This 100-mile Trail Through the English Countryside Is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale—With Cozy Pubs and Storybook Views

As someone who’s been regularly traveling to England for the last 14-plus years, I’m well-acquainted with its cultural nuances and unique traditions. I’m a big fan of a full English breakfast, I’ll rarely say no to a cup of tea, and I don’t need an excuse to throw on my Barbour jacket. But my favorite thing about life on the other side of the Atlantic is the English affinity for a long walk in the countryside followed by a trip to a local pub.

This combination of fresh air, pastoral scenery, and a convivial, cozy atmosphere is unmatched—and it’s the very reason I’ve always been intrigued by the Cotswold Way. The 102-mile walking trail runs from Chipping Campden to Bath—the latter of which is, quite possibly, my favorite city in the world—passing by charming villages, historic sites, and, yes, plenty of traditional pubs.

“I think what feels special to me is how easily the trail brings that classic image of the English countryside to life. Whether it’s something you’ve pictured in a Dickens novel or seen in a show like Downton Abbey, hiking the Cotswold Way lets you experience the whole Cotswold region on foot, rather than just dipping into the tourist hotspots by car or on a guided tour,” says Iain Douglas of Macs Adventure. “You spend the day hiking through its charming rolling hills, farmland, and small villages, and by late afternoon—just as most of the day-trippers are heading home—you make your way into the town or village where you’re staying.” At that point, he adds, you can have “the obligatory post-hike pint in a proper country pub, followed by a hearty dinner in a cozy restaurant championing the best local produce.” But the best part? “You wake up the next morning and do it all over again,” he says.

Whether you’re interested in hiking the entire route or sampling a small portion, here’s everything you need to know about the Cotswold Way.

The Route

“The Cotswold Way is a wonderful walk which takes you through picture postcard Cotswold villages, over rolling hills and open meadows with far-reaching views, through stunning woodland, past historical sites, ending in the World Heritage City of Bath,” explains Penny Brennan, a walk specialist at Celtic Trails. The National Trail is bookended by Chipping Campden and Bath and is typically broken down into several sections. “For me, the best bits are Chipping Campden to Stanton, Stroud to Dursley, and Cold Ashton to Bath,” says John Bartram, membership officer at the Cotswold Way Association.

The 10.5-mile Chipping Campden to Stanton section is also a favorite of Brennan’s. “This is the very start of the trail. From the beautiful market town of Chipping Campden, you head out of the town to Dover’s Hill and onto Broadway Tower—the second-highest point of the trail, from where you will be rewarded with far-reaching views before heading down into the village of Broadway, a perfect place to stop for lunch,” she says. Here, Douglas recommends the Crown & Trumpet for a pint. “It’s a proper old 17th-century pub where you’ll meet more locals than tourists,” he says.

“Once refreshed, you have great undulating farmland before descending into the chocolate-box village of Stanton.” Once you get to Stanton, the menu at The Mount Inn, another one of Douglas’ favorites, awaits.

From Stanton, you’ll march to Winchcombe, Painswick, Dursley, Wotton-Under-Edge, and Tormarton—with historic sites, gorgeous views, and incredible architecture serving as the stars of the show. Throughout the journey, expect all kinds of terrain. “In terms of difficulty, a lot of walkers are surprised that it is really quite a tough walk with lots of steep ascents and descents along the way,” says Bartram.

“Some of the hills at sections are not to be underestimated; the likes of the section between Winchcombe and Painswick… the hike up to Cleeve Hill is a long one (the highest point of the Cotswold Way), and then the southern side of the trail from Wotton-under-Edge to Bath has some harder days,” adds Douglas. “On most days, you will probably find that half the hike will be going uphill and the other half downhill.”

If you hike from north to south, the Cotswold Way will end in the Georgian city of Bath, where you can soak off any aches and pains in the famous natural thermal waters that feed the Thermae Bath Spa. According to Bartram, the full route typically takes around 10 days, but it can be done in seven if your fitness level is on the higher end.

Know Before You Go

Whether you’re hiking the full Cotswold Way or just a portion of the trail, the proper preparation is required—starting with pre-booking your lodging. “The Cotswolds are popular all year round. Booking ahead is essential to have the best chance of securing a stay at the best accommodations,” says Douglas.

You’ll also want to ensure you have all of the right gear, and Brennan, Douglas, and Bartram all gave their recommendations. “Don’t assume that it is a country ramble and try to do it in trainers,” says Bartram, who has “good boots and wet-weather gear” at the top of his list. Make sure your boots are broken in, waterproof, and cover your ankles. “If you happen to be walking in wet weather, the country paths and fields will be muddy with deep puddles,” says Douglas. “Some hikers may also find hiking poles handy when ascending or descending the hills.”

According to Brennan, hikers should follow the “three-layer” system. “This consists of a base layer (moisture-wicking, close-fitting top), a mid layer (warm layer consisting of fleece or similar materials), and an outer layer of a breathable, waterproof, and windproof jacket and trousers,” she explains.

If navigating the route is one of your top concerns, follow Bartram’s advice. “The Cotswold Way is one of the better-marked long-distance trails, but people still report navigation difficulties in places. Best to take maps and a GPS or phone navigation app to make sure,” he says. You’ll know you’re on the right path as you see the “white acorn” symbols (used by all National Trails) marking the way.

As far as safety precautions, both Douglas and Bartram note that the paths can become quite slippery when muddy, and there are a few busy crossroads. That said, take your time, prepare for rainy weather, and always follow the National Trail Countryside Code.

Best Time to Go

Given England’s relatively mild weather, the window for walking the Cotswold Way is pretty wide—from late March to mid-to-late October. “May and June are really popular times for people to enjoy this trail, as the countryside is vibrant and full of spring flowers; it really shows the whole area at its best,” says Brennan. “The trail is well maintained and waymarked, so walking conditions should be good underfoot with no bogs or streams to cross.” While Bartram also mentions June’s wildflowers, he says travelers shouldn’t “rule out” the fall, when the “colors can be fantastic.”

Those attempting to complete the route in the summer, however, should be aware of the heat. “A lot of Cotswolds accommodations are old coaching inns and typically don’t have air conditioning in their rooms, so keep this in mind if you do intend to walk in the height of the English summer (June to July),” says Douglas.

Where to Stay

You’ll find all sorts of cozy places to stay along the Cotswold Way, from elegant boutique hotels and historic inns to quaint bed-and-breakfasts and unique rentals—and National Trail has a great resource covering your options at each stop.

If you want to start the journey on a more luxurious foot, book a room at The Lygon Arms in Broadway. The 86-key 14th-century coaching inn has hosted the likes of the late Prince Phillip, Richard Burton, and Elizabeth Taylor—and if you wrap up the first section of your walk by 2 or 4 p.m., you’ll make it in time for afternoon tea.

In Winchcombe, you can’t go wrong with either The White Hart Inn or The Lion Inn; both have restaurants where you can get your fill of British delicacies. More luxury awaits at Cowley Manor in Cheltenham, or you can choose something more traditional, like The Green Dragon Inn, a 17th-century property with a roaring fire.

After completing all 102 miles of the Cotswold Way, reward yourself with a sumptuous suite at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath. You’ll likely want to put your feet up for a few days before heading home.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure