It is a long-distance walk (over 100 miles) to walk the Cotswold Way, which sounds lovely until you remember that you’ve also promised yourself pub lunches and village browsing simultaneously in addition to an early night. The good news: you can still get a good hit of that ‘proper countryside’ feeling and cherry-pick the very best bits.
1) Chipping Campden to Broadway
This is classic Cotswolds: honey-stone villages, gentle climbs, and big views. Broadway is a brilliant finish point too – cafés, shops, and (if your legs are feeling brave) Broadway Tower nearby.
2) Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill
This section delivers if you want drama without a 24-hour option. Cleeve Hill is the highest point in Gloucestershire, which means you get wide skies and a real sense of space.
3) Painswick to Cooper’s Hill (near Gloucester)
Best choice for woodland and rolling slopes. It paradoxically seems rustic enough, and yet, you are never very far from a lift back too.
4) Bath outskirts for a quick “taste.”
However, if you are based near Bath, then this may prove to be a good option for testing the trail without committing to an entire transfer plan.
Quick tips to make it easy
Choose a linear walk if transport has been arranged. For Cotswolds Private Tours, visit https://cotswoldtour.co.uk/cotswolds-private-tours
If you’re after a less challenging day, pick circular routes at a touching distance from the Cotswolds Way for part of it.
Wear the right shoes – Cotswold paths can be wet and quite bumpy.