The Cotswold Way, England
June 17-25, 2027
Overview of the Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is one of England’s classic long-distance walking trails, stretching about 102 miles along the western escarpment of the Cotswold Hills between Chipping Campden and Bath. On this journey, we explore the southern section of the trail, covering approximately 40 miles through some of the region’s most varied and picturesque landscapes. The route follows rolling ridgelines with sweeping views across the Severn Vale and toward Wales, then descends into a patchwork of pastures, ancient woodlands, and quiet valleys. We walk through meadows grazed by sheep and cattle, beneath canopies of oak, beech, and ash, and along hedgerows alive with summer wildflowers. In late June, the countryside is at its greenest, with long daylight hours and generally mild temperatures averaging 65–75°F (18–24°C), creating excellent walking conditions. Along the way, we pass prehistoric monuments, historic churches, and villages built from the honey-colored limestone that defines the Cotswolds. Highlights include panoramic viewpoints such as Coaley Peak, the landscaped grounds of Dyrham Park, and the gradual approach to the UNESCO-listed city of Bath. Traditional country pubs, quiet lanes, and centuries of history accompany us throughout the week, offering a quintessential experience of rural England.
Activity Level
Moderate (3)
Activity Levels 1-3
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
Easygoing
Moderate
Challenging
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Reviews
This Peace Through Yoga trip walking half of the Cotswold Way in England, from Painswick to Bath was one of my favorite all time trips--seven of us and our excellent guide, Christine. If you have the chance to go, Just.Do.It.
-Terry R.
Another great trip with Christine! Well planned, adjusted where needed, lunch locations after hiking were local, not touristy. The views were phenomenal! We felt immersed in England!
-Janet S.
Day 1
Fly to Bristol (BRS) or London (LHR), England
Book a flight that allows you to arrive in England by June 18, 2027.
Day 2
Transfer from Bristol or London to Stroud (D)
The town of Stroud, set amid the rolling hills of Gloucestershire, is easily reached from both Bristol Airport and London Heathrow. From Bristol, it’s about a 1-hour journey by taxi or 1.5–2 hours by public transport—typically a bus to Bristol Temple Meads station followed by a train through scenic countryside. From Heathrow, the journey takes about 2.5–3 hours by train or coach: either via a RailAir bus to Reading and then a direct train, or by the Heathrow Express into London and onward from Paddington. Stroud’s train station sits just a short walk from the town center, where independent shops, weekly markets, and inviting cafés line the narrow streets. Surrounded by the wooded hillsides of the Five Valleys, Stroud makes a welcoming and well-connected base for beginning a walk along the southern Cotswold Way. We’ll meet for an introductory dinner to review the plan for the days ahead. Overnight: The Stroud Hotel**** blends modern amenities with charming local character in a newly restored Grade II-listed building, right in the heart of Stroud and opposite the railway station. Guests enjoy non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, and a choice of dining in the Bucknall Bar and Restaurant or relaxing in the Snug and Lounge. thestroudhotel.com
Day 3
Walk Painswick – Randwick (7 miles/11 km); (B/L)
A glorious section of the Cotswold Way awaits, where ancient woodlands, bucolic charm, and sweeping panoramas create a walker’s paradise. We begin in Painswick and follow the trail through fields and into Standish Wood, where birdsong filters through the trees. From the top of Haresfield Beacon, we’re rewarded with wide-reaching views that extend as far as Wales on a clear day. The path gradually descends through a mix of pasture and woodland, past farm gates and dry stone walls. We enjoy lunch at a local pub in Randwick. Afterward, we transfer back to our accommodation. Overnight: Stroud
Day 4
Walk Middleyard – Dursley (7 miles/11 km); (B/L)
We transfer to Middleyard to begin our walk through beautiful pastures and woodland until Coaley Peak where we’ll have a gentle stretching session. From there, we will walk through quiet countryside, across rolling farmland and into shaded wooded hollows. Neolithic burial chambers and Iron Age hill forts marking our progress toward Dursley. We will stop for lunch at a pub in Dursley, home to a neoclassical 18th-century Town Hall (formerly the Market Hall) that now hosts regular markets and community events. We head back to Stroud in the afternoon. Overnight: Stroud
Day 5
Walk Stinchcombe Hill – Wotton-under-Edge (7 miles/11 km); (B/L)
We begin today’s walk at Stinchcombe Hill just outside of Dursley, heading south through a mix of open farmland, ancient woodland, and ridge paths to the village of North Nibley. After a short break, a steep 10 minute climb leads us to the Tyndale Monument, built in honor of Bible translator William Tyndale, who was born nearby. Climbing the spiral steps rewards us with panoramic views across Gloucestershire and the Severn Vale. The final stretch descends through peaceful fields and lanes into Wotton-under-Edge, a historic market town nestled at the foot of the escarpment with roots stretching back to Saxon times. It flourished in the medieval period as a center for the wool trade, and its heritage is visible in the handsome 13th-century church of St. Mary the Virgin and the timber-framed houses lining the high street. We will have lunch and then transfer to our next accommodation in Bath. Bath is famous for its natural hot springs, elegant Georgian architecture, and rich Roman and literary heritage. Founded by the Romans as a spa town, it is home to remarkably preserved Roman Baths and the iconic Bath Abbey. The city's harmonious limestone buildings, including the Royal Crescent and the Circus, highlight 18th-century design at its finest. Bath also holds a special place in literary history as the home of Jane Austen, who wove the city into her novels. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its blend of history, beauty, and culture. Bath enchants with its timeless atmosphere and refined elegance—an ideal place to enjoy a soak at the Thermae Bath Spa, sip a glass of wine at a sidewalk café, or take an evening stroll along the River Avon. The Bridgerton Trail invites you to step into the world of the hit series, weaving through the city’s graceful Georgian streets, sweeping crescents, and verdant gardens that once framed Regency-era intrigues. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic filming locations, from the Assembly Rooms and Royal Crescent to the Pump Room, each one steeped in charm and historical detail, bringing the drama and glamour of Bridgerton vividly to life against Bath’s stunning architectural backdrop. Overnight: Apex City of Bath Hotel**** is a stylish property ideally located just steps from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. It features spacious, contemporary rooms and excellent leisure facilities, including a well-equipped fitness center, sauna, and indoor pool.
Day 6
Walk Blackquarries Hill – Hawkesbury Upton (6 miles/10 km); (B/L)
Today's trail offers sweeping views to the west and peaceful scenes of grazing sheep and cows. We begin our hike at Blackquarries Hill just outside of Wotton-under-Edge, taking in commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The path winds around Wortley Hill and through the woods, then descends via a sunken lane to Hawkesbury Upton. We have a gentle stretching session and then lunch in Hawkesbury Upton before transferring back to Bath.
Day 7
Walk Hawkesbury Upton - Tormarton (8 miles/13 km); (B/L)
We rejoin the Cotswold Way at Hawkesbury Upton, continuing through quiet countryside, passing the imposing Iron Age hill fort at Little Sodbury. Later we pass Saint John the Baptist Church in Old Sodbury and the quiet grounds of Dodington Park. We stop for lunch in Tolldown or Hinton and then visit Dyrham Park—a striking 17th-century baroque mansion set within 270 acres of parkland, where deer roam freely. The gardens here are beautifully maintained, with formal borders, orchards, and shaded paths leading to a charming tea house nestled within the grounds. We transfer back to Bath in the afternoon. Overnight: Bath
Day 8
Walk Landsdown Hill – Bath (6 miles/10 km); (B/D)
We’ll have a stretching session near Holy Trinity Church near Cold Ashton. From there we make a short transfer to our hike start near Landsdown Golf Club. We walk across the escarpment edge at Hanging Hill, passing Bath Racecourse on the way to Prospect Stile Viewpoint, where fine vistas of our final destination unfold. The city of Bath first appears as a distant outline, then as golden rooftops gleaming beneath the hills. From there, the path winds through meadows and woodland before gently descending into the suburbs, parks, and historic streets of Bath, leading to our finish at the stone steps of the Abbey. We gather for a farewell dinner to close our journey. Overnight: Bath
Day 9
Trip end; depart from Bath; (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring back to Bristol or London, or continuing with your onward travels. Bath is well connected to both Bristol Airport and London Heathrow. To reach Bristol Airport, it’s about a 45-minute drive by taxi, or around 1.5 hours by public transport—typically a train from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads, followed by the Airport Flyer bus. London Heathrow can be reached in 2 to 2.5 hours by train: either via a direct service to London Paddington and then the Heathrow Express, or with a coach connection through Reading.
PRICE PER PERSON:
$3299 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
+$1000 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
BOOKING PROCESS:
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Book your spot by filling our Booking Request Form below.
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A $500 non-refundable deposit per person is due at booking; balance due 120 days before departure.
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Payable by check or Venmo to Peace through Yoga Foundation; 3.5% fee for credit cards.
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Cancellation: $500 fee up to 120 days prior; 100% fee after.
Send checks to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Susie Morwick
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Venmo @smorwick
Trip cancellation insurance is recommended
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Travel Guard at 800-454-7107
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i travel insured - 317-655-4500
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Pre-departure discussion group to orient you and answer any questions
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Accommodations at 4 star hotels
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Activities as described
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Meals as described
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Daily snacks
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Dyrham Park Admission
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Luggage Transfers
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Support van
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Trip leaders
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare
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Airport transfers
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Meals not listed
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Beverages
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Hiking Poles (can be rented upon request)
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guides
NOTES:
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Itinerary may vary based on availability, weather, and local events.
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Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.
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Where we stay may vary depending on availability but will be of a similar standard to the accommodation listed.
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We have the luggage van to transport your luggage and you, if you feel you need some assistance while on this journey.
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This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
Trip Leaders:
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, from Indianapolis, has spent the past 20 years living nomadically, balancing her work as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with a passion for long-distance walking that has taken her thousands of miles across more than 100 countries. England has become one of her favorite hiking destinations after completing Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk, and the Cotswold Way, and the South West Coast Path, leaving her impressed by the country's remarkable diversity of landscapes. She is continually looking ahead to her next adventure, guided by the belief: “It’s a beautiful world, and I look forward to exploring it with you, one step at a time.”
Txomin Larrainzar Bejarano
Born in Pamplona, a city known for its strong sporting and cultural traditions, Txomin has always had a passion for sport and the outdoors. He especially enjoys hiking and spending time in the mountains, where he appreciates both the physical challenge and the opportunity to explore new places. Outside of sport, he enjoys music and plays both the drums and electric guitar.Txomin holds a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education with a specialization in Physical Education and is currently studying Sport and Exercise Science. Alongside his studies, he plays semi-professional football, an experience that has strengthened his teamwork, discipline, and commitment. He is motivated by continuous learning and enjoys helping others lead active, healthy lives.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 120 days prior to departure.