Walk the breadth of the Cotswolds visiting some of England’s most iconic landmarks along the way. The Cotswolds is perfect walking country, with this tour passing through honey-coloured villages and busy little market towns, over rolling hills and down quaint country lanes. Taking the most picturesque roads, paths and bridleways, let us transport you back to England as it was before mechanisation when sheep farming and dry-stone walling were the most prosperous industries.
Explore global heritage sites and walk right into some of England’s most iconic destinations, from the university city of Oxford to Churchill’s Blenheim Palace. At the end of each day, relax with beautiful accommodation, local pubs and outstanding cuisine.
The routes on this tour are designed for walkers of all abilities, with longer and shorter options available each day. Whatever your requirements, with this tour Active England guarantees a guided Cotswold experience you won’t forget.
We collect you from Oxford railway station at 10.00am, where we begin with a looped walk along the River Thames and into one of the world’s most beautiful university cities. We lead you on a tour of the university, taking in the famous Oxford colleges, Bodleian library and Radcliffe square. After lunch, we head deep into the Cotswolds, to our hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh, where we check-in and get settled before coming together as a group for dinner.
Up to 3 miles – 100ft elevation
Start point
Oxford Railway Station (OXF), Park End St, Oxford, England OX1 1HS, United Kingdom
10:00
Transferring to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, we walk to the stunning Hidcote Gardens, internationally renowned for its collection of outdoor “rooms.” We then have lunch at Broadway Tower, where you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views over 16 counties in England and Wales. In the afternoon, we walk into Broadway, the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, with its bustling high street and irresistible antique shops. Finally, we return for the evening to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Up to 8 miles – 450ft elevation
We transfer from Moreton-in-Marsh to Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace and a World Heritage Site. Our itinerary begins with a visit to Winston Churchill’s grave in the village of Bladon, before taking us into the Palace grounds. Designed by the renowned garden landscaper, Capability Brown, there’ll be ample opportunity to explore before we tour the Palace itself and take in the formal Italian Gardens and the Rose Garden. After lunch, we walk to the Column of Victory, built to celebrate the victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, before arriving into Burford.
Up to 7 miles – 240ft elevation
We travel from Moreton-in-Marsh to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. The site of a famous battle in the English Civil War, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the magnificent market square. We then walk down toward the Slaughters, some of the most photogenic villages in the entire region, before lunching in the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water. Our itinerary allows a little more time here before returning Burford in the evening.
Up to 8 miles – 360ft elevation
Today, we set course for Tetbury, a wonderful Cotswold market town with historical links to the wool trade. Before lunch, our guide will take you on a hike around the valleys and villages which surround the town. On the way we’ll pass, Chavenage House, the 16th-century property which starred in the popular programme ‘Poldark’. We lunch at Westonbirt Arboretum – home to some 2000 different tree species and five national collections. Come the afternoon, we continue our walk through yet more stunning Cotswold countryside, before arriving back at our accommodation for our final dinner together.
Up to 9 miles – 200ft elevation
Our tour ends after breakfast when we help with your onward travel arrangements. Most of our guests travel from Kemble railway station, a short transfer from the hotel. Wherever your journey takes you next, our guides will be on hand to provide all the help you need.
End point
Kemble Railway Station (KEM), Windmill Hill, Cirencester, England GL7 6AW, United Kingdom
We have handpicked the best family run, independent and country hotels, pubs and guest houses. Cosy and with informal dining, these country hotels are friendly and relaxed, with great menus with locally sourced food and ales. Our handpicked accommodation is 3* with the option to upgrade to 4* for an additional cost.
All accommodation in included as indicated on the itinerary.
Our Active England guides are the heartbeat of our tours. With their local wisdom, can-do attitude and an eye for the unusual, our mission is to be all-round perfect companions on your adventures around the UK.
Taking care of your every need, no detail is too small. For us, it’s all about being attentive, to you and to the vibe of the group. So whether you’d like a gentle ride along the Cornish coast or a rigorous hike to the highest peak in England, we’re always by your side, ensuring you enjoy your trip at your own pace and in your own time.
We’re lucky to have an awesome team that’s made up of about 60 people spread all over the country!
All breakfasts
2 x dinners (excluding dinner drinks)
Walking poles
GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations
All baggage transportation
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