The Cotswold Way is a long distance walking trail and is 102 miles (163.2 km) in total from Chipping Campden to the steps of Bath Abbey and can be walked in either direction. It was designated a National Trail in May 2007 to showcase its importance and unique qualities as it winds its way through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). Following the escarpment of the Cotswold hills, it offers panoramic views across the Severn Vale passing through beech woods, open pasture with dry stone walls and picturesque villages with limestone cottages. This tour is more about the walking than anything else because it is challenging in terms of the daily mileage you choose and will test your stamina more than any other walk we offer if done over the shortest time of 6 days walking. Extending your time to 9, 10 or 11 nights will help to break up the journey and offer a more relaxing pace without diminishing the sense of achievement at the end.
“The Mount, as the name suggests, stands on the mount at the end of the village of Stanton, near Broadway. It is one of the prettiest & idyllic unspoilt villages in the Cotswolds with its ancient houses built from the honey coloured limestone quarried from Shenberrow Hill above the pub. The pubs unique position provides the most spectacular panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills & even the Black Welsh mountains beyond.” “The village inn was not always known as The Mount & had not always been a pub. The building dates back to the early 17th century when it was originally a farmhouse. Sometime later it became a “cobbler shop”, tea room and then an off-licence. “”In modern times, the reputation of this out-of-the-way inn for good company and good beer & amazing views has spread far and wide, yet it retains all its’ village friendliness, its’ ancient timbers steeped in 500 years of hospitality.”
Dinner reservation made for 6 at 7pm (jayne email)
Per Sherpa guide
13.7 Miles 1370′ ascent
A day of contrasts that takes you across the wildest part of the Way on Cleeve Common then skirts around the largest town along the route, Cheltenham. After a long climb from Winchcombe, the Way stays mostly at high level before crossing the valley of the River Chelt. Refreshments are served at the golf club on Cleeve Hill and at a couple of inns nearby. Winchcombe has plenty of shops for picnic supplies and there are numerous pleasant places to stop in fine weather. There is a good selection of accommodation available on the outskirts of Cheltenham a short distance from the Way throughout the last part of this section.
