I don’t suppose I’ll ever overlook the sensation of standing in the beginning of the Cotswold Approach within the golden village of Chipping Campden. Early morning mist hugged the rooftops, and for a second, the entire world felt hushed—prefer it was holding its breath proper together with me.
May I actually stroll 100 miles throughout England’s countryside? Was I prepared for the hills, the rain, the blisters?
I used to be nervous. However as I tightened the straps on my backpack and took these first steps previous the outdated market corridor, one thing shifted. I wasn’t simply beginning a stroll; I used to be stepping right into a story—a winding path by way of historical past, nature, and, honestly, myself.
P.S. my favourite locations within the Cotswolds are right here!
Over the following ten days, I wandered by way of historical woodlands, climbed as much as sweeping escarpments with views that made me cease in my tracks, and ended every day in villages so charming it nearly felt like I had wandered onto a film set. There have been powerful climbs and muddy boots, sure, but in addition these quiet, golden moments that stitched themselves into my reminiscence: a deer darting by way of a misty area, the clink of a pub doorbell as I stumbled in for a much-needed pint, an area pointing me down an overgrown path with a smile and a “You will love this bit.”
Strolling the Cotswold Approach was a lot greater than only a hike. It was a journey—and one I’ll treasure for the remainder of my life.
For those who’re dreaming of taking over this path, whether or not subsequent month or “at some point,” that is your pleasant information to what it’s actually prefer to stroll the Cotswold Approach. (And if you’d like each step mapped out, with my full day by day itinerary, lodge suggestions, and insider suggestions, you may try my detailed information right here!
As of now individuals are already reserving accomodation early for 2026 so it is time to get on it!
What’s the Cotswold Approach?
The Cotswold Approach is a Nationwide Path in southwest England that runs about 102 miles (164 km) from Chipping Campden to Bathtub.
The Cotswold Approach is without doubt one of the official Nationwide Trails within the UK—a set of long-distance paths specifically designated for his or her pure magnificence, cultural significance, and historic significance.
It travels by way of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, well-known for its rolling hills, historical stone villages, sheep-dotted fields, and storybook surroundings. Alongside the best way, you’ll move castles, battlefields, Neolithic burial grounds, and landscapes that look nearly too stunning to be actual.
The Cotswold Approach isn’t about pace; it’s about soaking all of it in, one footstep at a time.
It looks like strolling by way of a narrative e-book!
My Private Journey Strolling England’s Cotswold Approach
In Might 2024 I made a decision to stroll the Cotswold Approach.
To not be dramatic right here but it surely modified my life.
I used to be residing in Oxford, England and was feeling pressured and chubby. I instructed my husband and he made me an in depth 4 month coaching plan. I began coaching and maintaining a healthy diet. I fell in LOVE with strolling. I misplaced 30 kilos earlier than the hike and found a deep love of the countryside and strolling.
This is the precise coaching program I adopted.
This coaching is not simple, it is demanding. However it made the stroll itself so so so fantastic. I truly ended up strolling 131 miles as a result of I did all the additional aspect journeys as a result of I felt SO good.
How Lengthy Does it Take to Stroll the Cotswold Approach?
Most individuals take between 7 and 10 days to finish the path, although ultra-marathon varieties may sort out it quicker.
👉 If you wish to benefit from the journey—stopping for cream teas, citadel visits, and lengthy pub lunches—I extremely advocate giving your self round 10 days.
How lengthy it takes to stroll the Cotswold Approach actually is dependent upon two issues: how a lot you wish to stroll every day, and the way a lot you wish to discover past the path itself.
Most individuals full the Cotswold Approach in 7 to 10 days.
- For those who’re aiming for a quicker tempo and do not thoughts lengthy strolling days, you may end in 7 or 8 days (averaging 13–16 miles per day).
- If, like me, you need time to soak all of it in—to wander by way of villages, go to castles, cease for leisurely lunches, and possibly sit on the occasional bench simply to benefit from the view—you will need nearer to 10 days.
I selected the slower, savor-everything route and walked the Cotswold Approach over 10 days. And whereas the official path itself is 102 miles, by the tip of my journey, my GPS tracker confirmed that I had walked 131 miles complete!
Why the additional miles?
Nicely, among the finest components of strolling the Cotswold Approach is that you just’re by no means removed from one thing price detouring for. I ended up taking aspect journeys to discover castles, historic websites, hilltop monuments, and naturally, charming villages barely off the principle path. I couldn’t resist visiting locations like Sudeley Citadel in Winchcombe and Horton Courtroom, a good looking medieval manor home—and each further step was completely price it.
A couple of issues that added miles for me:
- Wandering by way of cities like Painswick, Winchcombe, and Wotton-under-Edge
- Taking scenic detours to castles and monuments
- Strolling to and from lodging once they had been a bit off the official route
- Exploring viewpoints and nation pubs (priorities!)
So whereas the official distance is simply over 100 miles, it is good to plan for a bit further, particularly should you’re something like me and might’t resist aspect quest.
My recommendation:
- Give your self a little bit of respiratory room together with your itinerary.
- Construct in time for aspect adventures—you’ll need it!
- Keep in mind, it is not nearly reaching Bathtub on the finish; it is about every little thing you expertise alongside the best way.
And truthfully? These further miles ended up being a number of the most magical components of my journey.
Belief me: your ft (and your soul) will thanks.
How Troublesome is the Cotswold Approach?
The Cotswold Approach is rated reasonable. It’s not a technical path—no scrambling or mountaineering required—but it surely’s hillier than you may count on.
Every day brings a mixture of steep climbs, mild fields, wooded paths, and the occasional rocky patch after rain. A few of these hills are not any joke, however the excellent news? Each climb comes with a view well worth the effort.
Fast info:
- Terrain: rolling hills, farm tracks, woodland, nation roads
- Elevation: over 8,000 ft (2,400 meters) of complete ascent
- Navigation: well-marked with the acorn image, however having a map or mountain climbing app is wise (I used AllTrails app!)
Personally I had no points. No blisters. No issues. I felt nice on a regular basis. And I do know that’s as a result of I skilled. And the coaching was enjoyable! I additionally had these mountain climbing boots which I extremely advocate.
Greatest Time to Stroll the Cotswold Approach
When you can stroll the path year-round, spring and autumn are pure magic.
- Spring (April–June): Contemporary blooms, new child lambs, longer days.
- Summer season (July–August): Heat, lush, however busier with vacationers.
- Autumn (September–October): Fiery foliage, crisp air, cozy pub evenings.
- Winter (November–March): Quiet however muddy, with brief daylight.
I walked in early October, and it felt just like the panorama had was a portray—golden fields, rusty crimson timber, and mushy mist hanging over the hills every morning.
What to Pack for Strolling the Cotswold Approach
Packing properly makes an enormous distinction. You don’t want a large pack weighing you down, however you do want a number of necessities:
Every part I like to recommend to hike with right here.
For those who use a baggage switch service, you’ll solely want to hold your day necessities, which makes the stroll a lot simpler and extra satisfying. I element out all the bags switch providers and locations I stayed alongside the best way right here.
The place to Keep Alongside the Cotswold Approach
There’s one thing so rewarding about ending a protracted strolling day and checking into a comfy inn or B&B.
Lodging choices alongside the path embrace:
- Nation inns with roaring fireplaces
- Mattress and breakfasts providing full English breakfasts
- Boutique motels in historic cities
- Farm stays with fields stretching out for miles
I record each single place I stayed right here!
Essential tip: Ebook early, particularly in peak seasons! A few of the smaller villages have very restricted lodging choices.
My Video Diary of Strolling the Cotswold Approach
I catalogued my journey of strolling the Cotswold Approach on Instagram so you may see what every day was actually like!
My 10-Day Cotswold Approach Itinerary (At a Look)
Right here’s a fast have a look at how I broke down my stroll. (Full particulars are in my paid information!) See my favourite villages within the Cotswolds, right here!
Day 1: Chipping Campden to Broadway (8 miles)
Spotlight: Climbing as much as Broadway Tower with panoramic views throughout Worcestershire and the Malverns.
Day 2: Broadway to Winchcombe (15.5 miles)
Spotlight: Exploring the charming city of Winchcombe, with its medieval streets and close by Sudeley Citadel.
Day 3: Winchcombe to Cheltenham (11 miles)
Spotlight: Strolling alongside the dramatic escarpment with sweeping views and arriving within the spa city of Cheltenham.
Day 4: Cheltenham to Birdlip (12 miles)
Spotlight: Quiet countryside trails resulting in Crickley Hill, an historical hillfort with breathtaking views.
Day 5: Birdlip to Painswick (10 miles)
Spotlight: Seeing the well-known 99 yew timber at St Mary’s Church within the “Queen of the Cotswolds.”
Day 6: Painswick to Stonehouse (10 miles)
Spotlight: Strolling by way of sun-dappled woodlands and arriving at a historic lodge talked about within the Domesday Ebook.
Day 7: Stonehouse to Wotton-under-Edge (13.5 miles)
Spotlight: Climbing to the Tyndale Monument and absorbing a number of the finest views of the stroll.
Day 8: Wotton-under-Edge to Outdated Sodbury (13.5 miles)
Spotlight: Crossing distant farmland and passing historical drovers’ ponds—plus a comfy pub dinner at day’s finish.
Day 9: Outdated Sodbury to Chilly Ashton (8.5 miles)
Spotlight: Reaching Horton Courtroom, a shocking medieval manor (and filming location for a lot of interval dramas).
Day 10: Chilly Ashton to Bathtub (10 miles)
Spotlight: The grand arrival into Bathtub, strolling previous the Royal Crescent and feeling such as you’ve stepped right into a Jane Austen novel.
My High Suggestions for Strolling the Cotswold Approach
- Begin sluggish: Particularly on the primary couple of days—your physique wants to regulate.
- Use a baggage switch: It’s price each penny.
- Do not overpack: You will remorse it by mile 50.
- Plan snack stops: Some sections have lengthy gaps with out retailers or cafes.
- Benefit from the small moments: A pleasant wave from a farmer, a area glowing within the late afternoon solar—these had been my favourite reminiscences.
- TRAIN. Practice forward of time. I’ve seen too many movies and tales of individuals not having time as a result of they only did it with out coaching.
Cotswold Approach Updates for 2026
Planning to stroll the Cotswold Approach in 2026? Listed here are a number of updates to bear in mind:
🗓️ Occasions: The Cotswold Approach Relay continues yearly and will impression sure path sections in June. A enjoyable occasion
🛤️ Route Diversions: A couple of non permanent and everlasting path diversions stay in place close to areas like North Nibley, Tormarton, and Farfield Dursley. At all times test the Nationwide Trails web site earlier than you stroll for probably the most up-to-date route data.
🥾 Path Floor Enhancements: A number of sections have been resurfaced to enhance drainage, particularly in beforehand muddy areas like Haresfield Beacon and Standish Woods.
📱 Navigation: Whereas the path is well-marked, summer season overgrowth can conceal indicators—obtain a GPX file or use an app like OS Maps or AllTrails as a backup.
🛏️ Lodging: With the Cotswold Approach rising in reputation, many inns and B&Bs are reserving up early for 2026—particularly in cities like Winchcombe and Painswick. Ebook 3–6 months forward when potential. to witness—or keep away from should you desire a quieter stroll!
👉 For probably the most dependable path info, maps, and seasonal updates, go to the official Cotswold Approach web page on Nationwide Trails
Last Ideas: Why the Cotswold Approach Stays With You
Strolling the Cotswold Approach isn’t nearly masking miles. It’s about strolling by way of layers of time, by way of tales written into the hills and stones. It’s about discovering stillness in a loud world, connecting to one thing greater, slower, and in some way extra actual.
For those who dream of a visit crammed with magnificence, historical past, and little bit of muddy journey, that is your signal.
And should you’d like much more assist (like my detailed step-by-step itinerary, lodge and restaurant picks, packing lists, GPS downloads, and real-world recommendation), seize my paid information right here. It is like having a pleasant path buddy proper in your pocket.
Hope to see you on the path.
