Grand Tour of the Cotswolds

An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds are widely renowned as the walking capital of England. Steeped in history and dotted with villages of honey-coloured limestone and thatched cottages, the Cotswolds are comprised of gentle hills and walking here is within the reach of almost anyone.

This route includes the best parts of the Cotswold Way (between Chipping Campden and Painswick), as well as some exceptional villages and landscapes that are not on the official route, including Northleach and Cirencester. However, from Painswick you may choose, instead of returning to Cheltenham, to head south towards Bath along the usual route. Or, from Painswick you may prefer to travel by train to Bath from nearby Stroud. We will meet you to go over the route. This beautiful route can include Burford and so turn it into a 10 night holiday.

We can adapt and tailor the route to suit your requirements.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in the regency town of Cheltenham, celebrated for its Regency architecture and fine shops and restaurants.

Day 2: Cheltenham to Winchcombe – (7 miles/11 km). Over Cleeve Hill to pass the Neolithic tomb at Belas Knap and so down to Winchcombe, home to Sudeley Castle. Overnight Winchcombe.

Day 3: Winchcombe to Broadway – (10.5 miles/17 km). This is a fabulous day’s walk. Follow the pilgrims’ route to Hailes Abbey (open to the public), then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its wonderful gatehouse, medieval tithe barn and extraordinary fountain. Pass through Stanton, so unspoilt that it has featured in many films, and arrive in the village of Broadway, one of the inspirations for the arts and Crafts Movement.

Day 4: Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh – (12 miles/20 km) NB Overnight in Chipping Campden can be included – please ask. Walk up to Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly, where the view is stunning and then it is but a short step to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, and once the wool centre of Europe. Pass the old butter market, visit the fine ‘wool’ church, and perhaps the world renowned silversmith. Continue through Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, with its arboretum and falconry centre. Finally, a stroll across meadows to Moreton, for overnight.

Day 5: Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water – (12 miles/ 20 km). You are soon among typical Cotswold villages with a detour to see gorgeous Sezincote if you like. Then it is Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, down to Lower Slaughter and finally to Bourton-on-the-Water for overnight.

Day 6: Bourton-on-the-Water to Northleach – (11 miles/17 km). The route weaves around Bourton lakes, then crosses the hills to Sherborne. Stroll through landscaped Sherborne Park and continue to the tranquil and historic village of Northleach, with its glorious wool church, mechanical music museum and air of timelessness. Overnight Northleach.

Day 7: Northleach to Cirencester – (14 miles/22 km). Head for Chedworth with its welcoming pub (and nearby Roman villa, one of the best preserved in the country), before continuing to Cirencester, after London the second town of Roman Britain, with its excellent Corinium Museum and its majestic market square overlooked by the huge and recently restored parish church.

Day 8: Cirencester to Painswick – (13.5 miles/21 km). A stroll through the 18th century landscape of Cirencester Park brings you to Sapperton, once a centre for William Morris’s Arts & Crafts Movement. Follow the old Thames & Severn Canal, and then walk through perfect rural England to Painswick, ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, noted for its fascinating churchyard and the Rococo Garden.

Day 9: Painswick to Cheltenham – (13 miles/20 km). Walk through the countryside immortalised in Laurie Lee’s ‘Cider with Rosie’ to Sheepscombe (which features in the book), which straddles an enchanting valley. The Cotswold Way takes you along the Cotswold Edge, with panoramic views towards Gloucester, the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains in Wales. Overnight Cheltenham.

Day 10: Departure.

Price:  £900 - £ 1050.00 per person, based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room depending on the accommodation chosen. Single supplement will depend on level of accommodation.

Included:

9 nights in the accommodation level requested

Breakfast each morning

Welcome meeting when you are given maps and route notes

Luggage transfers

Back up if required

Practical Information

Getting There:

Air:

The nearest airports to Cheltenham are Birmingham, Bristol, or London (Heathrow).

Rail:

Cheltenham Spa has a railway station which has connections to London Paddington, Birmingham, Bristol and other destinations.

What to Take:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sunblock/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

Insurance:

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.