10 Frequently Asked Questions about Walking in the Cotswolds

There are so many considerations when walking in the Cotswolds. Our team of experts have come up with the questions they are most frequently asked so that you are armed with all the information you need before heading out on the pathways of the Cotswolds.

How fit do I need to be?

We offer a range of trips, many of which have a variety of itineraries, so you can choose your preferred daily distance and hopefully find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. We offer the full Cotswolds Way over various nights to tailor the tour to your walking level, alongside our Cotswold Trail and Cotswold Round routes! A special mention should be said for our Cotswolds in Comfort tour which is also perfect for those looking for a slower-paced adventure. 

What gardens can I visit in the area?

Sudeley Castle has an array of beautiful Gardens and grounds you can walk around.

What ruins/history/country houses can I see along the way?

There are many houses and historical monuments throughout the Cotswolds, and what you can see depends on the itinerary you are doing. There are historic houses, rustic ruins and many museums for you to explore. Click here for a full list of Historic Houses and Museums. 

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. For more details, you can read our blog - What to Pack for Walking in the Cotswolds

When is the best time of year?

The Cotswold Way is walkable all year round (March to October) although the paths are arguably at their most beautiful in the Spring.

Am I able to take my furry friend?

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.

Are there places to stop for lunch?

It depends on which route you are walking, but our Macs App will show the locations of all our recommended stopping points and point you in the direction of what days a packed lunch is recommended! Luckily the Cotswolds is the ideal place to stock up on packed lunch goods.  Not only will most of your accommodations be happy to make you a packed lunch, but there are some fantastic bakeries in the towns you will stay so that you can stock up on some delicious, fresh goods for your day on the trail.

Where can I get the best cream tea?

Cream teas are the lifeblood of the Cotswolds but make no mistake; these are not just about scones, clotted cream, and a cup of tea. The 'cream teas' you will encounter come in all shapes and sizes, from delicate blends of tea, carefully crafted for you, to towering cake stands filled with a variety of creative sweet treats. All towns and villages will have a local tea room but arguably the most special would be at the Lords of the Manor hotel in upper slaughter (not too far from Bourton-on-the-Water). You can visit it directly on our Cotswolds in Comfort tour.

What is the prettiest village in the Cotswolds?

This is a tough one, as there are many.  The best thing to do is check out our blog post: 5 of the Best Villages in the Cotswolds.  

Our team of specialists are here to help you plan your next adventure, contact us for advice & inspiration.