Highlights of the Cotswold Way – Guided Walking Tour

At a Glance

The Cotswolds

From

£2599

Per Person, Double Occupancy

✓ 25% Refundable Deposit
✓ Booking Protected by ABTOT
✓ 5* TripAdvisor Rated

Join us for a 6-day guided journey along the Cotswold Way

Led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides, this tour is designed for those who want to walk the best bits of the Cotswold Way. You’ll walk through rolling hills, quiet woodlands, and sheep-dotted meadows, discovering the heart of England on foot. As you tread the Cotswold Way National Trail, we’ll visit picture-perfect villages such as Winchcombe, Broadway, and Painswick, each filled with character, history, and classic Cotswold charm.

Our route also includes stops at some of the region’s most fascinating historical sites, including Sudeley Castle and Hailes Abbey, where your guide will share stories that bring the past to life.

In true Active England style, you’ll stay in a selection of our favourite country inns and hotels, carefully chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and character.

We wrap up our journey in the stunning city of Bath, with time to explore its Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent, and the world-famous Roman Baths, a perfect ending to your Cotswold adventure.

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 ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ 
  • 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 – 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 Dover’s Hill, home to the Cotswold Olympic Games, a tradition dating back nearly 400 years. There is an option to extend today’s walk with a visit to Hidcote Gardens, a world-renowned collection of enchanting outdoor “rooms.” 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 cafés. Tonight, you’ll spend the evening at the Broadway Hotel, enjoying dinner and getting to know your fellow adventurers and guides. 

5.5-6 miles

Accommodation: Broadway Hotel, Broadway

Today’s 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 Britain’s 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, you’ll 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: Broadway Hotel, Broadway

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, you’ll 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 you’d like to enjoy a stroll through the village at dusk, soaking in the quiet charm of Painswick, 

7 miles

Accommodation: The Falcon, Painswick

Today’s 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, you’ll pass The Woolpack Inn, Laurie Lee’s local pub where he drank with villagers and inspired much of his writing. In Painswick, you’ll have time to explore its 14th-century church, known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, 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.

6-8 miles

Accommodation: The Falcon, 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 you’ll find the iconic ‘stone on the ground’ 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: Hampton by Hilton, Bath

After breakfast, you can depart Bath at your convenience, utilising the numerous public transport options available. Alternatively, some guests prefer to extend their stay in Bath, taking advantage of the city’s renowned restaurants, theatres, galleries, and canals. If you require assistance booking additional nights’ accommodation or arranging onward travel, we are more than happy to help you.

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.

Map

Gallery

Handpicked Accommodation

Night 1

Broadway Hotel

Broadway
Located on the village green in Broadway this cosy sixteenth-century inn brings together roaring fires, good food and friendly staff. Housed in a historic building that reflects traditional Cotswold architecture, complete with honey-colored stone and beautiful gardens. A perfect countryside getaway.

Night 2

The Falcon

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.

Night 3

Hampton by Hilton - Bath City

Bath
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.

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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!

Lottie

Trip Extensions

  • All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
  • All breakfasts and 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 (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

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.

What difficulty rating is this tour?

Moderate. This tour is rated moderate meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. We’ll 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 60’s. As a moderate tour, this walking holiday is suited to seniors who enjoy back-to-back walking days.

Walking Poles can be provided if required

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: Kemble. Kemble Railway station has direct links to London Paddington.

Where are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds National Landscape (previously referred to as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – 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. “As a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo traveller”. S.G.

How hilly are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are a range of hills, with its name stemming from ‘Cote’ meaning sheep enclosure and ‘wold’ 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 – 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 – 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 ‘road less travelled’ across the Cotswolds. They know the best spots for making your walking tour truly different and truly magical!

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.

Carbon Footprint

What’s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, we’ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. We’ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliers…

What does the number mean?
We’re 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.

We’ve got a long way to go but we’re on our way to net-zero

We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. We’ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.

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