From: Chipping Campden
Started: 20260525
Finished: 20260817
I walked the Cotswold Way solo, completing it in sections from Chipping Campden to Bath. Living close to the northern end of the trail, I had walked parts of it before, but completing the entire route had been something I wanted to do for a long time.
It has been a wonderful experience. The constantly changing landscape was a real highlight, from beautiful Cotswold villages and peaceful woodland to open countryside, wildlife and some challenging climbs rewarded by spectacular views. Walking it in sections meant every stage felt like a new little adventure, while gradually joining them together into one 102-mile journey.
There were plenty of hills, countless gates and stiles, some very hot days and, appropriately, heavy rain on my final walk into Bath! I was also completing the trail while still doing physiotherapy for an ankle injury from over 2 years ago, so reaching the marker outside Bath Abbey felt particularly special.
My favourite part was simply discovering how much variety there is along a trail that runs through countryside I thought I already knew well. I noticed places, wildlife, history and little details that I would otherwise never have seen.
I was delighted to reach Bath and complete the Cotswold Way, although I was genuinely rather sad that there wasn’t another section left to walk! I will certainly be revisiting my favourite sections.
An unforgettable experience and one I would thoroughly recommend.