Continue to follow the trail to see the ruins of another hill fort from the Iron Age in Painswick Beacon. Soon you will reach Painswick. This picturesque town is the midpoint of the Cotswold Way and the ending point of this tour of the northern section of the trail. Painswick is known for its Rococo Gardens, which are worth visiting if you have the opportunity, and gained additional notoriety in J. K. Rowling’s novel A Casual Vacancy. Depending on your plans, you can travel immediately from Painswick or spend the night here before travelling on in the morning.
Distance 7 miles / 11 km
Overnight Location Painswick
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
See more
Departure Day
Sadly, your Cotswold Way North Section walking tour has come to an end. Stroud is the nearest train station to Painswick, or you can choose to take a transfer back to Cheltenham and continue your travels from the Cheltenham train station.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location N/A
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
69
4
12
3
2
1
4.90 (81 reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices

Pricing for this self-guided walking tour on the Cotswold Way is run as private tour for your group only and the price is based on the number of guests on your trip.

Prices below are per person:

  • Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $1,025USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,695USD
What’s included

Meals

6 breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights along the Cotswold Way walking tour. Extra nights may be added for an additional fee.

Also Included

  • Accommodation at the stated category with breakfast
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Full Tour Pack
  • Smartphone App with GPS routes
  • 24-hr emergency helpline

Not Included

  • Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
  • Entrance to attractions
  • Buses and/or Ferries unless otherwise stated
  • Tourist Taxes where applicable

Optional Extras

  • Add an extra night in Chipping Campden, Cheltenham or Painswick

Not included

undefined

Accommodation for Cotswold Way North Section

This tour is based in 3-4-star hotels and bed and breakfasts. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is this tour?

We rate the North Section of the Cotswold Way walking tour as a 3 / 5. The difficulty level is moderate, but you should be ready to walk up to 12 miles (19 km) per day.

Do I need a Visa?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included?

6 breakfasts are included with your accommodations. Lunches, dinners, drinks, and other food is not included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Chipping Campden to start this tour?

Travel to Chipping Campden by car, bus, or taxi. If traveling by train, change to a bus in Moreton-in-Marsh. If arriving by air, the closest airports are Birmingham or Bristol, but London is also a great option. Contact your tour operator for assistance in making arrangements to get to Chipping Campden.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Painswick, which is the midpoint of the Cotswold Way. The nearest train station is Stroud.

Do I need vaccines?

Check with your family doctor.

What should I pack?

Dress for the weather of the season in the Cotswolds. Always pack a jacket in case the temperatures are cooler than expected, and quality rain gear. Sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is also recommended. Choose clothes that are comfortable and manage moisture well. Sturdy walking shoes are also recommended.

What is the weather like in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds have mild weather, without extremes of heat or cold, making in reasonable to visit at any time of year. This beautiful area is not known for abundant sunshine and it rains frequently, particularly during the winter. More information about weather in the Cotswolds.

When is the best time to travel to England for this tour?

The best time to travel to the Cotswolds for this tour is during the warmer months from May to September, but the trip is available year-round.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter