Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
is downhill effort involved, whichever way you tackle it - though if any-
thing it's slightly more strenuous for the northbound walker. By walking
northward (starting in Bath) you'll probably have the prevailing wind at
your back, some of the finest scenery teasing ahead of you, and one of
the finest of all Cotswold towns as the climax.
On the other hand, heading south from Chipping Campden means that
from the very start you are launched into full Cotswold grandeur, while
the pilgrimage nature of the long- distance walk (and it seems to me that
all long walks take the form of a pilgrimage) culminates with the heart-
stopping sight of Bath Abbey, arguably one of Britain's finest buildings,
marking journey's end. It is also physically easier to leave Bath by public
transport at the end of the walk than it is Chipping Campden. This may be
a deciding factor.
Whichever way you choose, both directions are described in this guide.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to and from the Cotswold Way by public transport is perfectly
straightforward, although some homework may be needed concerning tim-
ing. Appendix B gives telephone numbers for train and bus timetable in-
formation.
Rail
Train services connect London with Bath (in 90 minutes), as well as
Stroud, Cheltenham, Moreton-in-Marsh and Evesham. Stratford-upon-
Avon is served by rail from Birmingham. The Birmingham to Bristol
line gives an opportunity to reach the Cotswold Way from stations at
Ashchurch, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Cam and Dursley. At the time of
writing bus services connect Chipping Campden with the rail network at
Evesham, Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh.
National Express
National Express coaches serve Bath, Cheltenham and Broadway.
Bus
Bus routes into and along the Cotswolds are operated by several compan-
ies, but since operators are free to change or cancel services provided they
give six weeks' notice to the county councils, it is not possible to give any
