Duration: 5 or 6 nights / 4 or 5 days walking
Distance: 49.75 miles / 79.7 km
Grade: Moderate
Identical to the Best of the Cotswolds but walked in less time, with longer walking days. This makes the tour ideal for more adventurous walkers, who are fitter to cover more ground and still have time to explore the villages on arrival.
Upgraded accommodation available on request.
Please note that we are now not taking bookings for May 2024, due to lack of availability.
June and September 2024 -
Apart from May, these are the most popular months and availability is getting limited. If you wish to travel during June and September, we would recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Availability for the rest of the year is still good; please enquire and we are always happy to check and advise you on the availability of your preferred start date.
Price based on 2 people sharing an en-suite room.
Start any day.*
*Please see Key Points for details.
Optional Extra
If you would like one of our expert local guides to join you for a walk, please enquire about availability. Your guide will engage you in all things Cotswolds and explain the hidden secrets, routes, gardens, and history with a level of insight and personal experience that only a private guide can provide.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Moreton-in-Marsh
Arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh train station and overnight.
DAY TWO
Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water
12 miles/19 km
After crossing the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, the Cotswold passes through Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions.
DAY THREE
Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe
13 miles/21 km
From Bourton-on-the-Water the route follows the River Windrush to the picture-perfect villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. The route then goes through woods and fields before the descent to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, close to Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. Overnight in Winchcombe, with its fascinating church and local museums.
DAY FOUR
Winchcombe to Broadway
9 miles/14.4 km or 11 miles/17.7 km
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'.
DAY FIVE
Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh
13.75 miles/22 km
Walk up to Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly from where there are fine views across the vale before descending to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, with its covered market place, beautiful 'wool' church, almshouses and silversmith. Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
DAY SIX
Depart after breakfast.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Moreton-in-Marsh
Arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh train station and overnight.
DAY TWO
Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water
12 miles/19 km
After crossing the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, the Cotswold passes through Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions.
DAY THREE
Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe
13 miles/21 km
From Bourton-on-the-Water the route follows the River Windrush to the picture-perfect villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. The route then goes through woods and fields before the descent to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, close to Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. Overnight in Winchcombe, with its fascinating church and local museums.
DAY FOUR
Winchcombe to Broadway
9 miles/14.4 km or 11 miles/17.7 km
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'.
DAY FIVE
Broadway to Chipping Campden
6 miles/9.5 km
Walk up to Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly from where there are fine views across the vale before descending to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, with its covered market place, beautiful 'wool' church, almshouses and silversmith.
DAY SIX
Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
7.75 miles/12.5 km
Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. On certain days of the both Bourton House gardens and Sezincote House will be open. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
DAY SEVEN
Depart after breakfast.
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed it. I travelled with a close friend and we had the most amazing time. I could not pick a favourite moment if I had to, but the ability to see the beautiful countryside that we did and at our own pace was incredible. Each day we had tired feet but so worth it. Passing the livestock and having them trust our passing as an everyday occurrence never failed to put a smile on my face.
Some (ok most) of the area felt like a fairytale setting. I try not to enter experiences with expectations so I will not say this exceeded but I will say I could not have enjoyed it more.
Following the route notes was fun and definitely took a little bit of getting used to. The few times we got turned around, having the GPS was very helpful. Of course, getting lost is really half the fun so we managed nicely. Deciding what was a kissing gate or a gate or a field gate was such fun!
Each cafe we stopped at was delicious but more importantly the locals were so nice to chat with… and passing a residence that had a beautiful basket of magazines out “free for the taking” was very charming. I like to hand out 🇨🇦 “pins” on my journies and seeing the reactions of locals receiving these “badges” was such fun!
Each accommodation was just perfect at the end of a long walking day… even if there were stairs awaiting our tired feet! I know my companion especially enjoyed the White Hart Royal and especially “The Snug” to cozy up for a relaxing drink.
I enjoyed the Windrush House for the warmth of the proprietors and not just the nice sweet they left in the room each day!
I will try to attach a few photos to this email. Thank you so much for such a top notch experience. Wishing you all the best!
Dawn Sissy S.
September 2023
I had an absolutely amazing time on my walk. The peace and beauty of the Cotswolds is incredible. I felt very safe on my own and met many helpful and friendly people along the way. The route notes were excellent and I was glad I downloaded the GPS maps as suggested for the few times I got off track. I enjoyed every place that I stayed. All had comfy beds and excellent breakfasts. Highlights were The Manor Close B&B in Bourton-on-the-Water (host Sheena) and Windrush House in Broadway (host Kate). Sheena and Kate were absolutely lovely, suggesting books, sharing local history, and providing oh so tasty food. Luggage transfers were perfect, walk preparation information was thorough and the few questions I had before the trip were promptly answered by Adam. I highly recommend Cotswolds Walks. Thank you for making this a beautiful walking holiday.
Joey B.
June 2023
We had an amazing trip! The great communication from your office was part of what made this such a great experience. There were so many moments in the trip when we would come around a bend and exclaim about the beautiful landscape. We loved those days when we would be entering the village from high ground, it was breathtaking!
Cindy D.
May 2023
We wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time visiting The Cotswolds and taking the walking tour you planned for us. The area is simply beautiful and the circular route was full of lovely landscapes and villages, and fascinating history, too. We felt a bit sad as we completed our circle on the last day. Thank you for all you did to arrange the logistics of the trip. Everything went very smoothly.
The written directions were very good, and then the app was a great backup. We did occasionally make a mistake, but quickly realized it and were able to course-correct without going too far from the route. The signposts and medallions also were very helpful.
We had delicious food everywhere we went and appreciated the suggestions for restaurants and things to see in the villages. We were glad we scheduled an extra day in Chipping Campden. It turned out to be a good break and we were able to really explore the village. You live in a beautiful and unspoiled place!
After our walk, we took the train to London and spent several days there. It was quite a contrast to The Cotswolds, but fascinating, too.
We hope we will be able to visit again before too long. It was a very special experience.
Teri M.
October 2022
We wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time visiting The Cotswolds and taking the walking tour you planned for us. The area is simply beautiful and the circular route was full of lovely landscapes and villages, and fascinating history, too. We felt a bit sad as we completed our circle on the last day. Thank you for all you did to arrange the logistics of the trip. Everything went very smoothly.
The written directions were very good, and then the app was a great backup. We did occasionally make a mistake, but quickly realized it and were able to course-correct without going too far from the route. The signposts and medallions also were very helpful.
We had delicious food everywhere we went and appreciated the suggestions for restaurants and things to see in the villages. We were glad we scheduled an extra day in Chipping Campden. It turned out to be a good break and we were able to really explore the village. You live in a beautiful and unspoiled place!
After our walk, we took the train to London and spent several days there. It was quite a contrast to The Cotswolds, but fascinating, too.
We hope we will be able to visit again before too long. It was a very special experience.
Teri M.
October 2022
We’ve been back from our Cotswold walk almost a week now, and I want to take a moment to say ‘thank you’. The arrangements you made all worked out as planned, and between the booklet and the phone app, we never got far off course. The beastly heat slowed us down some, but I’m guessing that temperature control is not up to you. It did give us a good excuse to absorb a decent quantity of British beer or cider every evening.
I have told everyone interested how well things worked out and will continue to do so. I don’t know if that will result directly in more business for you, but I’m sure a Good Word doesn’t hurt.
Willem V.
August 2022
Cotswold Walks