Cotswold Way

8 days walking, based in Cirencester

Cirencester, our base for the Cotswold Way, is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. It is a busy market town and centre for touring and walking in the southern Cotswolds. The town has some very fine buildings (a legacy of a thriving Mediaeval wool trade), the most notable being the 15th century parish church, which is one of the largest in England. On the edge of the town is Cirencester Park, a geometrically landscaped expanse which is open to the public. During the Roman occupation Cirencester was a military headquarters, and the second most important city in the country. A number of important Roman roads radiated from the city, and are still in use today. There are the remains of a large Roman amphitheatre just outside the town. The Corinium Museum is excellent. Cirencester has a good variety of independent shops, and plenty of hotels, restaurants and pubs serving food in the evening.

The daily meeting point in Cirencester is the Market Place, immediately in front of St John the Baptist parish church.

Accommodation

There is a good variety of accommodation available in Cirencester, and details can be found on the following websites:

Alternatively, an accommodation guide can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre in Cirencester, whose contact details are as follows:

Visitor Information Centre, Corn Hall, Market Place, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2NW
Telephone: 01285 654180
Fax: 01285 641182
E. Mail: cirencestervic@cotswold.gov.uk

How to reach Cirencester by public transport

The nearest railway station is at Kemble. From Kemble there there is a limited bus service to Cirencester. Times of these bus services can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre. National Express run a regular coach service to Cirencester.

General information on Cirencester and the Cotswolds can be found on the following websites:

Classic walks in: