Oxford to Bath Walk
From Oxford to Bath
Tour Operator: Exodus
Physical rating: Leisurely / Moderate
Special diets catered: Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Age range: 12 to 99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From:
Tour Overview
Visit some of Oxfords treasures from the Ashmolean to Bodleian Library before setting off along the Shakespeare Way to your first stop at Woodstock, home to Blenheim Palace. Follow the River Windrush into the heart of the Cotswolds to explore 'wool' towns before arriving in Cirencester (Corinium), the second largest town in Britain during Roman times. Enjoy a visit to the Bathurst Estate, created in the 1700s as a deer park by the first Earl Bathurst before following the disused Thames and Severn Canal through a landscape of gently rolling hills to arrive in Tetbury, and a chance to visit Highgrove Royal Gardens. Continue through the bucolic landscape to Castle Combe to admire the picturesque high street lined with former weavers' cottages that was used as the film set location for War Horse. The final stretch of your walk continues through countryside and along the canal to your final destination, Bath.
Highlights
Walk between some of the most scenic Cotswold villages in the southern Cotswolds, including Castle Combe, the film set location for War Horse- Visit Blenheim Palace, Highgrove Gardens and the Bathurst Estate
- Gentle walks through wooded valleys and along canals and rivers
- Discover historical Oxford, Cirencester and Bath
Places You'll See
Countries:
Itinerary
Day 1
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Arrive in Oxford
Arrive in Oxford. Spend time visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums. Staying overnight at Oxford Coach & Horses or similar.
Day 2
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Oxford to Woodstock
Meals: breakfast
Today's walk follows the River Thames before joining the Oxford Canal and the Shakespeare Way to Woodstock. You'll have sweeping views back to Oxford across the flood plain meadows. You'll pass a derelict nunnery and the church at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is laid to rest, before ending up in the picturesque town of Woodstock where you can visit Blenheim Palace. Stay overnight at The Blenheim Buttery or similar.
Day 3
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Woodstock to Witney
Meals: breakfast
A chance for another visit to Blenheim Palace before setting off through Capability Brown's wonderful landscaped grounds towards the village of Combe, set on a hill above the Evenlode Valley. Continue on through the lush green Oxfordshire countryside to the busy town of Witney, the largest market town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, once famous for its blankets. Stay overnight at Corncroft B&B or similar.
Day 4
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Witney to Burford
Meals: breakfast
Today follow the River Windrush into the heart of the Cotswolds. The route passes Minster Lovell and your walk ends in the bustling medieval town of Burford, where the High Street sweeps downhill towards the River Windrush, its three arched medieval bridge and its impressive 'wool' church. Stay overnight at The Angel Inn or similar.
Day 5
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Burford to Bibury
Meals: breakfast
Your route today passes through the quiet hamlet of Holwell, through part of the River Leach valley and follows the Roman road into Gloucestershire to Hatherop. Follow a trail along the River Coln to Bibury, described by designer William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England'. Stay overnight at Cotteswold House B&B or similar.
Day 6
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Bibury to Cirencester
Meals: breakfast
Head through the village of Barnsley, past Barnsley House where the garden was designed by its former resident, Rosemary Verey. Cross pasture and arable land to Ampney Crucis before heading to the Roman town of Cirencester. Visit the Abbey or stroll in the grounds of the nearby Bathurst Estate. Stay overnight at The Old Brewhouse or similar.
Day 7
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Cirencester to Tetbury
Meals: breakfast
From Cirencester head through the grounds of the Royal Agriculture College to follow the disused Thames and Severn Canal. After walking through a landscape of gently rolling hills you'll reach the small town of Tetbury, with its independent specialist shops and the Prince of Wales's original 'Highgrove Shop'. Possibility of visiting Highgrove Royal Gardens - pre-booking is essential. Stay overnight at The Royal Oak or similar.
Day 8
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Tetbury to Castle Combe
Meals: breakfast
Skirt the edge of the Highgrove Estate and follow the Monarch's Way through a typical Cotswold landscape and through the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. Walk through charming Cotswold villages and into Wiltshire to drop down into Castle Combe, with its pretty high street used as the film set location for War Horse and Stardust. Stay overnight at Castle Inn or similar.
Day 9
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Castle Combe to Bath
Meals: breakfast
Walk through wooded valleys to the old market town of Marshfield. From Batheaston follow the canal to Bath for a triumphant entrance to the city, finishing up at the steps of Bath Abbey. Stay overnight at Hill House or similar.
Day 10
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Leave Bath
Meals: breakfast
Depart after breakfast.
What's Included
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Luggage transfers
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Route directions and maps
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All accommodation
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All Breakfasts
What's Not Included
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Visas & vaccinations
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Transfers to and from hotels
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
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Hotel upgrades
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Travel insurance
Food
Enjoy the local cuisine in quintessentially British pubs, cafes and delicatessens - local delicacies include Cerney Ash or Stinking Bishop cheeses, Crackleberry Farm eggs, Cotswold Cream liqueur and the local ales - try the Yubby beer from the Yubberton Brewery Co. There's also the archetypal English Cream Teas that go down a treat with a nice hot cup of tea!
