Route Overview

Where is the Cotswold Way?

The Cotswold Way is a long distance National Trail in south central England. The trail is 164km (102 miles) in length, and connects the market town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to the city of Bath in Somerset (near Bristol). It became the 16th National Trail in England and Wales in 2007 and, being a relatively new National Trail, the Cotswold Way is very well way-marked.

Why should you walk the Cotswold Way?

The Cotswold Way is situated in south central England. It’s a uniquely English trail, passing through a variety of quintessential English landscapes such as quaint villages, wildflower meadows, lush farmland, old woodlands and ancient sites of archaeolgical interest. It is one of the best way-marked National Trails in England. It begins in the market town of Chipping Campden and ends in the city of Bath in Somerset, passing many notable villages and sites such as Broadway, Stanton, the ancient long barrow of Belas Knap (early Neolithic tomb), Painswick, Wotton-under-Edge and the wonderful countryside estates of two old country homes at Dodington Park and Dyrham Park.

When is the best time to walk the Cotswold Way?

When booking a hiking holiday, every season has its own charm, but indeed some months are better for hiking than others. It is always important to make yourself aware of the best times to walk any long-distance trails as weather conditions and busyness can greatly impact your overall hiking experience.

Due to the longer daylight hours and more favourable weather conditions we recommend hikers to walk the Cotswold Way between the beginning of March and the end of October. During this period, most of the accommodations and luggage transfer services along the route operate during this time. Of course, there are also longer daylight hours and favourable weather conditions during these months too.

In addition to the issues with most service providers along the route being closed during the winter months, the fewer hours of daylight at this time of year also make these months an unfavourable choice for hiking the trail.

How long does it take to hike the Cotswold Way?

The Cotswold Way can be completed in it’s entirety between 9 and 13 days for most hikers. This will depend on a number of factors, such as, how experienced you are at hiking, your level of fitness, and what you actually want to get from the trail. It’s not a race, and it is perfectly ok to want to take your time and enjoy local sights, culture and cuisine when hiking, no matter what the area. So to is it ok if you want to get as many kilometers under your belt (or boot, as the case may be) as possible in one day. For this reason, Hillwalk tours offers each of our hiking trails at different difficulty levels, but more about that later.

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Tour Route

Types of Trails

Choosing the right hiking tour for you can be, at times, tricky. It is always important to consider your own physical capability and comfort levels.

For example, at Hillwalk Tours, we have grouped each trail route we offer into three categories depending on personal preference and fitness levels. These are – gentle, moderate, and challenging. Each of these categories, depending on the destination, will include anything from 4 to 13-day itineraries, with customers given the option to add rest days where they see fit.

Our gentle hikes are perfectly suited for those who would consider themselves as a part-time hiker who enjoys taking photos and meeting locals while taking in the spectacular scenery. Our moderate hikes will suit people who are used to regular exercise and appreciate the opportunity of covering plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits. Finally, our challenging hikes are for hikers who look to set off early in the morning and not stop until they have reached their destination.

With regards to our Cotswold Way trail, we offer both gentle and moderate hikes. Each of these hiking categories cover the following average hiking distance and time each day:

Gentle: 14-16km or 9-10 miles and between 3-5 hours per day

Moderate: 18-22km or 11-14 miles and between 4–7 hours per day

Challenging: 22-28km or 14-18 miles and between 5-8 hours per day

Hillwalk Tours Guide Notes

If you decide to walk the trail with Hillwalk Tours, you will receive a detailed walking pack once you have fully booked your hiking holiday. This walking pack will include detailed maps and unique route notes and walking directions written and constantly updated by our route development team. By personally walking each trail and creating our own detailed route notes, it allows us to provide more itineraries, route options and alternatives than what you will typically find across generic guidebooks. It also includes GPS tracks meaning you will never have to worry about getting lost.

Alternatively, off the shelf guide books can be purchased, such as Richard Sale’s ‘Guide to the Cotswolds’, Cicerone’s guidebook of the Cotswold Way or the TrailBlazer’s guide to the Cotswold Way.

Starting and Finishing Point

Starting in the market town and former wool centre of Chipping Campden the Cotswold Way follows quiet paths and tracks through lush farmland and charming English villages, such as Broadway and Stanton. Meadows and the occasional woodland section are passed as the trail drops down to the ruins of Hailes Abbey before continuing to the attractive former wool town of Winchcombe.

From there the route rises again and climbs up past the ancient long barrow of Belas Knap and, after passing through more woodland, to the highest point of the trail at Cleeve Hill (317m / 1040 ft). Through ancient beechwoods and limestone grassland and past some more prehistoric sites the route passes to the east and south of nearby Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Woodland sections and some more ascents and descents lead to a number of higher points with wide ranging vistas, including Cooper’s Hill, famous for its cheese rolling. The route then comes to the wonderful town of Painswick before descending to cross the Stroudwater Canal.

A number of steep ups and downs reward with panoramic views and neolithic burial chambers and Iron Age hill forts accompany the trail through beech woods and fields on its way to the enchanting village of Wotton-under-Edge. From there the route gets more remote as it passes a number of picturesque beauty spots, interesting Cotswold houses, and two more Iron Age forts.

The last section of the Cotswold Way passes the sprawling countryside estates of two wonderful old country homes at Dodington Park and Dyrham Park. After crossing a 17th century battlefield the route descends to Bath, one of the most beautiful cities in Britain, where the spectacular Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths are a fitting location to mark the end of the Cotswold Way.

Sample Cotswold Way Itineraries

The following are examples of Hillwalk Tours Gentle, Moderate and Challenging itineraries of hiking the Cotswold Way.

6-Day Gentle

Day 1: Arrival in Chipping Campden

Day 2: Chipping Campden to Stanton (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 3: Stanton to Winchcombe (8.1 Miles / 13 Km)

Day 4: Winchcombe to Dowdeswell (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 5: Dowdeswell to Birdlip (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 6: Departure from Birdlip

7-Day Gentle

Day 1: Arrival in Chipping Campden

Day 2: Chipping Campden to Stanton (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 3: Stanton to Winchcombe (8.1 Miles / 13 Km)

Day 4: Winchcombe to Dowdeswell (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 5: Dowdeswell to Birdlip (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 6: Birdlip to Painswick (8.1 Miles / 13 Km)

Day 7: Departure from Painswick

8-Day Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Cheltenham

Day 2: Leckhamton Hill to Painswick (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 3: Painswick to Nympsfield (12.4 or 14.3 Miles / 20 or 23 Km)

Day 4: Nympsfield to Wotton-Under-Edge (9.3 or 11.8 Miles / 15 or 19 Km)

Day 5: Wotton-Under-Edge to Old Sodbury (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 6: Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 7: Cold Ashton to Bath (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 8: Departure from Bath

9-Day Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Cleeve Hill

Day 2: Cleeve Hill to Leckhampton Hill (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 3: Leckhampton Hill to Painswick (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 4: Painswick to Nympsfield (12.4 or 14.3 Miles / 20 or 23 Km)

Day 5: Nympsfield to Wotton-Under-Edge (9.3 or 11.8 Miles)

Day 6: Wotton-Under-Edge to Old Sodbury (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 7: Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 8: Cold Ashton to Bath (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 9: Departure from Bath

9-Day Challenging

Day 1: Arrival in Chipping Campden

Day 2: Chipping Campden to Winchcombe (18.6 Miles / 30 Km)

Day 3: Wicnchcombe to Leckhampton Hill (17.4 Miles / 28 Km)

Day 4: Leckhampton Hill to Painswick (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 5: Painswick to Dursley (16.8 or 18.6 Miles / 27 or 30 Km)

Day 6: Dursley to Hillesley (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 7: Hillesley to Cold Ashton (16.2 Miles / 26 Km)

Day 8: Cold Ashton to Bath (10.6 Miles / 17 Km)

Day 9: Departure from Bath

Currency and Expenses

The currency used throughout the Cotswold Way is the British Pound (£).

The cost of food, drinks, and activities while exploring the Cotswold Way can vary depending on factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences.

Dining out in restaurants along the Cotswold Way offers a range of options, from affordable to moderately expensive, depending on the type of cuisine and the establishment. A meal for one person in a mid-range restaurant typically costs around £15 to £30, excluding drinks. For those seeking more upscale dining experiences, prices may be higher. Beverages, such as a pint of beer or a glass of wine, generally cost between £4 and £8, depending on the venue. It’s worth noting that prices may be slightly higher in popular tourist areas, especially during peak seasons.

The Cotswold Way provides visitors with various activities, including hiking, visiting charming villages, exploring historical landmarks, and enjoying scenic countryside views. Prices for these activities can vary.

Cotswold Way Accommodation and Services

Hotels and Guesthouses

The Cotswold Way features numerous hotels and guesthouses in towns and villages such as Chipping Campden, Broadway, Winchcombe, Painswick, Wotton-under-Edge, and Bath. These establishments offer comfortable rooms, dining facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers exploring the trail

Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

B&Bs are a popular option along the Cotswold Way, providing cozy and affordable accommodations. They typically include a comfortable room and a hearty breakfast, with friendly hosts often available to share local insights and recommendations.

Hostels

Budget-conscious hikers can find hostels along parts of the Cotswold Way, offering dormitory-style accommodations and communal facilities like kitchens and lounges. These are ideal for those looking to keep costs low while enjoying basic yet comfortable facilities.

Camping and Glamping

Camping enthusiasts will find designated campsites along the Cotswold Way, with amenities such as toilets, showers, and cooking facilities. While wild camping is less common due to land access restrictions in England, it may be possible with prior landowner permission.

For a more luxurious outdoor experience, glamping is available along the Cotswold Way. Options range from beautifully furnished tents to unique pods and cabins, offering a comfortable retreat amid the scenic Cotswold countryside.

Airbnb and Self-Catering

Airbnb provides a variety of options along the Cotswold Way, from charming Cotswold stone cottages to countryside retreats. Many self-catering accommodations allow travelers to enjoy a more private and personalized stay, with the opportunity to cook meals and experience local living.

Shops and Grocery Stores

Throughout the Cotswold Way, towns and villages have grocery stores and shops where hikers can stock up on food, water, and other essentials. Planning ahead is recommended, particularly for stretches between settlements, to ensure you have enough supplies for your journey.

ATMs

ATMs are available in larger towns along the Cotswold Way, such as Chipping Campden, Broadway, and Bath. However, availability may be limited in smaller villages. To avoid inconvenience, it’s a good idea to withdraw cash in advance in more populated areas. Additionally, some shops and pubs may offer cashback services, but it’s best to confirm availability beforehand. Carrying cash is advisable for smaller establishments or in case of any unexpected circumstances.

Cotswold Way Trail Etiquette

The Cotswold Way is celebrated for its rolling hills, picturesque villages and rich biodiversity. Local communities take great pride in preserving the area’s natural charm and protecting its wildlife. In the Cotswolds, respecting the environment and practicing responsible tourism are essential to maintaining the region’s beauty.

Hikers are encouraged to follow trail etiquette and embrace the principles of the Leave No Trace organization. It’s important to respect the environment by not littering or leaving any waste behind. This includes properly disposing of food scraps, wrappers and any non-biodegradable items in designated bins or carrying them until a suitable disposal facility is available. By following Leave No Trace principles, visitors help preserve the Cotswold Way’s scenic beauty for future generations.

At Hillwalk Tours, we are passionate about sustainable tourism and deeply appreciate the Cotswolds’ unspoiled countryside. We proudly support the Leave No Trace initiative, ensuring the natural beauty of the landscapes remains untouched for others to enjoy in every destination where we offer hiking holidays.

Hillwalk Tours Cotswold Way Map

Cotswold Way Path Terrain

Waymarking

Waymarking is an important aspect of the trail to ensure walkers can navigate the trail safely. The Cotswold Way is waymarked with a variety of signs and markers, and as a national trail, the way-marking tends to be very good on the trail. The Cotswold Way is waymarked by an acorn symbol – the official symbol for ‘National Trails of England and of Wales’.

If you are ever in doubt, you can also check the Hillwalk Tours turn by turn directions and route notes including GPS coordinates provided in your walking pack. We also supply all you need to know about local information and history as you pass, along with trail alternatives and other activities.

Difficulty

The Cotswold Way can be quite a challenging hike as it has a lot of steep climbs and descents. Due this, it may be a good idea to allow more time than you usually would to walk the same distance. The difficulty of the Cotswold Way varies depending on the section of the trail you are hiking. Some sections are relatively flat, while others are much more challenging.

The route does not climb to any great heights and there are no particularly difficult sections. However, many walkers are surprised at the frequency of steeper climbs and there is a bit of up and down on every section of the trail. Some of those hills are steeper than you might expect from a casual glance at the landscape and poor weather can exacerbate what would otherwise be fairly straightforward.  

Some of the more challenging sections of the Cotswold Way include the climb up to the Broadway Tower, the steep descent into the town of Wotton-Under-Edge, and the hilly section between Painswick and King’s Stanley.

Overall, while the Cotswold Way is not considered to be an easy trail, it is still suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and some hiking experience. Hikers should be prepared for some challenging sections and should ensure they have the necessary equipment and supplies for the trail.

At Hillwalk Tours, we offer a range of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging grade hikes along the Cotswold Way. Gentle tours average approximately 14-16km (9 -10 miles) per day, Moderate 18-22km (11-14 miles) per day, and finally our Challenging Tours average 22-28km (14-18 miles) per day.

Cotswold Way Sights & Attractions

The Cotswolds ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’

Explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Cotswold towns and villages – Discover the quintessential English villages and wool towns built in honey coloured Cotswold stone.

Bath

Find history from Romans to Georgian times in the World Heritage Site, the city of Bath.

Belas Knap

This long barrow neolithic burial chamber dates back to 3,800 BCE. It is a type of monument known as the Cotswold Severn Cairn, all of which have a similar shape, theyare found scattered along the River Severn. Belas Knap is a popular destination for hikers to visit along the Cotswold Way.

The Devil’s Chimney

A local landmark of unknown origin – it’s a limestone rock formation that twists crookedly up from the ground.

The Cotswold Lavender Fields

Just a short jaunt from the charming village of Broadway, you will find that the rolling meadows of the Cotswolds transform. The colours change to a vibrant purple hue, and a sweet, floral, yet earthy smell hangs in the air. This feast for the senses is courtesy of the Cotswold Lavender Fields. These fragrant fields are a popular tourist attraction and offer a beautiful and unique sight: rows upon rows of purple blossoms standing tall. It truly has to be seen to be believed!

These fields actually belong to a productive farm – the lavender is harvested and used to make lovely smelling products like essential oils and skincare products. The first planting began in 1999 and now it has grown to cover 70 acres. It is possible to watch this fascinating process and learn about the history of lavender production in the UK at their lavender distillery.

Snowshill Manor and Gardens

Also a short drive from Broadway, and not too far from the Cotswold Lavender Fields (combine the two to add the perfect discovery day to your hike!) lies Snowshill Manor run by the National Trust. This beautiful 16th century country house is home to a marvelous and fascinating collection of oddities and artifacts as well as a unique garden.

The collection belonged to Charles Paget Wade, an English architecht, craftsman and poet of Afro-Caribbean descent who gifted the house along with his unique collection to the National Trust in 1951, a few years before his death. From samurai armor and musical instruments to a taxidermied kangaroo and a collection of false noses, the Snowshill Manor offers a quirky and unexpected experience.

The Cotswold Olimpick Games

This quirky event, held annually in Chipping Campden at the Cotswolds Olympicks which takes place this year on May 31st, is a revival of a 17th-century tradition. It features unusual “sports” like shin-kicking, wife-carrying, piano smashing and a slow bicycle race, adding a touch of bizarre charm to the Cotswold experience.

As night falls, a bonfire is lit, with a torchlight procession leading to Chipping Campden’s central square, where the celebrations continue in to the late hours. The games are thought to date back to 1612, and may themselves be a revival of an earlier tradition. The popular “sport” of shin kicking has been brought up to date by allowing the use of straw shin pads and banning steel toe caps.

Interestingly, the referees were referred to as ‘sticklers’, as they carried large sticks which they used to safely separate combatants using weapons, which is where the phrase “a stickler for the rules” comes from.

Winchcombe Meteorite

The Winchcombe Meteorite is a fragment of an asteroid which was observed entering the Earth’s atmosphere as a fluorescent green fireball over Gloucestershire, England at 21:54 hours on 28 February 2021. It’s dramatic trail was widely captured by security cameras, doorbell cameras and dashcams. Due to the video evidence and massive public interest the fragments were quickly recovered from the village of Winchcombe, enabling it to be preserved for analysis before degradation.

It was the first meteorite found in Britain since 1991 and is unusual due to its pristine condition. Scientists have discovered that it came from the outer edge of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Amazingly it is 4.6 billion years old. The Wilcock family in Winchcombe had a significant piece of the meteorite hit their driveway. They acted quickly and bagged up pieces which avoided contamination. Subsequently they agreed to have some of their driveway cut away as it contained so much dust from the impact. It is now preserved in the Natural History Museum. Parts of the meteorite are on display at the local Winchcombe Museum.

Wildlife

With a mix of fields, woodland and village terrain you are sure to see a wide variety of flora and fauna. You may see a variety of birds, including skylarks, bullfinches, yellowhammers and birds of prey like the red kite. You may even be lucky enough to see mammals such as hedgehogs, badgers and deer.

In addition, the route also visits a wide variety of natural habitats, such as internationally important wildflower meadows and shaded beech woodlands that can be full of the colour of bluebells and the scent of wild garlic in spring. The Cotswold are a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ so the scenery on this long distance walk is pretty much guaranteed to always be pleasing to the eye.

History of the Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way was originally incepted by the Gloustestershire Ramblers in 1970 as a long distance footpath. Despite the idea first coming around 50 + years ago, it only became one of the UK’s National Trails in 2007. Today, it is one of the most popular walking trails in England.

Did you know?

Every year up to 1,500 people walk, jog, run along the Cotswold Way for The Cotswold Way Challenge.

The People & Local Customs

The people along the Cotswold Way are known for their warm and welcoming nature. It is customary to greet others with a friendly smile, engage in casual conversations and show general friendliness to both locals and visitors. Hospitality is highly valued, and locals often offer assistance or initiate conversations to ensure you feel at home.

The Cotswold region is steeped in cultural heritage, with residents taking pride in their traditions and the area’s historic charm. This pride is reflected in the well-preserved villages, local crafts and festivals that add a unique charm to the experience of exploring the Cotswold Way.

Cotswold Way Pop Culture

Film and TV

Agatha Raisin

Based on a series of mystery novels by M.C. Beaton, this TV series is set in the Cotswold village of Carsely. It follows a former PR agent who now solves crime.

Bridget Jones Diary

This 2001 Classic Romantic Comedy features a memorable scene in which Bridget visits her parents home in the Cotswolds.

The Holiday

Jack Black stars in this romantic comedy along with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Kate Winslet. The plot revolves around two women on opposite sides of the Atlantic who arrange a house swap. With scenes set in both LA and the Cotswolds, the film really highlights the beauty of the English countryside.

Midsomer Murders

A long running BBC TV detective series set in the fictional county of Midsomer. Many episodes are filmed against the picturesque backdrop of the quaint villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

Books

‘Death in the Cotswolds’ by Rebecca Tope

This novel follows Thea Osbourne, house sitter turned amateur detective as she investes a series of murders in the Cotswolds. The plot includes scenes along the Cotswold Way.

Agatha Raisin Novels – M.C. Beaton

The source material for the aforementioned television series, it follows a former London PR agent as she retires to the Cotswolds, only to find herself caught up in a world of murder investigation.

Food and Drink

Steak and Kidney Pie

Arguably England’s most popular comfort food, this traditional pastry crust filled with chunks of succulent steak, kidney and gravy is a must try when visiting England. Don’t be surprised to see various other types of pies with different fillings!

Yorkshire Puddings

Although originating in Yorkshire, this light and airy bread is considered a staple in English cuisine. Often served as an accompaniment with roast dinners, Yorkshire Puddings are made from a batter of eggs, flour, and milk or water.

Fish and Chips

Although debated by some, the English believe they invented this famous UK takeout food. It is typically made with white fish covered in batter which is then fried and served with freshly cut chips. Mushy peas are also commonly ate with this dish. Traditionally, fish and chips were served in newspaper but this is less common as a result of the decline in the newspaper industry and for hygiene reasons.

Roast Dinner

This dinner typically consists of roasted meat, roasted potatoes, vegetables accompanied with Yorkshire Puddings, gravy and stuffing. Although it can be eaten on any day of the week, it is traditionally eaten on a Sunday.

Full English Breakfast

Depending on what part of England you are visiting, a full English breakfast typically consists of bacon, sausages, egg, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns and toast. Found in accommodations, restaurants, and cafes up and down the country, it is the ideal breakfast to set you up for a great day of exploring one of our English trails.

Lancashire Hot Pot

This stew-like casserole originated in Lancashire and consists of lamb or mutton and onion topped with sliced potatoes slowly baked on low heat. It differs from Irish stew in that it uses thinly sliced potatoes instead of mashed potato and is cooked in a pot rather than an oven.

Trifle

This popular English dessert is perfect for all of the sweet-tooth’s out there. The usual ingredients are a sponge base soaked in sherry, fresh or tinned fruit in jelly, custard and whipped cream. It is commonly served in a glass dish so that each layer is on show.

Ale

Not only do the English love their Ales, they are a beer brewing country now for thousand of years! Their ales, top fermented cask beer, are usually left to finish maturing in the cellar of the pub itself rather than at the traditional brewery. The naturally carbonated beer styles include brown ale, pale ale, bitter and mild. A great way to quench your thirst along the Cotswold Way.

Is the Cotswold Way Vegan Friendly

The vegan diet has become more and more popular throughout Europe in recent years, and you will find that there are plenty of vegan options available in most eateries. Each of the accommodation we work with at Hillwalk Tours have given us their guarantee that vegan breakfasts will be catered for once they have been informed. That being said, some of the more rural locations of the trail may have limited options so we advise bringing certain items such as plant-based milk, nut butters or protein powders if you so choose.

In addition, the following apps show restaurants which offer vegetarian and/or vegan opions:

• Happy Cow (€0.99)
• Vanilla Bean (free)

Nearby Trails

There are various other UK trails available to you once you have completed the Cotswold Way. Here are the other Hillwalk Tours English, Welsh and Scottish hiking tours we offer:

• South West Coast Path
• South Downs Way
• Hadrian’s Wall Path (East to West)
• Hadrian’s Wall Path (West to East)
• Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• St Cuthbert’s Way

The Cotswold Way Tips and FAQs

The Cotswold Way Image Gallery

Hillwalk Tours

About Us

Hillwalk Tours is an award-winning walking tour operator which specialise in self-guided walking holidays in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Our goal is to create happy experiences for all of our customers, suppliers & staff.

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Leave No Trace

We like to walk in nature and since you are reading this – we believe you do too! It is important to ensure that our impact on the environment is limited so that hikers can enjoy the same view after us. The rule applies: when you leave, make sure that nature looks the same as when you arrived or simply put “leave no trace.” As more and more people take to the great outdoors, our collective mark on the environment increases.

What does this mean in reality? Of course, do not leave any rubbish or waste behind. Do not collect stones, flowers, or other “souvenirs”. Don’t carve your name on a tree or break branches… I think you get the drift. It is imperative for walkers to play their part in making sure litter, damage to vegetation and all forms of pollution are limited.

Noise can also be a form of pollution. Whoever walks through a forest talking and laughing loudly, for example, ruins the peace and quiet of other walkers, who can no longer hear the birds. The same goes for cell phones that suddenly start ringing. Keep the volume down and respect your surroundings. Ultimately, the point is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy walking through nature. So that applies to you, but also to those who tread the path after you.

Hillwalk Tours proudly supports sustainable tourism and loves the countryside as it is – wild, peaceful and clean. We are proud to support the “Leave No Trace” initiative that aims to preserve the natural beauty of each nations countryside where we offer hiking holidays. We try to create happy experiences for our accommodation too, and the restaurants, shops and taxi companies that serve our walkers. These are often small businesses located in isolated areas that have been left behind by urban migration and a lack of investment in rural regions. Their warm hospitality and friendly welcomes epitomise the magic of a Hillwalk Tour and we’re dedicated to helping keep these rural communities alive.

The Benefits of Hiking

In recent years, walking and hiking outdoors has been widely reported to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. The following are examples of some of these benefits:

Improve strength and fitness

• Weight loss
• Muscle gain
• Improve metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Better quality sleep
• Increase in Vitamin D
• Improve discipline
• Sense of achievement
• Living in the present moment

Hiking Equipment List

For a more in-depth list of recommended hiking equipment list, click here.

Make A Booking

Are you ready for your Cotswold Way adventure? Get started by simply filling out the booking form below!