How to reach the southern Cotswold Way finish in Bath - rail and coach links to Bath Spa, walking to Bath Abbey, and practical tips for your arrival or departure day.
Bath is the southern terminus of the Cotswold Way. The official finish is a carved stone disc in the pavement outside the west doors of Bath Abbey in the city centre (BA1 1LT). Most walkers arrive on foot on Stage 15, but you may also use Bath as your start point if you are walking north to Chipping Campden.
Bath Spa is the main station, about a 10-15 minute walk from Bath Abbey through the city centre. Great Western Railway runs frequent services from London Paddington (typically around 1 hour 30 minutes), Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff, and the South West. CrossCountry trains also serve Bath on some routes.
If you are finishing your walk, you may be tired and prefer a taxi from the abbey to the station - ranks are in the city centre. If you are starting northbound, arrive the day before, stay overnight, and walk to the trail via the appropriate stage route or a short transfer to your chosen first-day section.
National Express and other coach operators serve Bath bus station on Dorchester Street, close to Bath Spa railway station and a short walk from the abbey. Coaches link Bath with London, Bristol, Heathrow, and other major hubs - useful if you are travelling without a car at either end of a one-way walk.
Bath is on the A4 and reached easily from the M4 (junction 18). City-centre parking is limited and expensive; the council operates park and ride sites on the approaches to the city. If you leave a car for the duration of a walk, plan where you will collect it after finishing - many walkers use luggage transfer and public transport for the return journey instead of two car moves.
Bristol Airport is the closest major airport, with a bus link to Bristol Temple Meads and onward trains to Bath. London Heathrow is reachable by coach or train via Reading or London. Allow extra time on arrival days - Bath is compact once you are in the centre, but connections from airports can take half a day or more.
Planning the northern end of your journey? See Getting to Chipping Campden for the start at the Market Hall.
