Getting Around

Once you’ve reached your destination, somewhere ridiculously beautiful along the Great West Way like Henley-on-Thames, Marlborough or Castle Combe, you’ll need to figure out how to get around...

First stop, visit Traveline: www.traveline.info. It’s a handy tool for journey planning, wherever you plan to go along the touring route. Also, be sure to download our Great West Way map to get your bearings. 

Afterwards, decide which mode of travel is most suited to your immediate needs:

BUS & COACH 

For travelling in between cities and towns, you could get a coach. While a slower option than taking the train, coaches are often the most affordable choice. See our Bus & Coach page for details of coach companies operating along the Great West Way. 

For shorter journeys, in rural areas as well as in cities and towns, buses are a convenient way to travel. First Bus operates in Bristol, Bath and the South West. The best way to find up to date information on local timetables and routes, however, is to pop into the nearest tourist information point. 

TRAIN 

If you’re travelling between the main towns and cities along the Great West Way, and beyond, hopping on the train is an excellent option. Visit Great Western Railway for details on destinations, timetables and tickets.

CAR 

If you want to get behind the steering wheel yourself, check out our pages on road travel and car hire, which include local driving tips and suggestions for the main hire companies operating at the relevant airports, train stations, towns and cities.  

TAXI 

Taxis are available throughout the route, easily picked up from any airport, train station or central taxi rank. In rural areas, there may only be one taxi company - ask at the local shop or pub for the number. See our taxis and travel tips pages for more information. 

BIKE 

Did you know? Bristol was officially Britain’s first cycling city. Join the locals with a ride on a pay-as-you-go bike, hire a tandem or go on a Great Bristol Food Tour with Cycle the City. Find out more about hiring bikes in Bristol.

You can cycle the entire length of the Great West Way via National Cycle Route 4, which links up regional cycle routes such as the Thames Valley Cycle Route and the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route. 

Go to Sustrans for more (shorter) cycle routes on the National Cycle Network, in and around the touring route. There are also some excellent routes along the Wiltshire Cycleway, including a picturesque 15.3k between Corsham and Bradford on Avon. 

BOAT 

Did you know? Queen Elizabeth II reopened the 92km-long Kennet & Avon Canal in 1990 after a passionate band of volunteers gave it an impressive revamp. 

Hire a boat or hop on a barge tour for the ultimate experience in slow travel. Multiple companies operate along the River Thames and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Visit Thames and The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust are useful places to start. 

Also, take a look at our Marina page for places you can hire boats and join boat tours along the rest of the route. 

In and around London, you can find details of river transport options on the Transport for London website (including river buses, tours and private charter services). 

ON FOOT 

Whether you’re up for a lengthy hike in the Cotswolds or just fancy a potter round some village antique shops, walking is a wonderful way to enjoy the Great West Way. 

Read the Information Points page to find out where to pick up local maps and walking trails. And be sure to download our Great West Way map before you set off. 

The National Trails website gives details of long distance walking trails along the route: The Cotswold Way, The Ridgeway and the Thames Path. 

BY HORSE

A timeless way to enjoy the Great West Way is by horseback.  

As you’d expect from a region adorned with famous white horses, there are bridal routes a-plenty. Check the Ordnance Survey maps for details of routes wherever you’re planning on going. 

The Ridgeway National Trail also offers some spectacular rides, even taking in views of Stonehenge. Pewsey Vale has one of Wiltshire’s largest riding centres if you want to go trail riding or even take your first lesson.