The Cotswold way
102 miles, from Bath to Chipping Campden
June 5 - 14, 2023
September 24 - October 3, 2023
Suitable for new and experienced hikers
Max: 8 participants per trip
Contact: Shawn@shawnrichardsonglobal.com
Description:
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SRG will be offering and hiking the Cotswold Way twice in 2023, in June and in late September. This hike is on a well established trail through the beautiful heart of western England. The route runs for 102 miles from Bath to Chipping Campden, mainly in the county of Gloucestershire. The Cotswolds is recognized and protected as an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Cotswold Way has, since 2007, been one of several National Trails in the UK.
Our route begins in the city of Bath, an ancient Roman city and spa. Set on the River Avon it is a World Heritage site and widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, with its Georgian architecture and famous buildings such as the Royal Crescent, the Pump Room, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Weir and Bridge.
After climbing out of Bath and entering the countryside, the first two days of the walk are very rural and relatively long as we head northwards through a handful of small villages. During the second day we ascend onto the escarpment of the Cotswold Hills before descending to the small town of Wotton-under-Edge. We continue along the escarpment, skirting the town of Stroud, and on to Painswick, known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds”. A long rural stretch follows along the wonderfully named Birdlip Edge before we reach the edge of the town of Cheltenham, famous for its Regency architecture and its renowned horse racing festival. Beyond Cheltenham we walk our final three days through beautiful Cotswold villages such as Stanton and Broadway, before reaching our destination at Chipping Campden.
Most day’s walking ranges between 12-16 miles, with a shorter day 4. Day 8 is the shortest day of approximately 6 miles, affording the opportunity to explore beautiful Broadway at the start of the day and Chipping Campden at the end. The walking is strenuous in places with a few sharp ascents to be climbed, but well within the scope of hikers with appropriate fitness.
We will have 7 group dinners and on 2 evenings, Cheltenham (night 6) and Broadway (night 8), you will be free to find your own dinner in local pubs and restaurants.
We will arrange for luggage to be transported from location to location so you will only need to hike with a day pack containing the bare necessities such as waterproof pants and jacket (sadly essential, even in the English summer!). We will provide a suggested packing list.
Our trip ends with overnight accommodation in Chipping Campden. From there you are free to transfer or travel onwards on the final morning. Chipping Campden is within easy range of attractions such as Oxford or Stratford-on-Avon, home of Shakespeare, as well as other beautiful Cotswolds towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford and Bourton-on-Water. London is easily within reach within two hours by car or train, as is Heathrow Airport.
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Price:
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$5525 per person
*Add $1200 for single supplement
Reserve a spot with a 50% deposit.
Balance due 4 months before departure.
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Deposits and payments are non-refundable, for any reason. Trip Insurance and medical insurance is recommended and available at
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance
https://www.travelguard.com/travel-insurance/benefits/cancel-for-any-reason
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Additional Information:
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Our goal is to create new walking enthusiasts who, by the end of the trip, will have the skills and comfort to trek/ travel independently. This is a great hike for someone new to thru-hiking.
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SRG is unique in that we hike the full trail. The real deal.
We will have 2 zoom sessions before the trip to review physical preparation and suggested gear and equipment.