The Southern Cotswolds: Oxford to Bath

We highly recommend getting to Oxford early or booking an extra night to fully explore this compact city. Being home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world means it has a wealth of academic history and folklore to unravel - we recommend doing one of their many university walking or Bodleian Library tours. There are also multiple excellent museums for any history buff and of course, plenty of classic British pubs to raise a glass in! It's the perfect place to start your adventure through the picturesque Cotswolds countryside.

Begin your day by passing by the vibrant narrowboats and witnessing the bustling river life that characterises the Oxford boating scene. You'll meander through leafy woodlands and picturesque meadows, eventually reaching Bladon, the solemn burial site of Sir Winston Churchill, the legendary leader of the United Kingdom during World War II (you can go into the churchyard and visit his grave). Not too soon after you will arrive in Woodstock, home to Blenheim Palace, this charming Oxfordshire village is the perfect place to rest up for the night.

Ascent: +75m (+245ft) / Descent: -10m (-30ft)

To make the most of your day, we highly recommend an early start, ensuring ample time to finish today's walk and explore the Duke of Marlborough's, Blenheim Palace, located on the outskirts of Woodstock, it opens its doors from 10:00 to 17:00 to the public (there is a fee to enter and you have to book in advance), Blenheim Palace holds great significance as Churchill's birthplace and a place where he forged connections with influential individuals and wined and dined his political chums. Within the palace grounds, you can immerse yourself in an exhibition that delves into Churchill's remarkable life and the opportunity to explore the palace's grand halls and meticulously manicured gardens, offering a truly one-off experience!

If you'd rather not rush the day and spend more time at Blenheim Palace, you can opt to either spend the entire day at Blenheim Palace (you can go a nice walk around its gardens) by taking a bus from Oxford to the Palace grounds or you can walk to Yarnton (around the halfway point) and catch the same bus later on in its route to Blenheim Palace.

When walking today's stage you will start by crossing the green parks of Blenheim Palace and out the other side of the palace grounds as you start to venture west to Witney (you may wish to have a later start and visit the palace itself if you didn't yesterday). The theme of today's walk is very much around the lush green landscapes of the Cotswold countryside and the cosy little villages that you pass through, including Combe, North Leigh, Hailey and Crawley. These cosy little villages seem to be peppered all over the Cotswolds countryside and while they are not tourist hotspots, they all have that hint of the chocolate box village charm locked within them - the honey-coloured hue of the stone buildings and the friendly nature of the locals are a constant throughout and they normally topped off with a smashing country inn at the heart of them. So be sure to embrace the opportunity to visit some of these charming pubs during today's journey and savour the taste of the region's finest traditional ales. Cheers!

Ascent: +95m (+310ft) / Descent: -100m (-330ft)

We use a mixture of great accommodations in the surrounding area, including the larger market town of Witney and the smaller village of Ramsden so in some cases your mileage may differ slightly (longer/shorter) depending on where you overnight. The necessary tracks and distances will be provided on your booking.

Today is a shorter walking day that starts leaving the quiet village of Minster Lovell behind and sees you walk alongside the calming River Windrush. At the town of Swinbrook, the path loops north via Fullbrook and into the popular town of Burford. Burford has a High Street that is situated on an exceedingly steep hill - it won't be long before you realise this but when you get to the top, there are amazing sweeping views down to the bottom. Known for having a rich wool heritage (where it made its wealth in the past) and being a hot spot for passing travellers (hence a hefty amount of coaching inns!). Interestingly, it's also famous for having the world's oldest pharmacy! It's a great place to spend time after today's walk.

Ascent: +90m (+295ft)  / Descent: -70m (-230ft)

We use a mixture of great accommodations in the surrounding area, including the larger market town of Witney and the smaller village of Ramsden so in some cases your mileage may differ slightly (longer/shorter) depending on where you overnight. The necessary tracks and distances will be provided on your booking.

Leaving Burford it's the longest trail today of the tour so far and you are treated to some nice panoramic views of the region, as you make your way to the first village stop of today at Holwell and onward to East Leach. East Leach's name is relative to its location in respect to its more popular namesake North Leach - made famous by a British comedy TV show called "This Country", where the show is filmed. The next stop is Coln St Aldwyns, which is another beautiful spot in itself and probably would be more popular if it wasn't for Bibury just being a short way away. The final section into Bibury is a delightful riverside walk alongside the pretty River Coln. As you pass by the famous Arlington Row houses and see the green foliage adorning The Swan Hotel, you'll start to understand why it has been coined "the most beautiful village in England".

Ascent: +145m (+475ft) / Descent: -145m (-475ft)

We use a mixture of great accommodations in the surrounding area, including villages such as Coln St Aldywns and Barnsley which means your walking day might be slightly (longer/shorter) depending on where you overnight. The necessary tracks and distances will be provided on your booking.

Today can be taken at a gentle pace as mainly flat walking through gentle fields surrounded by "Cotswold Lions" or sheep to those who aren't in the know! Before setting off, now is probably the best time to loop back to Arlington Row, away from the day-trippers who swarm it in the afternoon. After taking the obligatory photo of Arlington Row (with hopefully no tourists in sight) leave Bibury and you will shortly pass by the Barnsley, which is probably most known for its esteemed "Barnsley House" a luxury hotel (found on our "In Style" tour) and its magical gardens that were crafted by former resident and renowned English garden designer, Rosemary Verey. Interestingly it was said to have been personally visited by King Charles to take inspiration for his own Highgrove Gardens (his personal residence, which you will pass later on the tour just outside Tetbury). 

Arriving in Cirencester, for any Roman history or archaeology buff, be sure to factor in time at its Corinium museum either in the afternoon or the following morning. We also recommend Bathurst Estate, if not for its splendour, but for the largest yew tree in the world outside of it!

Ascent: +55m (+180ft) / Descent: -50m (-165ft)

Leave Cirencester, and follow the Monarch's Way trail through the Cotswolds countryside to the first notable stopping point, Rodmarton. Rodmarton is home to a famous arts and crafts manor house that features stunning gardens and handmade furniture all done in a traditional style. The manor house is open to the public on certain days of the week (check their website for up-to-date times and plan your start date accordingly if you wish to visit). The walk finishes in Tetbury, another classic Cotswold town that has plenty of royal connections. The town is located close to Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles and you can visit the Highgrove Shop situated on Tetbury's main street. It sells organic products and items inspired by the King's Gardens.

Ascent: +135m (+445ft) / Descent: -125m (-410ft)

Leave Tetbury and follow the Monarch's Way passing alongside Kings Charles Highgrove residence and skirting the side of the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, the home to many rare tree and plant species as well as a concert venue for singers and bands. Not too long after the Arboretum, you'll switch to the Macmillan Way and follow it all the way to Castle Combe. The Macmillan Way serves as a fundraising initiative for the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity in the UK (and the full trail goes from Lincolnshire to Dorset).

Arriving in Castle Combe, it's another picture-perfect Cotswold village that is very easy on the eye! At the bottom of the long street, you'll find that iconic image that normally represents the Cotswolds in the media or publications promoting the region!

Due to availability in Castle Combe, you may be overnighting in at the White Hart Inn in Ford which is 3.5 kilometres (2 miles) further down the trail. Staying in Ford will also reduce the following walk the next day by the same amount.

Ascent: +80m (+265ft) / Descent: -120m (-400ft)

The final walk on the tour is the toughest walk of the tour but it's a pretty one! Start the day off by leaving Castle Combe behind you walking to the small settlement of Ford and then onward through the lush valleys to Marshfield. Quick pitstop here, before following the Limestone Link trail path to the serene Canals on the outskirts of the City that eventually lead you through Sydney Gardens and over the famous Pulteney Bridge. The walk and tour ends in the heart of Bath, outside the magnificent Bath Abbey and Roman Baths!

Ascent: +310m (+1020ft) / Descent: -360m (-1185ft)

At Macs, we absolutely love Bath, and you can use our handy guide to the city that we provide in your information pack - it has restaurants, pubs and our recommended things to do!

After breakfast, your tour will come to an end and before proceeding with your onward travel plans we recommend doing the Bath Skyline walk, in the morning, It's a great walk to round off the tour and can be completed in a couple of hours leaving you plenty of time to visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room.