COTSWOLDS CLASSIC
Hike name: Chipping Campden to Broadway (Cotswold Way)
How to get there from London by public transport
Outbound (morning)
- Train: London Paddington → Cheltenham Spa
- Bus: Cheltenham → Chipping Campden (Service 606)
- Walk: Start in Chipping Campden, finish in Broadway
Return (afternoon / evening)
- Bus: Broadway → Cheltenham (Service 606)
- Train: Cheltenham Spa → London Paddington
Operational note: The 606 timetable is the limiting factor. Check the day’s schedule and last return service before leaving London.
What to bring
Essentials
- Footwear: hiking shoes/boots with good grip (fields can be slippery)
- Weather layers: waterproof jacket + warm mid-layer (exposed hilltops can be windy)
- Hydration & fuel: 1–1.5 L water + snacks (or a light picnic)
- Navigation: phone with offline map + power bank
- Sun protection: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Basics: blister care + small first-aid essentials
Nice-to-have
- Trekking poles (helpful on descents, especially if muddy)
- Camera kit: one standard lens is enough; a small telephoto helps for layered landscapes
The route (National Geographic style)
1) Chipping Campden — market-town elegance
Begin in one of the North Cotswolds’ most complete historic towns. Its golden limestone architecture is a record of prosperity shaped by trade routes and rural commerce. Walk slowly at first—this village sets a calm, cinematic tone.
2) Dover’s Hill — big views and living folklore
Climb toward the escarpment where the horizon opens. Dover’s Hill is both viewpoint and tradition: a place linked to the eccentric local “Olimpicks.” The air feels larger here; the landscape reads in contours.
3) The Cotswold Way — the escarpment rhythm
This National Trail is popular for good reason: steady walking, clear navigation, and scenery that keeps changing— hedgerows, fields, and paths worn in by time. After rain, expect muddy patches through pasture.
4) Broadway Tower — the iconic summit moment
Approaching the tower is the visual peak of the day. It sits high on Beacon Hill (312 m), commanding a broad sweep of countryside. Take time here: this is your hero viewpoint.
5) Broadway — stone, calm, and village life
Descend into Broadway for a gentle finish: honey-stone façades, a long main street, and soft light that’s especially beautiful later in the day. Perfect for a slow meal and a final set of photos.
Difficulty & terrain (no surprises)
- The “hardest” part is the initial climb and occasional exposed sections if windy.
- Overall navigation is straightforward on a well-known trail.
- In wet conditions, fields can be more tiring than the hills due to mud.
What to see (highlights)
- Chipping Campden High Street and the Market Hall area
- Dover’s Hill viewpoint and the escarpment edge
- Broadway Tower and surrounding hilltop landscape
- Broadway village: architecture, cafés, and classic Cotswolds street scenes
Restaurant with history / popular pick
The Noel Arms (Chipping Campden)
A traditional coaching-inn atmosphere in the heart of the village—ideal for a pre-walk meal if you arrive early, or as a reason to base yourself overnight.
Typical food to try
- Double Gloucester cheese (excellent picnic choice)
- Local pork (often Gloucester Old Spot on menus)
- Cotswolds lamb (seasonal pub staple)
- Classic pub plates that suit hikers: pies, roasts, ploughman-style lunches
Safety & practical tips
- Start early enough to protect your return connections (bus frequency can be the constraint).
- If it has rained, plan for slower progress across fields.
- Carry a windproof layer for exposed viewpoints.
Useful links (one per line)
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/cotswold-way/route/
https://www.pulhams.co.uk/busservices/timetables/service606/
https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-paddington-to-cheltenham-spa
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/dovers-hill/things-to-do-at-dovers-hill
https://broadwaytower.co.uk/history/
https://www.visitgloucestershire.co.uk/faq/what-food-is-gloucestershire-known-for/
https://bespokehotels.com/noelarmshotel/
Hiking in London Club
This article is proudly sponsored by AllTrails.
