Cotswold Way landscape

Photo by martin fenton on Unsplash

Cotswold Way

~9 days · 102.6 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance102.6 mi
Days out9
Elevation gain14,304 ft
Gain / mile139 ft
High point1,020 ft
Difficulty index35/100

What the Cotswold Way is known for

The Cotswold Way runs 102 miles (164 km) from Chipping Campden to Bath along the Cotswold escarpment. This whole-trail itinerary follows OpenStreetMap relation 65239 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); official length and section scheme are published by National Trails.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Cotswold Way on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 269 ft to 3,304 ft over 102.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 39.3 mi · 38%
  • Downhill 35.6 mi · 35%
  • Flat 27.5 mi · 27%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Cotswold Way?

35 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Cotswold Way scores 35/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Cotswold Way take?

Most backpackers hike the Cotswold Way in about 9 days (8 nights out) over its 102.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Cotswold Way?

The Cotswold Way climbs roughly 14,304 ft total — about 139 ft per mile, topping out near 1,020 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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