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South of England

Cotswold Way – Part 1 (South)

April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct£804 pp

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SUMMARY

Cotswold Way – Part 1 (South)

No. of People: 1

PAYMENT

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TOTAL £999

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Running from the beautiful and historic town of Painswick to the City of Bath World Heritage Site, this section of the Cotswold Way takes you on a journey through enchanting forests and picturesque honey coloured villages, all whilst following the Cotswold escarpment for much of its course, enjoying almost constant panoramic views. As you trek through peaceful countryside you will pass stately homes, ancient battle sites and beautiful churches before finishing your adventure in the beautiful city of Bath.

Quick Facts

  • 5 nights’ accommodation
  • 5 days’ walking
  • Guidebook and map provided
  • Daily door to door luggage transfers
  • 56 miles (90km) and 1971m (6466ft) of ascent
  • Explore classic English countryside

About & Details

This part of the Cotswold way is a 56 mile route which begins in the beautiful old wool town of Painswick and for the most part follows the Cotswold escarpment to The World Heritage City of Bath. It is a popular trail, journeying through green landscapes, rolling farmland, peaceful woodlands and attractive villages.

This route is perfect for anyone seeking out a taste of quintessential English countryside. Home to ancient castles, Neolithic burial grounds, idyllic villages and breathtaking views, this route offers it all. As the path meanders along the escarpment, you are treated to ever-changing views which are steeped in history and are therefore sure to make your trip a pleasure from start to finish.

We take the stress out of your trip with expert local knowledge, hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers and detailed support to help you find your way. You will need full walking kit including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a comfortable day sack and comfortable walking boots. You will receive a more detailed kit list upon booking.

The price for this trip is based on 2 people sharing.

Inclusions

  • 5 nights’ accommodation in a good quality B&B or hotel with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
  • Luggage transfers each walking day (1 x bag per person, max. weight limit 20kg)
  • Map and guide book plus detailed directions to your accommodation from the trail
  • Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
  • Professional event organisation
Exclusions
  • Travel to the start and finish points of the trip
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
  • Guiding (please contact us if you would like this trip to be guided)

Optional Extras

  • Single room supplement £90 per person per night (subject to availability)
  • Solo traveler supplement £90 per person per night
  • Odd group supplement £90 per group per night may apply
  • Extra bag £12.50 per person per day
  • Extra night prior to start (single room) £180 per person
  • Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (single room) £180 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Getting There and Back

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airports are Bristol and Birmingham.

By Rail / Bus: The nearest railway stations to Painswick are Stroud, Stonehouse and Gloucester, all around 15 minutes away by car or by bus. These have regular services from London, Birmingham and Bristol. There are then various bus services to Painswick or you can also pre-book a local taxi.

By Road: Travelling by car is the easiest way to get to Painswick.

Getting Away

By Air: The nearest airports are Bristol and Birmingham.

By Rail: There are frequent services running from Bath to London and also Birmingham

By Coach: National Express coaches serve Bath and transfer to a variety of different locations.

Evening meals and lunches

You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our event planners send you the schedule with itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.

For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally at B&B, guest houses and small hotels. Once booked in, your event planner will send you a list of your booked accommodation. It is possible to adjust according to preference at this stage so please mention it if you wish to change.

Dog friendly

If you would like to bring your four legged friend, then we will do our best to source dog friendly accommodation. It is usually possible but if it were not, then we would suggest a change of date to enable it or offer a refund. There may be a small surcharge for the overnight stays. Therefore, once booked in, please alert your event planner that you would like to bring your dog and we can proceed from there.

Need a guide?

If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us.
A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.

After you book

After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.

In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.

Your personal event planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The event planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.

At the end of your trip

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive at the end of the trail, you have one of several options. If you have not booked an additional night’s stay then we can transfer your luggage to a location of your choice. From there you may have onward travel arranged as per the ‘Getting There and Back’ tab above.

Some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional add on with your event planner.

Dates and Prices

For available dates please see the ‘build your trip’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.

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Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrival in Painswick

    Check into your accommodation in Painswick.

  • Day 2 - Painswick to King's Stanley

    Today you start with what is arguably one of the best sections of the walk. The trail first heads through open countryside to Scottsquar Hill, before continuing on to Haresfield Beacon which provides great views of the surrounding countryside. From here you will descend to the Stroud Valley before crossing the Stroudwater Canal. Just before you reach King’s Stanley and your stopping point for the evening, the trail passes Stanley Woollen Mills, once the home of 1000 employees and a reminder of the Cotswolds’ wool making history.

    9 miles (14km) and 325m (1066ft) of ascent.

  • Day 3 - King's Stanley to Wotton-under-Edge

    To begin today, the route climbs steeply up to Penn Wood. After a series of short steep ascents and descents, where you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the path continues through woodland and farmland, before reaching the market town of Dursley. Here you will find a variety of small shops, cafes and pubs – an ideal place for refreshments. Leaving Dursley, the route once again climbs steeply up onto Stinchcombe Hill, before reaching North Nibley village and the Tyndale Monument. Your last descent of the day brings you down to Wotton-under-Edge where you will receive a friendly Gloucestershire welcome.

    15 miles (24km) and 780m (2561ft) of ascent.

  • Day 4 - Wotton-under-Edge to Old Sodbury

    Leaving Wotton-under-Edge, the way follows a stream, before rising steeply back up on to the escarpment where you will be treated to impressive views of the surrounding area. From here the path wanders through peaceful countryside to the Somerset Monument, before reaching Hawksbury Upton, a traditional Cotswold village. After passing Horton Court – thought to be the oldest vicarage in England – the route passes through the villages of Horton and Old Sodbury, where you will relax for the night.

    12 miles (20km) and 402m (1318ft) of ascent.

  • Day 5 - Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton

    Today you will get to enjoy the quiet countryside and stunning views and soon arrive at Dyrham Park, a spectacular 17th century house, home to an ancient deer park and stunning gardens.  Continue through Dyrham woods and drop down into the pretty village of Cold Ashton.

     9 miles (15km) and 206m (675ft) of ascent.

  • Day 6 - Cold Ashton to Bath

    Today’s walk will take you through small lanes, green fields and a climb where in 1643 the English Civil War Battle of Lansdown was fought.  Take time to look at the information plagues before heading to the Grenville Monument. Continue to enjoy the gentle countryside over the famous Bath racecourse before you emerge at Prospect Stile where on a clear day you can see across to the Black Mountains in Wales. Arriving in Bath, make your way to Bath Abbey where a blue limestone disc set into the pavement marks the end of The Cotswold Way.  You’ve made it!

     10 miles (16km) and 258m (846ft) of ascent.

Notes:

This itinerary is a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members’ fitness, weather conditions, accommodation availability, or for any other reason that may be deemed necessary. Any timings and mileages are approximate and for guidance purpose only.

We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. An additional charge may be payable. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.

The Route
Reviews

Find some of the reviews our wonderful customers have left for us below, or read them all here!

Heather Parr
3 months ago

Maximum Adventure exceeded expectations, planning a trip for me last minute and off season through the glorious Lake District. The hotels were top rate, as was the food and my daily gluten free sandwich. Nathalie got the route guide sent to me in a couple of days and the baggage service was impeccable. It was the only tour guide company that responded immediately to my last minute request. Looking forward to more adventures with your company!!!

Chris Evans
3 months ago

David and I walked the Speyside Way in September 2023 and very much enjoyed the adventure. Maximum Adventure Ltd organised our nightly accommodation and uplifting of our luggage in a seamless manner, which made the whole trip so easy with no stress. This is the second time that I have personally used Maximum Adventures Ltd and I would recommend them to others as they offer a friendly and efficient service.

Göte Fredriksson
4 months ago

We realy appreciated the tour we did on Hadrians Wall path in May.Beautiful scenery, decent weather, god arrangements including lodging, transport, bagagehandling etc. We came well prepared . In this preparation Maximum adventures gave us great support, as we are coming from abroad with no knowledge of conditions on the path. We had great BnBs and could concentrate on de daily walks that gave us great pleasure.Thank you England and Hadrians Wall path for your friendly reception and well mantained walking path.Thank you Maximum Adventures for your good service.We would love to come back in the future.

Jerry Kashinski
4 months ago

Maximum Adventure did a great job for us. With less than a month's notice, it set up an itinerary, lodging and luggage porterage for a walk from Carlisle to Newcastle, England along Hadrian's Wall. The lodging was fantastic, as was the itinerary and support during the walk. We'd definitely use Maximum Adventure again and would recommend them without reservation!

Fiona Reilly
5 months ago

I was part of a climb on 23/09, didn't think I would make ut, but I did. The descent was a different story.. I got jelly legs and lost my confidence. If it wasn't for James, my Sherpa would never have made it. Can't thank him enough, Will, met you briefly.Both of them were very knowledgeable, we had the most amazing views at the summit...the pain is still worth it and

Tom Graham
5 months ago

I walked the West Highland Way with my dad and brother. The organisation was excellent by Samantha. Itinerary and instructions were clear and all the bookings and luggage transfers went smoothly. As a result we were able to ensure the fantastic walk and not worry about anything. I would happily recommend Maximum Adventure to others.

Sarah Bracken
5 months ago

Absolutely brilliant guide - knowledgeable, interesting and humorous in addition to looking after our safety so well - making sure we ate and suggesting when to layer up! Would highly recommend!

Diana Straub
6 months ago

We just got home from our 8-days Hadrian's Wall hike and we just loved it!Everything was perfectly organized!We had great B&Bs and hotels with very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Our favorite was the Dacre House with Clare. But then again, all were great!The luggage was always at the day's destination, no matter how early we got to the accommodation.The description of how to get to the accommodations were clear and precise.The road map and the guide book were waiting for us as we got to the first B&B and were very helpful and interestingThanks, Maximum Adventure!

Kristin Hentschel
6 months ago

Praise for the West Highland Hike and the Maximum Adventure planners, esp. our planner Samantha. Great experience in every regard.

Simon Bradish
6 months ago

Booked for the 3 UK Peaks adventure, it was organised perfectly and everything when to plan. Accommodation was good, transport excellent, our guide (Patrick) brilliant, so cannot fault the trip and adventure. I personally expected too much from myself and was unable to fully summit as this adventure is not for beginners, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2003 when I was 42 and twenty years later, although relatively fit, my endurance didn't last. So I did a half summit for Ben Nevis & Scafell, thanks to Patrick for letting go back down on my own, it was brilliant. With Snowdon, a half summit is tricky as you can't descend the way you go up, so I decided to do some hiking in the area while the rest of the group did the climb. I took a chance and went to the ticket office and managed to get a single return ticket up to the summit of Snowdon at 9am which returned down by 11.30am. I was hoping to see my group on top and spring a surprise but the weather was terrible. I highly recommend the trip but make sure you are fit enough otherwise as there is an emphasis on time, so a slow walk up is going to slow everyone down and really delay the trip. Have Fun, Simon Bradish

Why book with us

We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:

  • We are an established adventure travel business
  • We have been trading since 2002
  • We are financially protected in accordance with the 1992 travel regulation
  • Knowledgeable and available office staff
  • Qualified leaders and guides with ascents ranging from Ben Nevis to Mount Everest
  • All activities are risk assessed
  • We will provide you with the best service available
  • We are aware this is your holiday/your challenge and will do our best to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience
  • We have many repeat clients stretching back over a number of years
20+ years adventure organisation experience
Full liability & financial protection
Leading provider of high quality adventure challenges
Great team of staff to support you

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