The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way passes through some of the most picturesque countryside and villages in England. It runs for 102 miles and is normally walked from the north to the south, from Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to Bath in Somerset.
The word "Chipping" means "market" and that is indeed what Chipping Campden is, an old market town. It gained its wealth through the woollen trade, as displayed by the many buildings constructed with the famous Cotswold honey-coloured limestone. So if you decide to do this stretch of the walk, it is worth arriving early on the day before the start of your walk to explore the village.
The same applies for Bath, which is famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian buildings, in particular the Royal Crescent, as the town was a regular haunt of 18th century royalty. Go on, dip your toes in the water.
Between Chipping Camden and Bath, the route passes through many picture postcard English villages with traditional thatched cottages. The route offers the walker views over the Vale of Evesham from Dover's Hill and over the Severn Vale to the Malverns and the Welsh Hills from Crickley Hill and Painswick Beacon before reaching Haresfield Beacon with its spectacular views. As you approach Bath there are more impressive views to the West over Bristol to the Severn Crossing.
When to Walk
It is possible to walk the Cotswold Way all year round, although parts of the route may be muddy and slippery after wet weather, or when there is snow or frost on the ground.
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