If you’re arriving by train at Moreton-in-Marsh, you don’t need to rely on buses or taxis to reach the start of the Cotswold Way. This beautiful 8-mile walk follows quiet footpaths through classic Cotswold countryside to Chipping Campden and makes a wonderful start to the National Trail.
Contents
- At A Glance — Walk From Moreton-in-Marsh Station To The Start Of The Cotswold Way
- Route Map — Moreton-in-Marsh Station To Chipping Campden, Where The Cotswold Way Begins
- Transport, Parking And Facilities
- Why I Recommend The Walk
- Classic Cotswold Countryside
Walk From Moreton-in-Marsh Station To The Start Of The Cotswold Way
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ — 8 miles (13 km). An easy countryside walk linking Moreton-in-Marsh Station with the start of the Cotswold Way.
Suitable For: Beginners
Average Time: allow 3 to 3.5 hours
Best Time To Walk: all year
Navigation Difficulty: Easy — well-maintained waymarked footpaths, some tarmac through villages.
Route Map: Moreton-in-Marsh Station To Chipping Campden, Where The Cotswold Way Begins
Download file for GPSInteractive map: Zoom and pan to explore the route. View this route in OS Maps for an interactive elevation profile, 3D planning and full Explorer mapping.
Paper OS Maps: OL45 The Cotswolds — Browse the Explorer map range if you need to buy a copy.
Planning: Planning your first long-distance hike? This detailed guide covers everything from choosing a trail to transport, accommodation and packing: How To Plan A Hike Like A Pro – 27 In-Depth Tips!
Transport, Parking And Facilities
Public Transport
- Rail: Moreton-in-Marsh station, service operated by GWR.
- Bus: If you prefer not to walk, there’s a bus between Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden operated by Stagecoach (note that they don’t run late)
Find out how to find the nearest railway stations to any trail and get the cheapest tickets with this guide: How To Get To Hiking Trails On Public Transport.
Parking
There’s parking in both Moreton-in-Marsh (including the station) and Chipping Campden. Try Parkopedia for details.
Amenities
- Moreton-in-Marsh
- Cafes, pubs and a large Co-op. Check the Visit Moreton-in-Marsh website for details, including accommodation
- Blockley
- Cafe and pub
- Broad Campden
- Pub in the village (slightly off-trail)
- Chipping Campden
- Plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and a convenience store. Check the Chipping Campden website for details, including accommodation
Why I Recommend The Walk
Missed The Bus? No Worries!
My train was 2.5 hours late getting into Moreton-in-Marsh, and I soon discovered that at that time of day there were no buses to the start of the Cotswold Way. I baulked at the cost of a taxi so fished out my map.
By the end of the walk, I was glad I’d missed the last bus!
Expecting a miserable road walk to Chipping Campden, I was surprised to find I could get there by following a couple of other trails: The Monarch’s Way and The Heart of England Way. By the end of the walk, I was glad I’d missed the last bus!
This easy 8-mile route is a lovely introduction to the Cotswolds and more than worth the extra distance added to the National Trail.
Classic Cotswold Countryside
The July heat was intense, even late in the day, and the grassy meadows were buzzing. The field paths were studded with poppies and other wildflowers, but the butterflies amazed me most — there were clouds of them in places. They filled me with a childlike joy and made it one of the most memorable starts to a walk I’d had in a long time.
About halfway, the route takes you through the beautiful village of Blockley. There are streets lined with honey-coloured cottages with roses round the door and fine houses, along with a picture-perfect pub and village shop. Even the churchyard is worth a quick wander.
The last leg of the walk offers a choice between trails; I chose the Heart of England Way and wasn’t disappointed. It heads out through the hamlet of Broad Haven, then a few more miles of countryside, farm and parkland before passing down beside tennis courts into Chipping Campden town centre and the start of the Cotswold Way.
If you’re starting the Cotswold Way by train, I’d genuinely recommend allowing three hours or so for this walk rather than rushing for a bus. It’s one of those unexpected detours that ended up becoming one of my favourite parts of the trip.
Let me know in the comments if you try it yourself.
Happy Hiking!
Planning Your Cotswold Way Hike?
Discover everything from wild camping and campsites along the trail, to resupply and places to see in these detailed planning guides.
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