DAY 1: Arrive Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is a one hour thirty five minute train journey from London Paddington. One of the principle market towns in the Northern Cotswolds and has served as a travellers town for at least 1700 years.
The wide main street is lined by inns, shops and galleries and hosts a weekly Tuesday market.
Overnight: The Manor House Hotel
The luxurious four-star Manor House Hotel is an enchanting 16th century Cotswold retreat where you can revel in luxury, indulge yourself with fine food and drink and relax in a homely and friendly atmosphere. This is a place where you can feel at home, make friends and enjoy the finer things in life.
You can choose to dine in the elegant Mulberry Restaurant, which has been awarded two AA Rosettes for exceptionally high standards or the less formal bar.
DAY 2: Walk to Bourton-on-the-Water - 12 or 6 Miles
As you start your walking tour of the Cotswolds you can look forward to the most delightful day of walking. Hopping between some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds you soon reach Stow-on-the-Wold, an important market town, whose streets are lined by art galleries, gift shops and inns.
Don’t linger for too long as a few more miles through the rolling Cotswold countryside bring you to Bourton-on-the-Water, probably the prettiest village in Britain. Bourton is an absolute delight and is sure to live up to your every expectation.
Overnight: 4* Country Hotel Bourton-on-the-Water and the nearby Slaughters are blessed with a plethora of outstanding country hotels. Comfort, elegance and fine dining are a hallmark of all the hotels we use. Depending on availability you will be staying at Dial House Hotel, Washbourne Court, Lords of the Manor or Chester House Hotel.
DAY 3: Walk to Winchcombe - 13 or 8 Miles
Following the river Windrush out of the Bourton-on-the-Water you are quickly immersed in the Cotswold countryside. A day of delightful Cotswold villages, wide open views and first class walking lie ahead.
The highlight comes towards the end of the day as you cross the Cotswold escarpment and look down to Sudeley Castle and Winchecombe in the valley beyond.
Overnight: White Hart Inn, Winchcombe
The White Hart Inn is a traditional inn situated in the heart of Winchcombe. It has eight individual en-suite bedrooms and an excellent bar and restaurant, which is a firm favourite with visitors and locals.
DAY 4: Walk to Broadway - 10.5 Miles
Following the Cotswold Way you head north to the idyllic villages of Stanton and Broadway. On the way you can visit Hailes Abbey and Stanway House, some of the Cotswolds’ real gems. Broadway has lured visitors for centuries and a stroll down the broad tree lined High street is the perfect way to while away the evening.
Overnight: The Broadway Hotel
Overlooking the village green, The Broadway Hotel has looked much the same since 1772. The hotel offers an elegance and luxury with individually decorated rooms, cosy lounges with roaring log fires and fine dining.
DAY 5: Walk to Chipping Campden - 5 Miles
Your day starts with a steady climb to Broadway Tower, a unique Capability Brown folly tower. Located at the second highest point on the Cotswold Escarpment it offers one of the finest views in England.
After enjoying the tower enjoy a gentle stroll down to the honey coloured cottages, tea rooms and gift shops of Chipping Campden.
Overnight: Noel Arms Hotel
Located in the heart of Chipping Campden the Noel Arms Hotel is an old coaching inn kitted out with every modern comfort and boasting an excellent chef.
DAY 6: Walk to Moreton-in-Marsh - 8 Miles
A final delightful day of walking through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds wanders through Broad Campden, Blockley and then to Moreton-in-Marsh where your journey began.
Overnight: The Manor House Hotel
DAY 7: Onward Travel
Other Cotswold Walking Holidays
We offer a number of other walking holidays and short breaks in the Cotswolds. For details of our other walking holidays in the Cotswolds click here...,
Navigation
Most of the route is marked by a variety of waymarks but you should be able to read a map and follow route descriptions closely.
Grade
This trip is graded moderate. The trail follows well maintained footpaths, bridleways, open fields and some minor roads. It does involve some relatively steep ascent and descent from the escarpment and days of up to 14 miles walking. The longer days can be shortened by taking local buses or taxis.
Accommodation
Wherever possible we will use the hotels detailed in the itinerary and below but if they are not available we will book hotels of the same or better standard.
Many hotels in the Cotswolds do not accept one night bookings for Saturday nights so occasionally we may book two nights over a weekend in one location and arrange return taxi transfers for you at no extra cost. We do this so that we can maintain the highest quality of accommodation.
Solo Walkers
This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your hotel or at nearby pubs and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
The Manor House Hotel - Moreton-in-Marsh
The luxurious four-star Manor House Hotel is an enchanting 16th century Cotswold retreat where you can revel in luxury, indulge yourself with fine food and drink and relax in a homely and friendly atmosphere. This is a place where you can feel at home, make friends and enjoy the finer things in life.
Dial House Hotel - Bourton-on-the-Water
The privately owned Dial House blends the best of old and modern into the ideal country house hotel.
The Slaughters Country Inn - Lower Slaughter
The Slaughters Country Inn is the quintessential Cotswold County Hotel, located on the river in beautiful Lower Slaughter it really is a treat in every way.
Chester House Hotel - Bourton-on-the-Water
The Chester House Hotel is a 22 bedroom hotel which perfectly blends contemporary country house chic with superlative service.
White Hart Inn - Winchcombe
The White Hart Inn is a 16th Century coaching inn offering comfortable accommodation in the heart of Winchcombe. Delicious evening meals are available at the 'Wine and Sausage' restaurant at the Inn.
The Broadway Hotel - Broadway
Overlooking the village green, The Broadway Hotel has looked much the same since 1772. The hotel offers an elegance and luxury with individually decorated rooms, cosy lounges with roaring log fires and fine dining.
The Noel Arms Hotel - Chipping Campden
Located in the heart of Chipping Campden the Noel Arms Hotel is an old coaching inn kitted out with every modern comfort and boasting an excellent chef.
We are often asked the following questions hope that you will find the following information useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
How fit do I need to be?
This itinerary includes walks of up to 14 miles so you should enjoy a good level of fitness. The longer days can be shortened by using taxis or public transport to a maximum of 8 miles if you would prefer shorter days.
If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Cotswolds are extremely popular. If booking at short notice we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
When is the best time of year?
We offer this trip between the beginning of March and the end of November. In our opinion there is no bad time for walking in the Cotswolds but would especially recommend the spring and autumn.
What is the best way to get to/from the walk?
We recommend you travel by train to Moreton-in-Marsh, which is 1h30 from London Paddington. If you are driving we recommend leaving your car in Moreton-in-Marsh where on street parking is available.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
