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The Heart Of The Cotswolds Walking Tour

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DISTANCE

10.5 – 20 miles (16 – 20 km) per day

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DIFFICULTY

Moderate

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DURATION

5 nights

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Accommodation

B&B Accommodation, Village Inns & Hotels

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Travel Information

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Price

£725

Walking Tour Overview

The Heart of the Cotswolds Walking Tour takes you on a four-day self-guided walk through some of the most picturescue villages at the core of the Cotswolds. Get a sense of the regions ancient history and slow living as you amble through classic Cotswold scenery in between Moreton-in-Marsh, Winchcombe, Broadway, and Bourton-on-the-water.

This classic walk showcases the heart of the Cotswolds for a quintessential English countryside experience. Take in the region’s rolling hills dotted with sheep, the classic stone houses, and the myriad curiosities the quaint villages have to offer.

As an intermediate course, the Heart of the Cotswolds Walking Tour is a wonderful way to get acquainted with this beautiful corner of the earth. The route features challenging elevation gains and longer walking days, leading you through stunning meandering hills and charming villages. Prepare for a rewarding adventure that combines the beauty of nature with a more strenuous trek.

Tour Highlights

The Heart of the Cotswolds Walking Tour is curated to give guests a unique experience of the region’s stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. The route is designed to give travelers a peaceful and immersive experience in one of England’s most picturesque areas.

Travel back to the 17th century at Moreton-in-Marsh as you explore the High Street and lush gardens.

Visit the historic house of Sezincote, a Mughal Indian palace built in 1805, and unwind in its tearoom or serene water garden.

Follow the River Windrush to the untouched village of Naunton.

Soak up the history of the area through its ancient abbeys, churches, and houses.

Walk up Broadway Tower for a panoramic view of the Cotswolds before descending down into the deer park.

Wander through some of the most picturesque countryside & villages in England.

This walk provides an unforgettable exploration of England’s picturesque countryside, combining breathtaking natural beauty with a fascinating historical narrative. It highlights the charm of the region and offers a chance to engage with its rich heritage, making it a must-do for anyone looking to fully experience one of Britain’s most scenic areas.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Moreton-in-Marsh

Begin your exploration of the Cotswolds when you arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh for your first overnight. Walk the broad High Street lined with 17th-century buildings or unwind in one of the many lush green spaces including some beautiful gardens such as the Queen Victoria Gardens. With a falconry centre nearby at Batsford, specialist tea rooms, and roman history, this sleepy town has plenty to offer visitors as they begin their journey through The Cotswolds.

Day 2: Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water (12 miles/19km)

You are soon among typical Cotswold villages with a detour to see gorgeous Sezincote if you like. Pass through Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, down to Lower Slaughter and finally to Bourton-on-the-Water for overnight. Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum for a glimpse of 20th-century motoring curiosities or pull up a chair at the Hawkstone Brewery for a taste of the local lager.

Day 3: Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe (13 miles/21km)

Follow the River Windrush to the untouched village of Naunton, with its ancient dovecote and quaint countryside charm. Pass Guiting Power, noted for the impressive golden Norman arch to the church. Continue up through scenic woodland and peaceful fields before the dramatic descent into the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, passing by Sudeley Castle, where Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife, is buried. Overnight in Winchcombe.

Day 4: Winchcombe to Broadway (10.5 miles/17km or 8.5 miles/13.5 km)

This is a fabulous day’s walk. Follow the pilgrims’ route to the tranquil monastic ruins of Hailes Abbey, then continue over the hills to Stanway House, with its wonderful gatehouse, medieval tithe barn and extraordinary fountain. Pass through the unspoilt village of Stanton before arriving in the village of Broadway, one of the inspirations for William Morris’ Arts and Crafts Movement.

Day 5: Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh (12 miles/20 km)

Walk up to 18th-century Broadway Tower and then it is but a short step to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, with charming gardens, tearooms and vineyards. Pass the old butter market, visit the fine ‘wool’ church, and perhaps the world-renowned silversmith. Continue through Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, with its arboretum and falconry centre. Finally, a stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh for overnight.

Day 6: Departure

Departure after breakfast.

Map

A five-night self-guided walking holiday that offers the best of the English countryside through the heart of the Cotswolds.

This tour can be customised to include additional stops in Cheltenham or Chipping Campden, for an extended tour or to reduce the daily walking distances.

For those who prefer not to change accommodation daily, this can adapted to a two-base holiday with pre-arranged daily transfers.

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Accommodation

Accommodation has been hand-picked to provide guests with an authentic Cotswolds experience.

Though accommodation may vary from tour to tour, we gravitate towards a selection of quintessential English countryside stays. Some favourties when it comes to our Heart of the Cotswolds walking tour include:

The Bell Inn at Moreton-in-Marsh

Blaire House at Winchcombe

The Crown and Trumpet Inn at Broadway

The Old Manse Hotel at Bourton-on-the-Water

All of our selected B&Bs, Inns, and Hotels will give you a warm welcome with a hearty breakfast for you in the morning to set you off on your day’s walk.

For those who prefer not to change accommodation daily, this can be adapted to a 2-base holiday with pre-arranged transfers.

The route can also be adjusted to include Cheltenham on the first and last nights, to turn this into a 7 night 6 walking days holiday OR the daily distances can be reduced so that you follow the same route over 8 nights and seven walking days . Please ask for more information.

Travel Information

Best time to go: March – September

Arriving By Train:

The Cotswolds are at the heart of the British rail network. Direct trains travel from London Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh frequently.

Arriving By Plane:

Nearest airport: Birmingham Airport (54.1km).

Other nearby airports: Bristol Airport (97.6km), London Heathrow: (164km).

From London Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express train directly to London Paddington from where you can take a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Arriving By Car:

Note that there is some limited on-road parking with no restrictions in the village. Accommodation will often not permit you to leave your car for the duration, or may charge a fee. There is a long-stay car park at the train station.

Private Transfer:

We are happy to arrange private transfers to your starting accommodation.

Please contact us for further details.

Price

£725 pp

Two people sharing a room

B&B accommodation with a private bathroom

Pricing includes:

4 nights of accommodation

Luggage transfers each walking day

Route notes and maps

Local back-up on call

Pre-tour briefing if you arrive before 6pm

Please contact us to enquire about the single supplement for this tour if you plan on traveling alone.

Duration

5 nights

4 days walking

Moderate

There are a few considerable altitude gains along this route and terrain may be rugged, making this tour better suited for those with moderate fitness and hiking experience. Additionally, walking days are between 9 and 13 miles across varied walking surfaces and a reasonable pace should be maintained to cover distances in good time.

Highest elevation gain in one day: 1469ft (447m)

Average daily elevation gain: 944ft (287m)