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Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way, one of England’s finest National Trails, takes you 104 miles (167 km) from the medieval market town of Chipping Campden in the North Cotswolds to the historic City of Bath, through the classic English countryside.
The Cotswold Way dissects the largest of all of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales: an area with stone walls and buildings, open skies, rolling grasslands, beech woods and captivating villages, making it an outstanding English landscape.
Following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, this route passes through a succession of enchanting English villages, featuring honey-coloured cottages built from the delightfully warm Cotswold stone, and welcoming country inns and pubs.
The path undulates through stunning landscapes, affording ever-changing views over the River Severn and the Malvern Hills. Along the way, you will also pass Neolithic burial barrows, beautiful stately homes, and historic battle sites. End your walking holiday in the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with roman remains and fine architecture.
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Why do this walk? Essential Info
- Approved as a National Trail in 1998, and opened in Length: From 5 days / 6 nights 2007, the Cotswold Way is a brilliant introduction to Full Route Length: 105 miles / 167 km long-distance walking as the Cotswolds are hilly rather Shortest Break Length: 47 miles / 76 km than mountainous. - Explore the picturesque villages along the routes, Easy to Moderate and you will also pass close by to a significant number of historic sites, for example the Neolithic burial Grade This is another relatively easy National chamber at Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Hailes Abbey and many beautiful Trail which is clearly way-marked along the length churches, abbeys, stately homes and historic houses. of the path. A good route for people wanting to do - Officially designated as an Area of Outstanding their first long-distance walk. Natural Beauty, the Cotswold landscape is an Terrain Varied - but these are gentle wolds and entrancing mixture of parkland, neat fields with dry- not mountainous areas. The path rises up and stone walls and patches of lush woodland. down onto the Cotswold Escarpment in the - Unique to the Cotswold Way is the diverse northern section, however, it is lower whilst still surroundings as one minute you will be in undulating over farmland and through woods internationally important wildflower meadows, and the towards the south. next you will be shaded beech woodlands rich with the colour of bluebells and the scent of wild garlic. What’s it like underfoot? Pretty good. Well - Enjoy a tour around Bath, a UNESCO World maintained paths throughout, although sections Heritage city, at the end of the Cotswold Way. Make can get a bit muddy in wet weather. sure that take the time to enjoy a soak in the Roman How much up and down? This trail is rolling and Baths after you finish your walk! it does go up and down a lot, with some short steeper sections, but they don’t go on forever – the highest point is 330m (1083ft). Ascents and descents are usually 150 – 200m (495- 660ft) Signposting Generally good. Navigation Pretty straightforward. Well defined paths, and good signposting.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Our holidays
We offer a range of walking holidays along the Cotswold Way. You can choose to walk the whole route in either 8 days or 9 days, or alternatively, you can walk either the Northern or Southern sections as a shorter break. Whichever option you go for you can guarantee that the Cotswolds offers a landscape that once experienced will not be easily forgotten as no two days of walking are ever the same.
Route
The Whole Cotswold Way
We offer two walking holidays covering the whole of the Cotswold Way. The longer the holiday, the shorter the distances that you have to walk across the Cotswold countryside each day.
The Cotswold Way North - Escarpment and Villages
This walking holiday guides you along the northern section of the Cotswold Way and follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills from Chipping Campden to Painswick.
The Cotswold Way South - Long Barrows and Baths
A walking holiday set along the southern section of the Cotswold Way through stunning woodlands and past ancient historical sites. A beautiful section of the trail that ends in the World Heritage City of Bath.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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What's Included
Every walking holiday includes: Accommodation We’ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day’s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service. Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night’s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast. Luggage transfer We’ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you’ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you’ll need during your day’s walk Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we’d recommend you head for your evening meal. Maps OS map/s (1:25,000) covering your whole route. Guidebook Detailed route information, including maps and photos. Services information An information sheet detailing cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxis available along the route. Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours. 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores - online and high street - for twelve months following confirmation of your booking. Options: Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this. Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car - it’s no problem, just ask - and we’ll even advise you when public transport is a better option! What’s not Included: Evening meal Your evening meal isn’t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you’re staying in - so you’ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day’s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately £20.00 per night for your evening meal. Packed lunch We don’t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday. Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the “Travel Info” tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you sort it all out. Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we’d recommend you make sure that you’ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Rest days Travel info
Painswick General travel information for the Cotswold Way route will be in your holiday pack including train and Painswick is a delightful market town, and is bus timetables where available. perfectly located for a halfway break with its elegant Detailed instructions on getting to your first night’s white stone buildings. From here you can visit the accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest Rococo Garden, designed in the 18th century and train or bus station, will also be included in the claimed to be the only one of its kind in England. holiday pack on individual accommodation maps. To view train times please visit national rail where Bath you can also purchase tickets in advance. For information on bus timetables please visit traveline. This is the most popular choice for an extra night or If you require secure car parking whilst walking this two. This stunning city is designated by UNESCO as route, please contact us for detailed information. a World Heritage Site. The Cotswold Way ends Please be aware that long term parking can be very outside the glorious Bath Abbey re-built during the expensive in Bath. reign of Elizabeth I. From here you can explore the Getting There: superb Georgian Architecture including the Royal By Air: The nearest International Airport is Crescent, the Circus, the Assembly Rooms and the Birmingham (about 35 miles /56km away). sublime Pulteney Bridge. Or you can discover Bath’s Alternatives are London Heathrow or Gatwick. earlier history with a visit to the Roman Baths where By Public Transport: The nearest Railway Station to you can soak your weary limbs in the newly Broadway is at Moreton-in-Marsh, which has regular refurbished Thermal Spa with its spectacular roof through trains from London Paddington. You can top views. Bath is a vibrant city with beautiful open also get to Moreton-in-Marsh by train from spaces and many other attractions and museums to Birmingham, Bath and Bristol but will need to keep the visitor occupied. It is also renowned for its change at Oxford or Reading. cafe and restaurant culture. From Moreton-in-Marsh, there is a bus service to Broadway (Monday – Saturday) or you can get a Winchcombe taxi. It is 10 miles / 16km. Please note that there are no buses on Sundays. Winchcombe is an attractive small town noted for its By Road: Broadway is just off the A44 which runs rose covered cottages. It has an interesting church between Oxford and Worcester. It takes about 45 which is decorated with forty five grotesque minutes by car to either Oxford or Worcester. gargoyles - each representing a local character from Returning from Bath: the 1460s, and also houses an altar cloth worked by By Public Transport: From the end of the walk at Catherine of Aragon. The Winchcombe Folk & Bath, you can travel onwards by all forms of public Police Museum or the hands-on Winchcombe transport, as it is well linked. The nearest Railway Museum are both worth a visit, as is the international airport is Bristol. nearby Sudeley Castle. By Rail: There are fast and frequent services which connect Bath to London (journey time 1 hour 30 minutes) or Birmingham (2 hours). You can also get the train to Moreton-in-Marsh to collect your car if you have left it in Broadway, but will need to change at Reading. By Bus: National Express coach services serve Bath regularly.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Accommodation
A good night’s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.We have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day’s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.Some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include:
Ellenborough Park Restored in recent years to contemporary glory this hotel offers elegant rooms with marble bathrooms and underfloor heating. Breakfast, dinner or afternoon tea all use local Cotswold produce. If you feel you need some extra pampering there's an Indian-influenced spa and heated swimming pool.
The Fish Hotel The Fish Hotel has an idyllic parkland setting with contemporary country style rooms with a Scandinavian twist. Their designer-styled restaurant and bar offer a laid-back spot to enjoy your evening meal.
Dormy House With a 17th Century farmhouse at its centre, the hotel combines history with contemporary farmhouse chic perched high above the village of Broadway, with stunning views across the Cotswolds. Cosy corners, log fires, beautiful rooms, and a spa complete the picture.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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The Painswick A handsome 18th Century Grade I mansion house in the unspoiled village of Painswick. Reached via narrow cobbled lanes and recently re-opened following a year-long makeover, The Painswick offers individually styled elegant rooms with striking prints and graphic artwork. The restaurant has a great reputation, and spa treatments are available.
Manor House Hotel A 5 star luxury English country house hotel set in the heart of the 14th Century village of Castle Combe. The award-winning Bybrook restaurant combines the finest ingredients with produce from the hotel’s own garden. The rooms are individually styled, and the hotel sits in 365 acres of countryside.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Our Itineraries
Chipping Campden to Bath (8 days walking): XCT9
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Broadway for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Chipping Campden then walk to Stanton 10 16
Day 3 Stanton to Cleeve Hill 13 21
Day 4 Cleeve Hill to Crickley Hill 14 23
Day 5 Crickley Hill to Painswick 11 18
Day 6 Painswick to Stonehouse 9 14
Day 7 Stonehouse to Wotton-under-Edge 16 26
Day 8 Wotton-under-Edge to Tormarton 15 24
Day 9 Tormarton to Bath 17 27
Chipping Campden to Bath (9 days walking): XCT10
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Broadway for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Chipping Campden then walk to Stanton 10 16
Day 3 Stanton to Cleeve Hill 13 21
Day 4 Cleeve Hill to Crickley Hill 14 23
Day 5 Crickley Hill to Painswick 11 18
Day 6 Painswick to Stonehouse 9 14
Day 7 Stonehouse to Wotton-under-Edge 16 26
Day 8 Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury 13 21
Day 9 Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton 9 14
Day 10 Cold Ashton to Bath 10 16
Chipping Campden to Painswick (5 days walking): XCTN6
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Broadway for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Chipping Campden then walk to Stanton 10 16
Day 3 Stanton to Winchcombe 7 11
Day 4 Winchcombe to Dowdeswell 11 18
Day 5 Dowdeswell to Crickley Hill 8 13
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Day 6 Crickley Hill to Painswick 11 18
Painswick to Bath (5 days walking): XCTS6
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Painswick for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Painswick to Stonehouse 9 14
Day 3 Stonehouse to Wotton-under-Edge 16 26
Day 4 Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury 13 21
Day 5 Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton 9 14
Day 6 Cold Ashton to Bath 10 16
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Booking Form
Contact Details
Address: Telephone: Mobile/Alternative Tel: Email: Emergency Contact No:
Your Holiday
Hoilday Name: Holiday Code: Date of First Night: Date of Last Night:
Party Members
Title First Name Last Name Date of Birth
Other Options
Options Rooms Required: Rest Days Off Street Parking: No. Double Rooms: Transfer Required: No. Twin Rooms: No. Single Rooms: No. Triple Rooms:
Comments (special diets, other requirements, etc):
Payment
Holiday cost per person: I enclose a cheque for the deposit value
Rest Days: OR please debit my Visa/Visa Debit/Mastercard/Mastercard Debit/Solo. Card number: Total cost per person: Valid from: Expires: Security number*: Number in group: *The last digits on the back of the card I authorise A Walk in The Country to charge a 20% deposit to my card now and Total group cost: the remaining balance 6 weeks before commencement of my holiday, (for card payments only). I confirm that the above details are correct and that I have read and accept the terms and conditions available on the website.
Signed: Date: Deposit (20% of Total Cost): Name:
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656