Highlights of the Cotswold Way โ Guided Walking Tour
At a Glance
- 6 days, 5 nights
- 3 or 4 star hotels
- Guided
- Up to 16 guests
- Pickup: Moreton-in-Marsh
- Carbon: 89kg CO2e
- Difficulty: Moderate
- 2x Dinners
From
£2549
$3319
Per Person, Double Occupancy
โ 25% Refundable Deposit
โ Booking Protected by ABTOT
โ 5* TripAdvisor Rated
Tour Highlights
- Panoramic views from Broadway Tower
- Hailes Abbey, a 13th-century pilgrimage site
- Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds
- Painswick village, the โQueen of the Cotswoldsโ
- A day exploring the historic city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Your Itinerary
Settle into life in England with our pre-trip extension in Moreton-in-Marsh. Take time to visit the market square with its popular selection of unique and interesting shops. Quench your thirst at one of the many classic Cotswold pubs and be sure to enjoy a local Cotswold beer. Did you know that The Bell Inn was thought to be the inspiration for The Prancing Pony, the inn conjured up by J.R.R Tolkein for The Lord of the Rings?
Accommodation for pre-night โ The Manor House
Upon arrival at Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, you will be warmly greeted by your Active England local guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. A short transfer takes you to Chipping Campden, the starting point of your walk along the iconic Cotswold Way. Your hike begins at Doverโs Hill, home to the Cotswold Olympic Games, a tradition dating back nearly 400 years. There is an option to extend todayโs walk with a visit to Hidcote Gardens, a world-renowned collection of enchanting outdoor โrooms.โ From here, continue towards Broadway Tower, a striking 18th-century folly offering breathtaking panoramic views across southwest England and Wales. Your descent into Broadway, one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds, allows time to explore its vibrant high street lined with independent shops and cosy cafรฉs. Tonight, youโll spend the evening in Broadway, enjoying dinner and getting to know your fellow adventurers and guides.
5.5 to 6 miles
Accommodation for nights 1 and 2: Broadway Hotel, Broadway
Accomodation: The Broadway Hotel
Todayโs walk takes you from Broadway towards Winchcombe, passing through some of the most stunning villages in the Cotswolds. Stanway is your first stop, a beautiful estate village centred around Stanway House, a Jacobean manor known for its baroque gatehouse and Britainโs tallest gravity-fed fountain. Next, head to Stanton, an outstandingly beautiful village at the foot of the Cotswold Edge, known for its traditional stone cottages and the 14th-century wall paintings in the medieval Stanton Church. As you continue, youโll pass through Hailes, an ancient village renowned for the Hailes Abbey, founded in the 13th century and once a major pilgrimage site. Finally, reach Winchcombe, a charming market town filled with historic buildings and quaint streets. Winchcombe is home to the impressive Winchcombe Abbey, dating back to the 10th century, and Sudeley Castle, which holds a rich history, particularly connected to the Tudor period. The town is known for its traditional stone cottages and offers a wide selection of local shops and cafes for you to explore before returning to Broadway. Enjoy dinner at your leisure with local recommendations from your guide.
8 miles
Accommodation for nights 1 and 2: Broadway Hotel, Broadway
Accomodation: The Broadway Hotel
This morning, your journey starts at Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswold Hills, offering spectacular views of the Malvern Hills, Cheltenham, and the Vale of Evesham. Along the way, you will explore the ancient long barrow of Belas Knap, before a short transfer takes you to Birdlip, where your walk continues into Painswick. En route, youโll visit Painswick Rococo Gardens, a beautifully restored 18th-century garden. Climb the narrow steps of the octagonal Pigeon House, admire the Eagle House vista, and relax in the whimsical Gothic Alcove. A final ascent to Painswick Beacon rewards you with sweeping panoramic views across Gloucestershire before you settle in for the evening in the historic wool town of Painswick. Dinner is highly recommended at the Falcon, or our guides can provide you with an alternative suggestion for dinner this evening. Perhaps youโd like to enjoy a stroll through the village at dusk, soaking in the quiet charm of Painswick,
7 miles
Accommodation for nights 3 and 4: The Falcon, Painswick
Accomodation: The Broadway Hotel
Todayโs walk is a loop through the picturesque Slad Valley, following the Laurie Lee Trail named after the famous author of Cider with Rosie, whose memoir immortalised this landscape. The route winds through verdant slopes, hidden woodlands, and meandering streams, offering rich wildlife and a deep tranquillity. Along the way, youโll pass The Woolpack Inn, Laurie Leeโs local pub where he drank with villagers and inspired much of his writing. In Painswick, youโll have time to explore its 14th-century church, known as the โQueen of the Cotswoldsโ, and its famous yew trees, some of which are said to be over 1,000 years old. Returning to Painswick, enjoy a well-earned rest and a delicious evening meal in this charming village.
6 to 8 miles
Accomodation: The Falcon Inn Painswick
On the final day of your Cotswold Way adventure, you will follow the southernmost ridgeline towards Bath, passing historic sites and former English Civil War battlefields. Upon arrival in Bath, walk towards Bath Abbey, where youโll find the iconic โstone on the groundโ marking the end of the Cotswold Way, symbolising the completion of your journey. After exploring UNESCO-listed landmarks such as the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, and the Jane Austen Centre, relax and unwind in this beautiful city. Tonight, reconnect and reminisce about the week with your fellow guests and guides over a celebratory meal before retiring for your final evening of the trip.
9 miles
Accommodation for night 5: Hampton by Hilton, Bath
Accomodation: The Falcon Inn Painswick
Accomodation: Hampton by Hilton Bath City
Known for its hot springs, Roman baths, splendid Georgian architecture, and as the home of Jane Austen, Bath delights visitors with its quintessentially English charm. Your post trip extension includes an additional night in the city, one night’s hotel stay and entry to the famous baths.
Accommodation for post-night – Hampton By Hilton Bath City
Due to local scheduling, activity time is subject to change. Accommodations vary depending on departure date.
Dates & Booking
| Dates | Prices | |
| 10 May 26 - 15 May 26 Ready to Book - Available | GBP ยฃ2549.00 | Book Now |
| 10 May 26 - 15 May 26 Ready to Book - Available | USD $3319.00 | Book Now |
| 28 Jun 26 - 03 Jul 26 Guaranteed Departure - Available | GBP ยฃ2549.00 | Book Now |
| 28 Jun 26 - 03 Jul 26 Guaranteed Departure - Available | USD $3319.00 | Book Now |
| 02 Aug 26 - 07 Aug 26 Ready to Book - Available | GBP ยฃ2549.00 | Book Now |
| 02 Aug 26 - 07 Aug 26 Ready to Book - Available | USD $3319.00 | Book Now |
| 20 Sep 26 - 25 Sep 26 Ready to Book - Available | GBP ยฃ2549.00 | Book Now |
| 20 Sep 26 - 25 Sep 26 Ready to Book - Available | USD $3319.00 | Book Now |
Map
Gallery
Handpicked Accommodation
The Broadway Hotel
The Falcon Inn Painswick
Nestled in the picturesque village of Painswick, The Falcon is a beautiful Georgian townhouse, the ideal place to stop and retreat when walking the Cotswolds. Enjoy the outstanding views and rest up in this charming Cotswold hotel.
Hampton by Hilton Bath City
Stay in the heart of Bath known for its hot springs, Roman baths, splendid Georgian architecture, and as the home of Jane Austen, Bath delights visitors with its quintessentially English charm. This hotel is less than 10 minutes from many famous attractions and is a comfortable place to rest your head.
What our guides say...
The Cotswold Way is one of England’s finest National Trails and this guided trip is a great way to see the best bits!
Trip Extensions
Moreton-in-Marsh
- The Manor House Hotel
1 night
Post-Trip: Bath
- Hampton by Hilton
1 night
Detailed Information
Whatโs Included
- All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
- All breakfasts and 2 x dinners (excluding dinner drinks)
- GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
- All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees (where specified)
- All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations
- All baggage transportation
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
- Services of a professional local guide
- 24/7 emergency telephone support
Accommodation Types
Difficulty Level
What difficulty rating is this tour?
Moderate. This tour is rated moderate meaning itโs appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. Weโll enjoy some rolling hills, and a few steeper walks which are a bit more demanding. Your holiday, however, will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences and rewarding views are guaranteed! Daily distances range from 4-10 miles.
Is this tour suited to seniors?
Our Active England guided walking holidays in the UK are enjoyed by travellers of all ages, but are particularly popular amongst the over 60โs. As a moderate tour, this walking holiday is suited to seniors who enjoy back-to-back walking days.
Equipment Provided
Pre & Post Tour Travel
For pre and post tour options, please see our London packages.
Pick-up location: Moreton-in-Marsh railway station. Our walking holidays are designed to be completely relaxing, with the start of our tours sitting within easy reach of London, Bristol or the Midlands. This tour begins from Moreton-in-Marsh, a direct 1.5-hour train journey out of London, so that you can begin your holiday stress-free.
End-of-tour location: Bath. Bath Railway station has direct links to London Paddington.
FAQ's
Where are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds National Landscape (previously referred to as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty โ AONB) stretches from Bath in the South to Stratford Upon Avon in the North, and across to Oxford in the East. An iconic pocket of England with breath-taking natural beauty, rolling hills and historic towns and villages, built from the golden Cotswold stone.
What is the best way to get out of London into the Cotswolds?
The best way into the Cotswolds from London and most major cities is by a direct train from Paddington into Oxford, Moreton-in-Marsh or Bath Spa. Our trips begin from mainline stations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour. If you prefer to drive, please confirm with our team the best place to park for each tour.
Can I join a tour as a solo traveller?
Of course! All our trips are open for single travellers to join. You will have a great time on our walking tours whether travelling on your own, as a couple, family or group, meeting like-minded people on our guided trips, or choosing your own adventure on our self-guided tours. โAs a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo travellerโ. S.G.
How hilly are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are a range of hills, with its name stemming from โCoteโ meaning sheep enclosure and โwoldโ meaning hills. There are therefore lots of hills and incredible views from the top! However, you will able to miss out some of the steeper inclines โ or add in some hillier walk for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and with our routes your guide will tailor your tour to your preferences.
Why choose a guided holiday?
Our guides are the beating heart of our tours and can make all the difference to the enjoyment of your walking holiday โ so we make sure to choose them VERY carefully! They are driven, knowledgeable, know how to have A LOT of fun and importantly will take you on the โroad less travelledโ across the Cotswolds. They know the best spots for making your walking tour truly different and truly magical!
Reviews
Make this trip private
Our private tours are based on our tried and tested group departures with two key differences. They offer you the freedom to travel when you wish and with whoever you’d like to holiday with.
Similar Tours
Carbon Footprint
Whatโs the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, weโve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. Weโve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliersโฆ
What does the number mean?
Weโre going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?
- Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
- Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
- Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
- Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.
Weโve got a long way to go but weโre on our way to net-zero
Weโre committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. Weโve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Find out more about our latest tours, destinations, activities and stories.
You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
Book with confidence
Our tours and holidays are accredited by leading UK organisations and protected by our ABTOT membership.
