17.6 mile walk starting from Dowdeswell following the Cotsway Way to Painswick.

The section of the Cotswold Way between Dowdeswell and Painswick is a picturesque and varied stretch of the trail, taking you through rolling countryside, pretty villages, and historic landmarks. Here’s a brief description of what you can expect on this section of the trail:

Starting in Dowdeswell, the trail leads you through beautiful woodland and pastures, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. As you follow the Cotswold Way signs, you’ll pass through charming hamlets and villages like Seven Springs, with its historic spring and well, and Coberley, with its pretty church and 16th-century manor house.

From here, the trail takes you up onto the Cotswold escarpment, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Severn Valley and the Malvern Hills in the distance. The climb up to the summit of Cooper’s Hill is challenging, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.

As you continue along the trail, you’ll pass through beautiful woodland and open fields, with occasional glimpses of the iconic Cotswold dry stone walls. The pretty village of Cranham is a highlight of this section, with its charming pub and picturesque cottages.

The final stretch of this section takes you through beautiful beech woodland and past the ancient megalithic monument of the Crickley Hill long barrow, before arriving in the historic market town of Painswick. Here, you can explore the town’s rich history and culture, including the beautiful St. Mary’s Church and its impressive 99 yew trees.