Walkers and wardens at the start of the 102 mile Cotswold Way at 50 relay walk in 2021. Photo: Russell Sach
Enjoy these spectacular walks without the logistical headaches
These walks are organised by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens enabling people to come together in groups to complete some of the longer trails across the Cotswolds National Landscape. Each walk is led by two Cotswold Voluntary Wardens who are familiar with the route and provide information on aspects of interest. As with all Cotswold Warden Walks, no dogs are allowed. A charge is made to cover the cost of transport. In addition, walkers are invited to make a voluntary donation to the Countryside Fund which helps us to continue to provide our guided and self guided walks, as well as helping maintain the trails around the Cotswolds.
The walks must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. The walks are very popular – anyone who is interested is advised to get their name on the waiting list for future walks as early as possible.
The Cotswold Way
Renowned for its sheer diversity, the Cotswold Way incorporates some of England’s prettiest villages and passes historic sites such as the City of Bath World Heritage Site, the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle, Hailes Abbey and many hill forts, churches and historic houses including Dyrham Park.
One minute you will be in wildflower meadows, the next shaded woodlands – no two walks will be the same!
OPTION 1 – Walk the Cotswold Way from North to South
from Chipping Campden to Bath
The 102 miles of the Cotswold Way is divided into 10 sections of between 8 and 12 miles and is walked on the first Saturday of each month from May of every year.
Each month the participants depart by coach from car park at Cold Ashton Parish Hall, just north of Bath, at 8:45am which takes them to the day’s start point. The coach meets the group at the end of each day’s walk and returns to Cold Ashton.
Current cost £210 per person (but this may increase slightly if we are not able to get the full number of participants), maximum number of walkers 23.
Walkers must have a good standard of fitness, as there are some stiff climbs, good walking boots and poles are recommended. If you are interested in joining the walk contact John Bartram, woodlandsbarn@btinternet.com.
OPTION 2 – Walk the Cotswold Way South to North
from Bath to Chipping Campden
The 102 miles of the Cotswold Way is divided into 11 sections of approximately 10 miles each and is walked on the first Wednesday of each month from May to the following March.
Each month the participants depart by coach from Winchcombe Back Lane Car Park at 8.30 am, which takes them to the day’s start point. The coach meets the group at the end of the walk and returns them to Winchcombe.
Cost for 2024 is £240 per person , maximum number of walkers 25.
Walkers must have a good standard of fitness, as there are some stiff climbs, good walking boots and poles are recommended. If you are interested in joining the walk contact Linda Blackwell north.guidedwalks@gmail.com. Linda holds a waiting list and offers places each January for that year’s walks. 2024’s walk is now full.
Heart of the Cotswolds Walk
Chipping Campden to Bath via a less strenuous, shorter route than the Cotswold Way and has more rolling countryside. The route goes east from Chipping Campden to meet the Macmillan way at Epwell and follows that through Long Compton, Chastleton, Lower Slaughter, Chedworth, Sapperton, Avening, Sherston, and Box.
The 99.7 mile route is divided into 10 sections of approximately 10 miles each and is walked on the third Saturday of each month from May to the following February.
Each month the participants assemble at Cold Ashton Village Hall , where a coach transports walkers to the day’s start point. The coach meets the group at the end of each day’s walk and returns to Cold Ashton.
The cost will just be what the Coach company charges and the Volunteer leaders come free!
If you are interested in joining the walk contact John Walker ej.walker@talktalk.net.
The Diamond Way – Circular
This circular trail is bounded by Ebrington in the north, Temple Guiting in the west, Northleach in the south and Adlestrop in the east, with Stow on the Wold roughly at its centre. It passes through many delightful small villages and offers a pleasing contrast of countryside, with extensive views at times.
The Diamond Way was devised by Elizabeth Bell, a member of the Ramblers’ Association, to mark its 60th anniversary.
The sixty miles of The Diamond Way is divided into 6 linear sections of approximately 10 miles each and is walked on the fourth Wednesday of each month from April to September.
Each month the participants meet at 9am at a designated meeting point for that day’s walk, where a Hedgehog Community Bus transports walkers to the day’s start point. The group walks back to the meeting point.
Cost for 2024 is £43 per person, maximum number of walkers 14.
If you are interested in joining the walk contact Linda Blackwell north.guidedwalks@gmail.com.
Linda holds a waiting list and offers places each January for that year’s walks.
2024’s walk is now full.