Off the Beaten Track: Cotswold Way, England

England has an extensive network of well-marked footpaths and bridle ways, many of them dating back centuries, and the public has the right to travel them even when they cross private land. Much of the Cotswold Way is on these trails.  A short five miles up and over the Cotswold escarpment to the picturesque village of Broadway, will get you accustomed to the stiles and kissing gates that allow humans access but keep livestock from escaping.

Just over 100 miles long the Cotswold Way walk runs from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south. It can be walked in either direction but some recommend starting in Chipping Campden. The trail leads you through some of the most beautiful scenery, passing through quaint villages and towns that seem almost lost in time, landmarks of history, character and charm. There are very few trails in England with National Trail status, epitomising the uniqueness of the Cotswold Way walk. 

The Cotswolds has a well-deserved reputation for picturesque rolling green hills, honey colored sandstone housing and villages full of antique shops, traditional cafes and historical architecture. It’s no wonder the Cotswold Way is a firm favorite with walkers who return year after year to experience the beauty and tranquillity the area offers. 

Here are a few sites along the Cotswold Way:

All Saints Church, Selsley
The Church of All Saints, Selsley, is a major attraction to lovers of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Nestled below Selsley Common, it has a wealth of gorgeous stained glass by the likes of William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Ford Madox Brown.

A signed Cotswold Way circular walk passes right by the main entrance, before following the canal and climbing back up to the top of the common.

Belas Knap
Near Charlton Abbots, Gloucestershire
A particularly fine example of a Neolithic long barrow of c.3800 BC, featuring a false entrance and side chambers. Excavated in 1863 and 1865, the remains of 31 people were found in the chambers. The barrow has since been restored.

Belas Knap Long Barrow
Belas Knap, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire 
This neolithic burial mound is one of the best preserved in the Cotswolds.The Cotswold Way passes through the site so you can't miss it. It is free and open all year round.

Prestbury Hill Butterfly Reserve
Prestbury Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 
The Cotswold Way runs right through this beautiful area of limestone grassland which is owned by Butterfly Conservation. The land is managed to encourage more butterflies by ensuring their food source is in abundance. In spring and early summer you can see cowslips, orchids and rare butterflies and all year round the views are stunning. 

Bath
The City of Bath is at the southern end of The Cotswold Way National Trail. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987, Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge alongside a diverse collection of museums and attractions including the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre, No.1 Royal Crescent and Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath's compact city centre offers irresistible shopping and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. The city has a variety of theatres, museums, and other cultural and sporting venues, which have helped to make it a major centre for tourism, with over one million staying visitors and 3.8 million day visitors to the city each year. Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions. 

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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