Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

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Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

8 Days Starting in Stratford-upon-Avon, England and ending in Winchcombe, England

Visiting: Stratford-upon-Avon, Mickleton, Broadway, Blockley, Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

UCO

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an 8-day journey through the enchanting Cotswolds, a quintessentially English countryside. This self-guided tour offers the perfect blend of flexibility and adventure, allowing you to walk from village to village with just a daypack. Explore the historic towns of Stratford-upon-Avon and Winchcombe, visit the stunning Hidcote Gardens, and marvel at the views from Broadway Tower. Stay in charming B&Bs and guesthouses, experiencing warm hospitality and delicious home-cooked breakfasts. Highlights include the picturesque villages of Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter, the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey, and the majestic Sudeley Castle. Enjoy the convenience of luggage transfers and an emergency hotline, ensuring a seamless and memorable walking holiday.

Highlights

  • Discovering the typically English countryside

  • Walking parts of the Cotswold Way

  • Exploring Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

  • Visiting the National Trust Gardens at Hidcote Manor

  • Admiring the views from Broadway Tower

  • Exploring the medieval wool town of Bourton-on-the-Water

  • Visiting the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey and Sudeley Castle

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Stratford-Upon-Avon

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

Accommodation Name: Moonraker House

Make your own way to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The day is free to explore the town. You can visit Shakespeare's birthplace in the centre of town, the Holy Trinity Church where he is buried, and the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway once lived.
Accommodation: Moonraker House is a traditional English 4* licensed bed & breakfast with en-suite rooms, delicious home cooking, friendly service and a cosy atmosphere.

Day 2 : Walk To Mickleton Via Hidcote Gardens - 17 Km/10.5 Miles, 5.5 H

Location: Mickleton

Accommodation Name: The Three Ways Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's walk will bring you to Mickleton. We suggest that you stop off at the National Trust Gardens at Hidcote Manor, near Mickleton. Enjoy the wide views over the vales of Severn and Avon toward the Malvern Hills and Wales.
Accommodation: The Three Ways Hotel is home to the famous Pudding Club and its award winning restaurant.

Day 3 : Walk To Broadway Via Chipping Campden Fish Hill - 14.5 Km/9 Miles, 4 H

Location: Broadway

Accommodation Name: The Broadway Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will walk to Broadway via Chipping Campden Fish Hill and the unique Broadway Tower, which offer remarkable views of the Cotswolds. Broadway is a beautiful and picturesque town, and the main street is lined with magnificent stone-built houses as well as some great antique shops.
Accommodation: You will receive a warm welcome at The Broadway Hotel.

Day 4 : Walk To Blockley - 19.3 Km/12 Miles, 6 H

Location: Blockley

Accommodation Name: The Crown Inn Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

On today's walk to Blockley you will pass Buckland where you can take a little time to explore, the church is interesting and has medieval painted roof timbers. Pass Laverton, Stanton and Snowshill. A visit to the Tudor Snowshill Manor, with its collection of art and artefacts from all over the world, may be of interest. Blockley bears some resemblance to the villages of the Stroud Valley but the stone is much more golden in colour. During the 18th century when the wool industry was in decline, Blockley turned to silk production. The village is a unique collection of buildings reflecting its past glory of mills and silk production and is quite different in character to other north Cotswolds villages.
Accommodation: The Crown Inn Hotel is an enchanting historic building.

Day 5 : Walk To Bourton-On-The-Water Via Batsford & Lower Slaughter - 21.5 Km/13 Miles, 7 H

Location: Bourton-on-the-Water

Accommodation Name: The Lansdowne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a beautiful walk, and you will be able to explore some of the prettiest villages of the Cotswolds. To the medieval wool town of Bourton-on-the-Water, the walk will take you via Batsford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Lower Slaughter. The river Windrush flows down the main street of Bourton-on-the-Water. This Cotswolds town
is well known for its footbridges over the river Evenlode.
Accommodation: The Lansdowne is a family run 4* guesthouse where you can expect a warm welcome on arrival (if we are not able to get you booked at The Lansdowne, we will endeavour to get you into an accommodation nearby but please note that there is no similar guesthouse that is of the same standard in this location).

Day 6 : Walk To Guiting Power - 11.6 Km/7 Miles, 4 H. Taxi To Winchcombe

Location: Winchcombe

Accommodation Name: Wesley House

Meals Included: Breakfast

An easy schedule today, which allows ample time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water with its many attractions before setting out on your walk. Guiting Power, nestled in the hills above a small valley, is a perfect example of a Cotswold village. Due to limited accommodation in Guiting Power, you will spend 2 nights in Winchcombe. You will meet with a taxi in Guiting Power and be transferred to your accommodation in Winchcombe (included in the cost of your trip).
Accommodation: You will spend 2 nights at Wesley House in Winchcombe, a 15th century merchant's house.

Day 7 : Taxi To Guiting Power, Then Walk To Winchcombe 18.5 Km/11.5 Miles, 6 H

Location: Winchcombe

Accommodation Name: Wesley House

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your taxi (included in the cost of your trip) will drop you back at Guiting Power and from here you will walk to Winchcombe via one of these options:
- Sudeley Castle, . 18.5 km/11.5 miles, 5 h
- Warden’s Way & Sudeley Castle, 10.46 km/6.5 miles / 10.46 km, 2.5 h
Your walk today leads you to the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey, destroyed under Henry VIII, and the still inhabited Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr lived.

Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast

Location: Winchcombe

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    B&B's

  • 7 breakfasts

  • 7 nights B&B accommodation on a twin share basis usually with ensuite facilities

  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg

  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps

  • Emergency hotline

  • Return taxi Guiting Power - Winchcombe

  • GPX Files

  • Travel to Stratford and from Winchcombe

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks

  • Transfers

show more

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Stratford and from Winchcombe

    Travel arrangements to Stratford-upon-Avon and from Winchcombe are not included.

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks

    Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included in the package.

  • Transfers

    Transfers other than the specified return taxi service are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items and expenses are not covered.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

    An additional supplement is required for solo travelers or those booking a single room.

  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

    This is a self-guided holiday, and no guide is provided.

Accommodation

Stay in charming B&Bs and guesthouses, each offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. Rooms typically feature en-suite facilities with showers, and a supplement applies for stays in Mickleton on weekends. Note that alternative accommodations may be used if necessary.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.

Grading

We grade this walk as ‘Easy - Moderate’ in relation to our other U.K tours, the route is hilly, but not mountainous, the weather is rarely too bad for walking, and there are generally quite a number of villages enroute. Days of up to 20 km are not too long for most reasonably fit people.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes a return taxi from Guiting Power to Winchcombe, and luggage transfer between inns. Travel to Stratford and from Winchcombe is also included, ensuring a seamless journey throughout the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in independently-run B&Bs and guesthouses. Rooms generally have showers rather than baths, although some accommodations may have a separate room with a bath available to guests. Note that a supplement applies to overnight stays in Mickleton on a Friday or Saturday evening.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.

  • How is the difficulty of the walk graded?

    The walk is graded as 'Easy - Moderate' in relation to other U.K tours. The route is hilly but not mountainous, and the weather is rarely too bad for walking. There are generally quite a number of villages en route, and days of up to 20 km are not too long for most reasonably fit people.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps to help you navigate.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Additionally, a supplement applies to overnight stays in Mickleton on a Friday or Saturday evening.

  • What happens if the usual accommodations are full or closed?

    If the usual accommodations are full or closed, other places might be used instead. The tour organizers will make alternative arrangements to ensure you have a place to stay.

  • What is included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 7 nights B&B accommodation on a twin share basis usually with ensuite facilities, one piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn (not exceeding 20kg), an information pack including route notes and maps, an emergency hotline, return taxi from Guiting Power to Winchcombe, GPX files, and travel to Stratford and from Winchcombe.

  • What is not included in the tour package?

    The tour package does not include lunches, dinners, drinks, transfers, items of a personal nature, travel insurance, and a guide as this is a self-guided holiday.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

D. Small(United States)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

7 May 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed this trip, and look forward to another walking holiday in the next year.

C. Braunack(Graceville, QLD. Australia)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

13 Jul 2015

Fabulous countryside. Beautiful experience walking through a variety of environments and gorgeous villages.

Joanne Horan(Spence, NSW, Australia)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

26 Jun 2024

Enjoyed our Cotswolds Walk enormously. We will have a wonderful store of happy memories.

Paul Coenraads(Berowra, NSW)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

16 Sep 2022

We recently completed the Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days walk with Walkers Brittan. This was a great way to explore the Cotswolds villiages and avoid the driving/parking hassles. The countryside was beautiful and the villiages and pubs excellent.

S. Wade(Toronto, Canada)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

14 May 2018

Too many high points to name - ancient old villages (day 5 had the most), beautiful views of countryside, sheep with newborn lambs everywhere, beautiful fields with hedges all around, all the fruit trees in color, woods with huge old trees, friendly people, pubs. There was a lot of mud due to heavy rainfall before we arrived, it made the steep descent on day 2 very difficult. Strongly recommend 100% waterproof boots, rain pants, walking sticks and know how to read a compass before travelling.

P Snape-Jenkinson(QLD, Australia)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

11 Jun 2019

We enjoyed a lovely week of walking in this beautiful part of England. We can't speak highly enough of the accommodation. The notes and maps provided were excellent.

D. Katcher(Virginia, United States)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

23 Aug 2023

My husband and I recently went on a walking tour of the Cotswold. It was amazing! We had done the same tour 13 years ago and, as before, the accommodations were comfortable and the logistics were well arranged. As questions came up for us during the trip, we were able to access support and advice from the office with ease. They were very responsive. We found that the feature of being able to electronically download the walking paths via GPS was invaluable. That feature made the navigating of our walk very simple and reassured us at literally every step that we were in the right direction. Our trip proved to be magical. We loved it and plan to do more of the same in other parts of England. Thank you!

M. Alder(United States)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

28 May 2024

Beautiful scenery. Loved the small villages. Several days we were alone on the trail, and didn’t see another walker/hiker all day. Distances were reasonable. Happy that we had hiked a lot before beginning our trip; it could be difficult without a fitness base and experience hiking. You definitely want to test out your gear and footwear before you begin your journey.

D. Couvier(Canada)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

27 Sep 2024

The hotel arrangements and bag drop arrangements went off without a hitch. The scenery is amazing. There were a couple of days near the end with a fair bit of downtime. Could be modified somewhat to make better use of time.

N Nowicki(Illinois, USA)  

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

07 Oct 2019

Trina Willis did a good job answering questions, and helped us with handling of extra bag. The accomodations in general were good, with Three Ways House our favorite, as it had both a very nice room and great restaurant. Diane enjoyed the Pudding Club. The two not up to the same standards on rooms were the The Crown Inn in Blockley and the Wesley House. However, the restaurants were good with the Wesley House very good. In general we enjoyed the hikes. In the future we would be more interested in hikes where we had a base camp and could stay for 3 days, rather than moving each day, which required constantly repacking of our luggage.

Read all 17 reviews

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  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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