TRAIL RUN COTSWOLD WAY
BRAND NEW DATES FOR 2026:
17 - 19 APRIL 2026
PRICE:
£595PP
BOOK WITH JUST 10% DEPOSIT + PAY OFF IN SIX INSTALLMENTS
SINGLE ROOM UPGRADE: £145 PER PERSON
Would you like a short video explaining more about this trip?
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Join us on a stunning trail weekend as we set out to run 80km of the stunning Cotswold Way – running from North to South.
The Cotswolds are a truly remarkable area of outstanding natural beauty; chocolate box villages, rolling green hills and a true English way of life which has barely changed in hundreds of years.
What truly captures our attention in this part of the world is the Cotswold Edge - an escarpment which rises from the plains of the river Severn and stretches for almost 100 miles running from North to South. The variety of trails which weave their way along the escarpment are astounding, and it is for that reason alone why it is one of our favourite places in the country to run and explore.
We’ve split this trail adventure into the absolute best bits of the Cotswold Way, taking our time with lots of stops and insights along the way, maximising the experience and adjusting the pace to whatever suits you.
We have a support vehicle with us throughout providing us with water, nutrition, and supplies.
INCLUDES:
2 nights' accommodation in a 4* Hotel (twin share basis)
Fully-supported trail running trip
All transfers throughout our stay
Breakfast and lunches throughout the trip
Two qualified trail running guides throughout
Support vehicle throughout (fully stocked)
3 days of trail running on exceptional trails
Aid stations
Trails & Trees: with every booking, we plant a tree
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ITINERARY
+ DAY 1: CHELTENHAM ARRIVAL. BEGIN THE GOLDEN WAY
+ DAY 2: STANTON TO CLEEVE HILL
+ DAY 3: ONWARD TO PAINSWICK. AFTERNOON DEPARTURE
Would you like to talk to a Pure Trails team member to learn more about this trip?
OUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL INTO CHELTENHAM. BEGIN ON THE TRAILS.
Trail Running Approx. 16km
Welcome to the start of our Cotswold adventure together!
We ask that you make your own way to the Double Tree by Hilton, Cheltenham anytime from midday where our team will be waiting to meet you.
Check-in is from 14:00, but you are welcome to store your luggage with reception if your room is not ready. Once everyone is settled we’ll have an introduction in the restaurant with a briefing by your team of guides with tea and coffee.
This afternoon we have planned a beautiful 10-mile trail run which gets us started on the Golden Cotswold Way. A short transfer of around 20mins will take us to Chipping Campden. We start at the market square, leaving the honey-coloured buildings of behind, our trail heads up to Dover's Hill and then onwards to Broadway Tower, which has spectacular views from the top.
We'll head downhill, through the high street of Broadway, and pick up the trail that flows towards the picture-perfect village of Stanton, our finishing point for today.
Transfer back to our hotel, with time to rest, relax before heading out for something to eat in town.
DAY 2 - TRAIL RUNNING THE COTSWOLD WAY
Distance: Approx. 13 miles
After an early breakfast this morning, get your gear ready as we start our trail running of the Cotswold Way.
We’ll depart and head back to Stanton and begin where we finished yesterday. As we leave the village, we'll quickly see the Iron Age hill fort at Beckbury and then onwards to the medieval Hailes Abbey.
Our trail takes us through Winchcombe, and then onward to Belas Knap, a huge Neolithic burial chamber before reaching our Cleeve Hill, which is the highest point in the Cotswold range and our finish for the day.
After lunch we’ll transfer back to Cheltenham, with the rest of the afternoon set aside to relax, before drinks and dinner in town later.
DAY 3 - CLEEVE HILL TO PAINSWICK. DEPARTURE.
Distance: Approx. 17 miles
We'll collect you this morning after breakfast and head back to Cleeve Hill to connect with the trail.
Leaving Cleeve Hill, there's a beautiful selection of viewpoints overlooking a variety of locations. This part of the trail is wonderful as we pass through woodlands and local country lanes, descending Dowdeswell Wood and crossing over Seven Springs where our trail continues.
As we venture towards Leckhampton Hill, you'll notice we embark on a much quieter section of the trail, away from the picture-perfect villages. As we head up, look out for the distinctive rock pillar known as the “Devil's Chimney”
Leaving Leckhampton Hill, the trail takes us through a quiet woodland that is beautiful in the summer. The route takes us past the famous Cooper's Hill, home to the annual cheese-rolling festival, before arriving in the pretty town of Painswick, which is notable for its yew trees that surround the church.
Congratulations and celebrations, as we relax to take in what we have achieved over the last few days. After a bit of time to check out the local surroundings we will coordinate transfers back to your Cheltenham marking the end of this awesome journey.
* Optional: Extend your stay with a night in Bath. Ask us for details..
WHERE WE STAY
Double Tree by Hilton, Cheltenham
Beautifully located on the quiet outskirts of Cheltenham, The Double Tree by Hilton boasts great views overlooking the Cotswold Way escarpment and beyond.
The Georgian four star manor house overlooks a lakeside, with the added spa amenities that include a gym, pool and sauna make this a perfect base for us to rest and relax after glorious days on the trail.
IMPORTANT NOTES
+ HOW DO I GET THERE?
Cheltenham is easily accessible from the major M5 motorway with plenty of onsite parking available at our hotel (£5 per day).
If taking the train Cheltenham Spa train station is well connected to all routes throughout the UK. The station to the hotel is just a short 10-minute taxi ride away.
If flying into the UK the major airport hubs of London, Birmingham or Bristol are the closest, with easy connections to Cheltenham from all of them.
+ WHAT SORT OF MILEAGE WILL WE BE COVERING?
We'll be out on the trail each day for around about 3 - 5 hours spent on our feet, however, it's not all out running as we aim to jog the flats, run the downhills and walk up the steeper uphill sections. We'll be making plenty of stops at a variety of stops on each of the legs. It's going to be so much fun!
Our aim is for everybody to enjoy the experience and there is no pressure on running speeds. We'll naturally spread out as a group as individuals' pacing will be different, however with two running guides, one of us will always be close by to show you the route. We may also split into groups to allow us to move more fluidly, however, we'll discuss this with you once the trip begins.
+ WE HAVE OUR OWN SUPPORT VEHICLE THROUGHOUT
Throughout the adventure, we will have a support vehicle with us each day. The vehicle will also be our 'pop-up' aid station at intervals along the route, providing us with water, snacks, lunches and nutrition. You are also available to store any luggage that you wish to have carried for you.
Should anyone decide they do not want to continue you can hop in the vehicle and be transferred to a spot further along the route to rejoin the group, or if you've simply had enough for the day then we can transfer you back to the hotel to relax.
+ WHAT SORT OF TERRAIN WILL WE BE RUNNING ON?
The terrain is undulating and includes some steep up hill sections which we walk, as well as some shorter, steeper down hill sections at times.
We’ll be running through quaint villages, forested trails, through fields and rolling hills. Underfoot conditions consist of hard-packed and forested trails which make for very enjoyable running.
+ WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
We hope for spring sunshine, but there is always the chance of rain in the Cotswolds. Knowing what the weather is like in the UK it's always best to cater for all occasions and please dress appropriately.
We run the trails in spring when the countryside is lush and green. We can expect daily temperatures to sit on an average of 16 degrees C, however, being in Britain there is every chance of a warmer spell (20 degrees C) or a colder spell (10+ degrees C).
NEWS FROM BASECAMP
