Current as of: January 14, 2025 - 11:45
Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: United Kingdom
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W08CC
Trip Overview
The Cotswolds are England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are made up of meadows and scenic rolling hills above a bedrock of Jurassic limestone.
This distinctive stone is quarried and used in the construction of the golden-coloured local buildings and gives the stone-built villages of the Cotswolds a beautiful and quintissentially ‘English’ look.
This 8-night walking holiday takes you through some of the finest North Cotswold villages with shorter walking days, allowing the maximum time to explore the villages and walk at a relaxed pace. Your route includes visits to some of the best-known towns and villages in the region including Broadway, Chipping Campden and Guiting Power as well as the Saxon capital of Winchcombe and the nearby Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Katherine Parr. Enjoy the rolling Cotswolds countryside, riverside walks and some stunning horticultural gems in the gardens of National Trust manor houses, such as Kiftsgate or Hidcote.
At a Glance
- 8 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
- Full English Breakfasts
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
- Luggage transfers
Highlights
- Explore the Cotswolds - England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Beautiful villages including Guiting Power, Broadway, and Chipping Campden
- Visit areas of historical interest from Saxon, Jacobean and Medieval eras
- Visit the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle (last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's 6th wife)
- Stunning gardens at historical manor houses
- Relaxing walks each day to allow extra time for exploring delightful Cotswold villages
Is This Trip for You?
Walking Conditions
Classification: Self–Guided
Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)
Average daily distance: 12.5km (7.8 miles)
No. of days walking: 7
Terrain and route: Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Moreton-in-Marsh
- End City: Moreton-in-Marsh
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive Moreton-in-Marsh
Standing at the crossroads betwen the Fosse Way Roman Road and what is now the A44, Moreton-in-Marsh, a small market town with a central market square and a set of stocks, is a great place to explore before heading out for dinner.
Moreton-in-Marsh to Stow-on-the-Wold
Cross the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, via the fantastic Mogul manor house at Sezincote and a number of pretty hamlets.
Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water
Today’s route from Stow-on-the-Wold is a leisurely downhill walk across meadows to picturesque Lower Slaughter with its working mill and on to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions. A longer alternative walk is available for this day if you wish.
At Bourton-on-the-Water
Today you have the choice of a longer or shorter circular walk taking in more of the Slaughters.
Bourton-on-the-Water (Guiting Power) to Winchcombe
After a short transfer walk through woods and fields before the dramatic descent to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, close to Sudeley Castle, last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. Overnight in Winchcombe, with its fascinating church and local museums.
Winchcombe to Broadway via Stanton
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’.
Broadway to Chipping Campden
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 silversmiths.
Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
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 week both Bourton House gardens and Sezincote House will be open. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Leave Moreton-in-Marsh
Depart after breakfast
Accommodation
Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk
You’ll be staying in a mix of HHH, 3 star, HHHH and 4 star guesthouses, B&B’s, inns and hotels. All of the accommodations offer a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome and hearty cooked breakfasts.
For those wishing to extend their stay in the area, ask us about city break add-ons in Bath or Oxford.
Single supplements and Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date) will apply, please ask us for details.
Single supplement from £ 576
Food & Drink
Enjoy the local cuisine in quintessentially British pubs, cafes and delicatessens – local delicacies include Cerney Ash or Stinking Bishop cheeses, Crackleberry Farm eggs, Cotswold Cream liqueur and the local ales – try the Yubby beer from the Yubberton Brewery Co. There’s also the archetypal English Cream Teas that go down a treat with a nice hot cup of tea!
Transport
Single supplements and Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date) will apply, please ask us for details.
Weather & Seasonality
The Cotswolds has a temperate maritime climate with warm, rather than hot, summers and cool to cold winters. The hottest month, on average, is July and the coldest is January with rain falling fairly evenly throughout the year. The weather is unpredictable as with the rest of the UK and it is possible to see elements of all four seasons in one day. It is advisable for visitors to check the weather forecast before they arrive in the Cotswolds to get a better idea of the sort of clothing they will need during their trip. Bringing hooded waterproof coats and hats will ensure visitors are prepared for any spells of wind and rain the region may experience.
Spring: The climate is milder in spring making it a good time to visit the Cotswolds. There can be some great sunny days mixed with cooler and wet weather. From March to May the average daytime temperatures are between 9°C and 17°C.
Summer: Most days in summer range from mild to warm with the possibility of some infrequent hotter days, the days are at their longest in the summer. There may be overcast and humid conditions in the summer. From June to August the average daytime temperatures are between 19°C and 22°C.
Autumn: The climate can vary from some pleasantly mild days particularly at the start of September to cooler and colder days in October and November. Autumn is a good time to visit the Cotswolds as it avoids the peak summer season whilst enjoying milder temperatures and longer hours of daylight particularly at the start of September. Visitors can see some wonderful autumn colours. From September to November the average daytime temperatures are between 9°C and 19°C.
When to go
This trip is possible year round, however due to the English weather, it is recommended to go between April and October. The Cotswolds can get very busy in the main summer tourist season of mid-July through to the end of August.
Joining Instructions
This holiday does not include any flights or rail. Please make your way to the first hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Moreton-in-Marsh
Location end: Moreton-in-Marsh
Transfer Details
No transfers are included in the standard itinerary however if you require transfers to and from local train stations we can arrange these (payable locally).
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Walking boots
Water bottle
Daypack
Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
Warm jumper
Waterproofs
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Practical Information
Visa
United Kingdom
Travellers from the US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/united-kingdom
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-kingdom
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html
Vaccinations and Health
United Kingdom
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
Local Time
United Kingdom's time zone: Europe/London (UTC +00:00)
Electricity
United Kingdom's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
United Kingdom's currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
ATM Availability
There are ATM’s in most of the main towns along the route, but not all. Most businesses in the area will take payments in cash or by card.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
All breakfasts are included, so you will need spending money for any picnics, lunches, evening meals and drinks. There is a good choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants on the routes as well as in the overnight towns and villages. Prices range from approximately £5-10 for lunch and you could pay between £15-30 for dinner, depending on where you decide to eat.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Single supplements and Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date) will apply, please ask us for details.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.