The Cotswold Round

Great for active first-timers and experienced walkers alike.

The trail is on well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, forest trails, open fields and minor roads. It does involve some steep ascents and descents from the escarpment. Although most of the trail follows public rights of way, there are sections where country roads must be used.

During periods of prolonged rainfall, expect progress to be slower due to muddy trails.

This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour, individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

We hand-pick high-quality B&Bs, guesthouses and country inns with plenty of typical Cotswold character - think honey-coloured cottages, roaring log fires, comfortable country bedrooms and a warm welcome throughout.

Many B&Bs and hotels in the Cotswolds don't accept one-night bookings on Saturdays, so we may occasionally book two nights over a weekend in one location, with return taxi transfers arranged for you at no extra cost. Similarly, limited availability in some villages may mean an overnight stop is moved to a nearby town, with return transfers provided, so you can still enjoy a comfortable stay without missing any of the trail.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome on this tour. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement, subject to availability.

Breakfast is included every day. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense, which leaves you free to explore. Purchase a packed lunch from your host, pick up picnic supplies from a local shop or market, or stop at a café en route. In the evening, unwind over dinner somewhere local.

You can start The Cotswold Round on any date between the start of April and mid-October, subject to availability, and we also offer this tour in the quieter shoulder months of March and late October. During these times, the local towns and villages are more peaceful and the trails less crowded, though weather and trail conditions can be more challenging - be prepared for colder temperatures, wind, rain and muddy paths.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

Please make sure your bag is ready by 9am each day - if it isn't, an additional local supplement may be payable to make sure it reaches its destination on time. If you bring more than one bag, the local transfer company may charge an extra fee to move it, payable locally and in cash, or you can arrange paid storage for extra bags for the duration of the tour, which are then picked up at the start and dropped off at the end of your itinerary - just let us know if you're interested in this option.

The Cotswold Round isn't waymarked, so you'll need to rely on route notes and tracks to find your way.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Train services connect London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa in around 2h15, or National Express coaches serve Cheltenham, taking around 3h15. If you're driving, parking is at a premium in Cheltenham, contact your accommodation there in advance for the most convenient long-term parking options, expect to pay around £5.50 a day. National Rail Enquiries has further information on public transport and timetables.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

If you have some free time, the Cotswolds have plenty to explore beyond the trail - look out for grand houses and gardens such as Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill) and Hidcote, along with numerous historic houses, ruins and museums along the way.

If you'd like to extend your stay, it's often possible to combine this tour with one of our other Cotswolds itineraries - just check with your Adventure Specialist about what's achievable.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation