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England: The Southern Cotswolds – 4 nights (Tetbury to Bath)
Traditional Cotswold villages, churches and pubs
Back to Routes
Our Fi making her way up Claverton Down
A view of the village and church of Colerne
Castle Combe High Street
A vision of Bradford-on-Avon beyond the water
The Chipping Steps in Tetbury
St Nicholas's Church, Slaughterford
Our route advisor Nicky surveying the journey
A view of Pulteney Bridge, Bath across the River Avon
Fi crossing Wormwell Brook, just south of Tetbury
The Royal Crescent, Bath
Afternoon refreshments in the idyllic grounds of The Close Hotel in Tetbury
At a glance
4 nights (3 days walking) - Tetbury to Bath. Extra nights possible at all accommodation. See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Devon, Welsh Borders
How much walking?
Full days: 11-23 km per day, 3-6 hrs walking
Using shortening options: No realistic shortening options
Quintessentially Cotswold Tetbury to Georgian Bath
This 4-night version covers the southern half of the full route.
‘The Cotswolds’ elicits images of honey-coloured stone villages, fiercely protected against modern intrusive development, churches competing for the prize for the tallest spire, pub gardens with welcoming hosts, excellent ale and terrific food.
Our route will not disappoint the rosy-eyed optimist in you. It’s a roll-call of all that is most iconic in the Southern Cotswolds, while staying away from the tourist-trap towns and Cotswold Way hordes in an effort to seek out lesser-known delights.
You start in royal Tetbury, where King Charles has a country house, then on to Castle Combe – possibly the most photographed village in England, but wonderfully quiet in the evening. Bradford-on-Avon nestles on a hill above the River Avon, along which you walk to Bath, diverting to a low hill to give you a fine entry into this famous city, source of much inspiration for the novels of Jane Austen.
The accommodation is special throughout, with upgrade and rest day possibilities.
Walked by On Foot staff: Simon, Harriet, and partially by Mary, Emma, Fi, Viktoriia
Consider pairing this route with Devon (1½ hrs by train), Welsh Borders (3 hrs by train and taxi) – for more details click here.
REVIEWS: For independent walker reviews submitted to the Association of Independent Tour Operators visit Aito.com.
Route Highlights
- Georgian Bath
- Rolling hills and steep-sided wooded valleys with an industrial past
- Classic Cotswold villages, churches and pubs
- Tetbury, medieval market town and country residence of King Charles III
- Castle Combe – the most photographed of villages
This route features the following characteristics and interests: Villages and farms, Dog friendly, Food, History
Things you should know
- While the walk is not difficult, the days are quite long – check each day’s itinerary before booking.
- We have some excellent taxi drivers who transfer your luggage BUT they may not be available to help you shorten a walk, so make sure you are happy to walk the full day.
- Expect to encounter livestock – we will provide advice.
We Recommend
Extra nights may be imposed on you at weekends, so it's best to plan these in advance. Extra time could happily be spent in Tetbury with its antique shops, Castle Combe (best to upgrade to the Manor House Hotel and maybe enjoy a round of golf - clubs available to hire), or beautiful Bath.
Eating and Drinking
There is an abundance of excellent gastro-pubs and cafés along the walk and where you stay. Prepare to be well fed, and to down a well-kept pint.
How much Walking?
Using shortening options: No realistic shortening options
Some smaller footpaths are used, mostly signed, though some not – careful attention to route notes needed. Excellent maps.
Medium: Average CUSs per day 240m (140m-290m). The first two days are quite long (22-23 km).
Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: None.
On Foot Holidays Companion app available, for GPS navigation/mapping and all other documentation and advice. Separate GPX files for your own device also available.
Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.
When to go?
The best months to walk: April, May, June, September, October
Other possible months: March, July, August, November
This walk is best in spring and autumn, but beware of shorter days at the beginning and end of the season, when it may also be rather wet and muddy! In July and August it may be hard for us to secure accommodation.
The best days to start: Any day, though try to plan round two-night Friday-Saturday stays in your preferred rest stop.
Start Dates
Weather Chart
Temperature and rainfall chart for Tetbury
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Tetbury
Arrive in Tetbury and admire the lively Georgian centre with its arcaded market house and multiple antique shops, restaurants and pubs.
Option
An extra night spent in the pretty little town of Tetbury would mean relaxing and is an excellent choice for a rest day after perhaps a long journey. Search out the best antique shops, have a pub lunch and take tea in the Close Hotel gardens!
Day 2 - Tetbury to Castle Combe
A long walk through some pretty, tiny Cotswold villages and alongside quiet streams. Leaving Tetbury, walk through the Estcourt Estate parkland, before continuing on to the Rattlebone Inn in Sherston (for lunch?). The small Cotswold churches found along the route are a pleasant respite with their cool interiors and medieval history. Continue on through Luckington and Littleton Drew before arriving, via its immaculate golf course, at picture postcard Castle Combe, its two pubs and your comfortable accommodation. (Medium: 6 hrs walking (allow 8 hrs,) 23 km (14½ miles), CUSs 140m)
Option
An extra night spent in Castle Combe would be great for golfers. Book a round on the 18 hole course amid rolling scenery. Clubs available to hire. Or just relax and take a day off walking (upgrading to the Manor House Hotel, of course!).
Day 3 - Castle Combe to Bradford on Avon
Leave the quiet beauty of Castle Combe in the morning before the inquisitive tourists arrive, and follow the gently burbling By Brook stream leading you gently downhill through quiet wooded valleys to picturesque Box. You may stop for refreshment at the Longs Arms at South Wraxall before your final stretch to stone-built Bradford-on-Avon and the (relatively) mighty River Avon, which you will follow to Bath the next day. (Medium: 5¾ hrs walking (allow 7¾ hrs,) 22 km (14 miles), CUSs 290m)
Day 4 - Bradford on Avon to Bath
A shorter day, but one with a lot of interest. Set off along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon canal, which shadows the River Avon itself for a long level stretch to the famous Dundas Aqueduct where the canal crosses the river, before (we suggest) a snack or even early lunch at the Angelfish Café at Brassknocker Basin (really!). After refuelling, climb up through the fields to Claverton Down for fine views of the world-famous Georgian city as you descend to journey’s end. (Easy-medium: 3 hrs walking (allow 4 hrs,) 11½ km (7 miles), CUSs 290m)
Departure day
Depart for home or choose to stay further nights. There is a lot to discover in this protected Georgian city. We like just wandering the streets, but the shops are also great. You can take the waters (from the same thermal spring the Romans used), visit the Abbey, take a punt on the Avon, and dine well in any number of quality restaurants including Michelin-starred. And remember that 2025 is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and there are many events in the city celebrating this event.
Travel Information
This advice relates to the 4-night Tetbury to Bath version.
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
Nearest railway station:
Start: Kemble
Finish: Bath Spa
ARRIVING BY CAR
There are long stay car parks in Bath. Walkers should then take a train to Kemble (1 hr change Swindon) to pick up the included taxi. However, our recommendation is to park at and stay one night at Local Contact Nicky’s comfortable B&B at Breadstone – Pond Cottage (£150 per room, dinner available at £40 pp, 5-nights parking included). Nicky’s delightful house and garden can be seen on her Pond Cottage website. Enquiries direct with Nicky or through On Foot Holidays. Transfer to Tetbury at start and from Cam and Dursley station at end by local taxi. Enquiries through On Foot Holidays.
ARRIVING BY AIR
The best “local” airport is Bristol. Intercontinental flights use London Heathrow, Manchester and other London airports.
BRISTOL:
Land by: 16:00 for public transport connections to Kemble (~2 hrs).
Return flight earliest: 11:00 for public transport connections from Bath (~1½ hrs).
LONDON HEATHROW:
Land by: 16:00 for public transport connections to Kemble (~2½ hrs).
Return flight earliest: 13:30 for public transport connections from Bath (~2½ hrs).
MANCHESTER:
Land by: 14:00 for public transport connections to Kemble (~4 hrs).
Return flight earliest: 14:30 for public transport connections from Bath (~3½ hrs).
Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.
For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.
See “Getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.
Getting to the start of the walk
The first accommodation is in Tetbury and the last in Bath.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
BRISTOL:
Outward: Shuttle bus to Bristol Temple Meads station (every 10-15 mins, 30 min journey), train to Kemble (~1 hr) then taxi (included) to first hotel.
Return: Walk or local taxi to Bath Spa station, train to Bristol Temple Meads (15 mins) then airport shuttle as above.
LONDON HEATHROW:
Outward: Train to Kemble (~2 hrs, change London Paddington), then taxi (included) to first hotel.
Return: Walk or local taxi to Bath Spa station, then train to London Heathrow (~2 hrs, change London Paddington), or National Express bus.
MANCHESTER:
Outward: Train to Kemble (~4 hrs with changes), then taxi (included) to first hotel.
Return: Walk or local taxi to Bath Spa station, then train to Manchester (~4 hrs, change Bristol Temple Meads and Stockport).
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
Outward: Taxi (included) from Kemble station to accommodation.
Return: Local taxi (or walk) to Bath Spa station.
Buy your train tickets in advance for cheaper rates. Use thetrainline.com for the most user-friendly site (booking fee applies).
ARRIVING BY CAR
See above. Pond Cottage stayers will be transferred to and from Cam & Dursley station (Cheltenham 34 mins, Bath 1-1½ hrs change Bristol).
Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack and the On Foot Holidays Companion App. Contact us if you would like additional information.
Where You'll Stay
The accommodation along this route is above average, making use of comfortable pubs and boutique hotels.
Clients may self-book other hotels in Cheltenham and Bath (if in itinerary) not on our partner list and receive a discount of around £100 per person per night.
Night 1
Friendly hotel with a great restaurant serving fresh local produce.
Night 1 (Upgrade)
Tetbury – The Close Hotel (B&B)
Impressive town house dating back to 1535 with a walled garden, fountain and an excellent restaurant.
Night 2
Castle Combe – The Castle Inn (B&B)
Former retreat of Oliver Cromwell with original 12th century features and an award winning food menu. Golfing available (with clubs hire)
Night 2 (Upgrade)
Castle Combe – The Manor House (B&B)
Quintessentially English country hotel retreat dating back to the 14th century, set in 365 acres of parkland. Golfing available (with clubs hire)
Night 3
Bradford-on-Avon – The Priory Steps (B&B)
Family owned bed and breakfast with panoramic views in a central location.
Night 4
Bath – The Queensberry Hotel (B&B)
A luxurious family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Georgian Bath serving exceptional food.
Tetbury – Priory Inn (B&B)
Friendly hotel with a great restaurant serving fresh local produce.
Website
Tetbury – The Royal Oak (B&B)
Charming late eighteenth century free house with a beautiful beer garden and outdoor seating.
Website
Tetbury – The Close Hotel (B&B)
Impressive town house dating back to 1535 with a walled garden, fountain and an excellent restaurant.
Website
Castle Combe – The Castle Inn (B&B)
Former retreat of Oliver Cromwell with original 12th century features and an award winning food menu. Golfing available (with clubs hire)
Website
Castle Combe – The Manor House (B&B)
Quintessentially English country hotel retreat dating back to the 14th century, set in 365 acres of parkland. Golfing available (with clubs hire)
Website
Bradford-on-Avon – The Priory Steps (B&B)
Family owned bed and breakfast with panoramic views in a central location.
Website
Bradford-on-Avon – Timbrell’s Yard (B&B)
Boutique hotel on the banks of the River Avon with 17 rooms and a fantastic riverside terrace.
Website
Bath – The Queensberry Hotel (B&B)
A luxurious family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Georgian Bath serving exceptional food.
Website
Bath – The Roseate Villa (B&B)
A 5 star boutique hotel in a Victorian villa overlooking Henrietta Park.
Website
Two-night stay requirements
While the itinerary listed here may be possible, please be aware that most hotels will demand a two night stay on Fridays and Saturdays, so try to plan a rest day accordingly.
In Cheltenham and Bath there are a large number of accommodation options should our partnered hotels not be available.
Prices
Total 4 nights in double/twin room, 4 breakfasts, taxi from Kemble station to first accommodation and luggage transfers throughout; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.
Also included: On Foot Holidays Companion app, providing navigation/mapping and digital version of the Walkers’ Pack as above. Separate GPX files for your own device also available. If choosing to walk with app only (no printed materials): Discount of £40 per pack (based on one pack per room).
All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.
Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £330
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £165
Large party saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) – discount of at least £45 per person
Maximum party size: please enquire
Please note that weekend stays (Fri and Sat nights) in most places may be subject to a minimum 2 night stay and a supplement.
Add Ons
Extra nights in any hotel along the route: Contact On Foot Holidays (seasonal pricing)
Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: Supplement payable per pack, location dependent.
Golfing Packages at Castle Combe: From £100 pp plus club hire
Our local team
Nicky Fussell
Nicky knows the Southern Cotswolds well, and has lived in Gloucestershire for many years. After a varied professional life in large corporations, followed by the establishment of a family business and a decade in academia, she’s now taken early retirement in order to concentrate on the complete restoration of her former family home and garden near Berkeley.
Nicky has a passion for outdoor pursuits, and as an On Foot Holidays client of many years, she’s thrilled to have the chance to design this route, and to share her unique corner of England with fellow On Footers!
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