7 Days & 6 Nights

4.6

Cotswold Way: The North

Walk the northern section of the Cotswolds Way from Chipping Camden to Painswick
Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of a Cotswold country pub
Discover the outstanding towns of Broadway, Stanton and Chipping Campden
Marvel at the stunning views from the Broadway Tower
Wander through the quiet lanes of picturesque Cotswold villages

Walk the northern section of the Cotswold Way through the finest scenery of the Cotswolds from Chipping Campden to Painswick. A five day and 45 mile / 73 km walk on the Cotswold Way through some of the finest scenery in England. The Northern Cotswold Way explores the quintessential English countryside of the Cotswolds. A beautiful green landscape of rolling farmland, quiet woods and picturesque villages steeped in history. Choose this itinerary if you want to explore the best of the Cotswolds on foot but don't have time to walk the full Cotswold Way. Revel in the stunning views from Broadway Tower, a round stone folly inspired by Capability Brown. Enjoy afternoon tea in a cosy tearoom in one of the many quaint Cotswold villages you pass through and admire the colourful gardens of the locals.

From £755.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Chipping Campden

The town of Chipping Campden is arguably the loveliest of the Cotswold towns and many people choose to stay an extra night here before starting the walk. A two-hour train journey from London to Moreton-in-the-Marsh and 6-mile taxi or bus bring you easily to the start of your holiday..

Availability in Chipping Campden can be challenging, due to most accommodations wanting 2 night minimum stay over the weekend. Therefore we might suggest to add an extra night here to avoid the issue altogether.

Overnight Chipping Campden

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Volunteer Inn | Inn

The Volunteer Inn is a 17th century pub with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They have cobbled courtyard and well maintained gardens which can be enjoyed during the summer months and a warm cosy log fire in the winter. Rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require. Please note that the pub is popular on the weekends and therefore you will hear some noise but the owners will try and accommodate you in a room as far away from the bar as possible.

Park Road B&B | Bed and breakfast

A warm welcome awaits you at Park Road B&B, they are family run and have 2 lovely en-suite guest rooms. Their rooms are centrally heated with tea & coffee making facilities and all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

Bantam Tea Rooms | Bed and breakfast

The Bantam Tea Rooms was built in 1693 and directly overlooks the 17th Century Market Hall. There is also a peaceful, private guest lounge and on those cold mornings you can enjoy your delicious breakfast by the roaring log fire. All rooms are tastefully decorated with a comfortable and cosy feel.

Day 2 Chipping Campden to Stanton 10.5 miles / 17 km

Leaving the honey-coloured architectural beauty of Chipping Campden behind, you climb immediately onto the escarpment where Dover’s Hill and then Broadway Tower reward with fine views. The tea rooms of Broadway are a welcome diversion before heading back into the hills. The idyllic village of Stanton welcomes you at the end of the section.

Ascent: 380m / Descent: 425m

In some cases due to availability, you may need to overnight in Broadway instead of Stanton - you can do this by return transfers, e.g. transferring back to Broadway when you reach Stanton and then the following morning take a return taxi back to Stanton and continue along the Way.

Overnight Stanton

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Shenberrow Hill | Bed and breakfast

Shenberrow is a country house in 8 acres of North Cotswolds’s little village of Stanton. All rooms for comfortably furnished with en-suite bathrooms and all the usual comforts in the way of TV & tea & coffee making facilities.

New Forge House | Bed and breakfast

New Forge House is a comfortable B&B which has two double en-suite rooms. The rooms have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

The Vine B&B | Bed and breakfast

Bed & Breakfast is offered in Jill's antique and flower-filled Cotswold house. Jill's breakfasts are legendary and will set you up for a day of activity.

Day 3 Stanton to Winchcombe 8 miles / 12.5 km

Leaving Stanton you soon arrive at the hamlet of Church Stanway and the ornate gatehouse and tithe barn of Stanway House. From here there is a steep climb up to Stumps Cross and onto the Iron Age Hill Fort of Beckbury Camp for commanding views over the surrounding area. A short descent takes you down to the remains of the medieval Hailes Abbey then continuing over the fields and into Winchcombe.

Ascent: 210m / Descent: 235m

Overnight Winchcombe

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Lion Inn | Inn

The Lion Inn is formerly a coaching inn dating back to the 1500s, following a major renovation the Inn has been given a new lease of life; the rooms now have their own individual style and character, rooms are clutter free which means they do not have TV’s. You can enjoy delicious home-cooked, locally-sourced food and a great selection of beer, wine and spirits in a beautiful, relaxing environment in the restaurant and bar.

White Hart Inn | Country Inn

The White Hart Inn is a 16^th Century coaching inn in the centre of Winchcombe. They have eight en-suite guest rooms; all rooms have tea & coffee facilities, complementary bottled water, flat screen TV and free WI-FI. At the Wine and Sausage they believe that local produce, cooked creatively is the heart of a good restaurant. They also have a range of wines from around the world, the wine shop is next to the bar, showing off this year’s top 100 from over 2,500 wines tasted.

Blair House | Bed and breakfast

Blair House is an attractive late Georgian residence in the ancient Saxon town of Winchcombe. It has three guest bedrooms, all charmingly decorated. Each room has a TV, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. In addition there is a sitting room for guests on the ground floor, with magazines and TV. Located within walking distance of local pubs, restaurants and shops. And also a Tourist Information Centre during the summer months.

Day 4 Winchcombe to Dowdeswell. Transfer to Cheltenham 11.5 miles / 18.7 km

A scenic and historically interesting walk from Winchcombe, passing Sudeley Castle in the distance, and the Neolithic long barrow of Belas Knap. From here you ascend onto Cleeve Common with panoramic views over the Cheltenham countryside. Finally, the route takes you to the summit of Cleeve Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Way. Leaving Cleeve Hill, enjoy a series of outstanding panoramic views of the rolling green hills of the Cotswold countryside to Cheltenham and beyond. Pass through peaceful woodland and quiet country lanes before descending through Dowdeswell Wood. Enjoy a crisp local cider at Dunkertons Park at the end of today's walk.

As there are no accommodations in Dowdeswell or Charlton Kings, you will likely be overnighting in Cheltenham with an included return transfer.

Ascent: 450m / Descent: 445m

Overnight Cheltenham

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Cotswold Grange Hotel | Hotel

Cotswold Grange is an independent hotel situated in a quiet leafy avenue of similar grand buildings. Rooms are equipped with a TV, radio, tea/coffee-making facilities. Beds have deep mattresses and crisp white linen sheets. Ornately decorated, the high ceilinged dining room has huge windows.

No 38. The Park | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

No.38 The Park offers a luxurious stay and a sublime selection of sustenance in the restaurant to fuel your adventures. In each one of the beautiful bespoke bedrooms, bold statement prints and mismatched textures are the order of the day. All of the bedrooms at No.38 The Park are dog friendly. No.38 The Park uniquely combines the luxury of a hotel with the independence of a bed and breakfast creating a warm and homely feel.

The George Cheltenham | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

The George is inspired by the origniality and diversity of the local area.The George is approachable, warm and friendly and big on design and living like a local. The George offers 46 deisgn-led rooms which come equipped with blackout curtains, rainfall shower, Wi-Fi and a Smart TV. There is contactless check-in, a 24-hour pantry, and drop-and-go check-out. There are leisure amenities available, which can be booked through front of house team.

Day 5 Transfer to Dowdeswell and walk to Birdlip 10.5 miles / 16.8 km

A transfer from your overnight accommodation will take you back to Dowdeswell. Leaving the busy roads, you are soon in open countryside, ascending Hartley Hill and onto Leckhampton Hill with its panoramic views and interesting rock faces. The route then passes through the countryside and a short road section to climb Crickley Hill and finish in Birdlip.

Ascent: 350m / Descent: 200m

Overnight Birdlip

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Royal George Hotel | Hotel

An English Country Hotel set in 26 acres of grounds, which has views over the Gloucestershire Countryside. The hotel has 34 comfortable en-suite bedrooms of individual character. The restaurant offers a great selection of traditional British favourites, from hearty main courses to lighter snacks, complemented by a selection of carefully selected wines, cask ales and speciality teas and coffees.

Day 6 Birdlip to Painswick 7.5 miles / 12 km

A gentle woodland walk leads out of Birdlip following the foot of the escarpment towards Cooper’s Hill. The woods are a carpet of flowering plants in the spring. The path then climbs steeply up to the top of Cooper’s Hill, the scene of the famous annual Cheese Rolling festival! Continuing on through Buckholt Wood and Painswick Golf Course a short detour to Painswick Beacon is recommended. From here the path leads downhill into the delight that is Painswick itself.

Ascent: 240m / Descent: 355m

Overnight Painswick

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Troy House | Bed and breakfast

Troy House is situated in the queen of the Cotswolds - the village of Painswick. It is set in a grade 2 listed building with original features. Off set in a private courtyard allowing ultimate relaxation and tranquillity. Each room has been decorated in natural colours and have all the amenities you require for your overnight stay.

St Anne’s | Bed and breakfast

St Anne’s B&B is a traditional English country home furnished with antiques, a log fire and relaxed family atmosphere. They have three guest rooms which are all comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require. The dining room has a large sofa and you are welcome to relax in front of the fire or read the newspapers.

The Painswick | Hotel

This country inn is situated right in the centre of Painswick. Each room offers garden views and all the home comforts you require. They also have two beauty and spa treatment rooms for the extra bit of pampering. You can also enjoy the sun terrace which overlooks the garden. At the very heart of their country inn, is their food, they are all about breaking the rules plating up a sort of ‘contemporary-contradiction’ of fresh and punchy cooking.

Day 7 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 13kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 13kg is equivalent to 3 full English breakfasts. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

6 Nights accommodation in hand picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
Breakfasts
Daily door to door baggage transfer
Return taxi transfer from Seven Springs to Cheltenham (Due to lack of Accommodation)
Detailed information, GPX tracks and route information with the Macs Adventure App
Emergency support

Excluded

Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal Equipment

Extras

Extra nights

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Train services connect London to Moreton-in-Marsh (2h) and Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon (1h). If you wish to take a taxi from Moreton-in-Marsh this will need to be booked ahead of time as there is no taxi rank at the station or in the town. The cost is about £25. Please check the following website for taxi information and to pre-book. Or you can walk from the station to the Corn Exchange (a 5 minute walk) and from here you can take a bus to Chipping Camden. It is the Line 22 bus, it takes approximately 25 minutes and the buses leave hourly (approx £3 cost). Please note buses do not run on Sundays.

If you wish to drive to the start of the walk, there is a secure car park on the outskirts of Chipping Campden. This is about a 10 minute walk to the centre of Chipping Campden and costs £5 per night. Unfortunately it is not the easiest to get back to Chipping Campden from Bath. The most straightforward way is to take the train to Cheltenham via Gloucester (approx 1h 30m), and then take a taxi to Chipping Campden.

Getting from the End

Taxi or bus services are available for the 4 miles from Painswick to Stroud. From Stroud there are train services to London. Please check the National Rail Enquiries for train times and schedules and the also the National Express website for bus times and schedules

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

If you are travelling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on tour for a fee of £25 per bag. These additional bags would be picked up from your accommodation at the start point of your tour and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you are doing. This must be booked in advance if you are interested in this option. Please do not show up and ask the driver on your first day of walking.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time of our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/cycling gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? Can I combine my Cotswold holidays? What gardens can I visit in the area? What ruins/history/country houses can I see along the way? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I can’t walk a stage? Multiple taxi transfers on the Cotswold Way.

Walking in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are world-famous for bustling market towns, beautiful villages, and stunning countryside. This short feature follows Mark and Sonia who spent their 30th wedding anniversary walking on a Macs Adventure walking tour in the Cotswolds.