We offer three different itineraries on the Cotswold Village Trail to suit your requirements. All cover the same 48 miles of walking but the lengthier itineraries give you a bit more time to relax and take in the sights.The trail is broken up into the following sections and the individual itineraries are detailed alongside.
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.
Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water
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.
Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe
Following the river Windrush out of the Bourton-on-the-Water you are quickly immersed in the Cotswold countryside. Naunton is the first of several delightful Cotswold villages you visit.
The day is punctuated by wide open views, quiet woodlands and secluded valleys.
The highlight comes towards the end of the day as you cross the Cotswold escarpment and look down to Sudeley Castle and Winchcombe in the valley beyond.
Winchcombe to Broadway
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.
Broadway to Chipping Campden
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.
Chipping-Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
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.
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
We used handpicked, high quality B&B’s, guesthouses and country inns of typical Cotswold character. Honey coloured cottages, roaring log fires, comfortable country bedrooms and the warmest of welcomes are what we look for to make your stay extra special. We have included a few examples below to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Many B&B’s and 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.
Cornerways - Chipping Campden
Cornerways is a family run bed and breakfast excellently situated just 2 minutes walk away from the centre of Chipping Campden's famous High Street.
Shenberrow Hill - Stanton
Shenberrow is an attractive country house which offers luxury accommodation in the lovely little village of Stanton.
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.
Broadlands - Bourton-on-the-Water
Broadlands Guest House, with an English Tourist Council four diamond rating, is situated in a quiet street, a few minutes level walk from the beautiful village centre and its many attractions.
Cowley House - Broadway
Cowley House bed and breakfast is in a quiet location in the heart of one of the most beautiful of English villages and less than 50 yards from the many galleries, antique shops and restaurants in the High Street.
Treetops - Moreton-in-Marsh
A warm welcomes is assured from Liz and Brian Dean at the Treetops Guest House situated in the small and friendly Cotswold town of Moreton-in-Marsh.
Getting to/from Moreton-in-Marsh
Rail: Regular services connect London Paddington and Moreton-in-Marsh (1h35) .
Road: On street parking is available in Moreton-in-Marsh, there is no secure parking. Driving directions from the M40 Southbound: Leave the M40 at junction 15 (signposted to Warwick, Stratford, Coventry A46) and join the A429 southbound towards Cirencester.
Continue on A429 for approx. 22 miles into Moreton-in-Marsh.
Please visit the Traveline Website or National Rail Enquiries for further information on public transport, journey planning and timetables.
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?
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trip. 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.
You can start The Cotswold Trail on any date in the months coloured dark blue, subject to availability. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.
Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:
- You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
- We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
- If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.
Available
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
| Code |
Tour Name |
Duration |
Grade |
From |
Book |
| WESCV |
The Cotswold Trail |
4 - 7 Days Walking |
|
£315 |
Book |
| WESCV2 |
The Cotswold Trail |
7 Days & 6 Nights |
|
£415 |
Book |
| WESCV1 |
The Cotswold Trail |
6 Days & 5 Nights |
|
£335 |
Book |
| WESCV3 |
The Cotswold Trail |
9 Days & 8 Nights |
|
£485 |
Book |
Included
- Hand picked B&B, guesthouse and country inn accommodation in en-suite rooms including breakfast.
- Door to door baggage transfer of one bag per person.
- A detailed info pack, route notes and map for the lead booker.
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem.
Excluded
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
Options
- Single room supplement - If you require a single room in your party there is a single room supplement payable for each single room required.
- Solo walker supplement - If you are walking solo there is a solo walker supplement payable to cover the additional baggage transfer costs. This is in addition to the single room supplement.
- Extra nights - Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway are particlar favourites.
