Self-guided Cotswolds Walking Tour

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At a Glance

The Cotswolds

From

£1179

$1539

Per Person, Double Occupancy

Journey through the Cotswolds on foot and at your own speed with this self-guided adventure

See the best parts of the Cotswolds on foot, at your own pace. With an abundance of history, heritage and stunning scenery to enjoy en route, there's plenty to satisfy the tastes of any visitor. This 6-day, 5-night self-guided tour promises a Cotswold adventure youโ€™ll never forget.

Following a circular route from Moreton-in-Marsh, and covering over 10 miles daily, this inn-to-inn Cotswold walking tour is suited to seasoned walkers. Without any transfers, hikers can enjoy the satisfaction of covering the entire trip on foot. And with daily luggage transfers included all you need to carry are the essentials.

For seniors, or those looking for a shorter itinerary, please take a look at our Short Self-guided Cotswold walking tour.

Tour Highlights

  • Marvel at the spectacular views from the highest point in the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower.
  • Enjoy walking through picturesque Cotswolds villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe, Stow-on-the-Wold, and many more.
  • Discover the reason Bourton-on-the-Water is named the โ€˜Venice of the Cotswoldsโ€™

Your Itinerary

Arriving into Moreton-in-Marsh for 09:30am, our friendly local guide will be on hand to meet you and provide a thorough introductory briefing before you set off into the countryside. This first route takes you via the magical Batsford Arboretum, where we recommend stopping for lunch, and the charming village of Blockley. With its thatched cottages and traditional Cotswold stonework, Broad Campden is also well worth visiting before continuing into Chipping Campden. One of the Cotswoldsโ€™ signature market towns, and your home for this evening, take plenty of time to enjoy this attractive location before settling in for the evening at your hotel.

7 miles - Up to 850 ft elevation

Accommodation for night 1: Chipping Campden

Accomodation: Noel Arms Hotel

Setting out on the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail stretching all the way from Chipping Campden to Bath, this morningโ€™s walk takes you toward Broadway Tower. With spectacular views over 16 counties in England and Wales, this is a perfect spot to enjoy lunch before continuing into Broadway itself. From here, finish todayโ€™s walk in Broadway, commonly known as the โ€œJewel of the Cotswolds.โ€ Be sure to browse the many intriguing shops on the bustling high street, and for some truly luxurious relaxation, indulge in afternoon tea at the wonderful Broadway Deli.

6.5 miles - Up to 600 ft elevation

Accommodation for night 2: Broadway

Accomodation: Noel Arms Hotel

Picking up the Cotswold Way once again, today youโ€™ll walk from Broadway to the centuries-old market town of Winchcombe. On route, youโ€™ll pass through the sleepy villages of Stanton and Stanway, as well as the spectacular 13th century ruins of Hailes Abbey. Upon arriving in Winchcombe, spend a little time exploring this charming Cotswold town, before settling down for the night in a cosy local inn.

10.5 miles - Up to 1110 ft elevation

Accommodation for night 3: Winchcombe

Accomodation: The Broadway Hotel

With an initial walk uphill, todayโ€™s itinerary takes you onto the Cotswold escarpment, one of the most dramatic sections of the Cotswold Way. Passing through lush woodland, youโ€™ll soon arrive in the charming English village of Guiting Power. Home to the fantastic Farmers Arms pub and a local cafรฉ serving what is locally hailed as the worldโ€™s best Victoria sponge cake, pause here for lunch before continuing to Bourton-on-the-Water. Famous as the โ€˜Venice of the Cotswolds,โ€™ this beautiful spot will be your home for the evening.

12.5 miles - Up to 1100 ft elevation

Accommodation for night 4: Bourton-on-the-Water

Accomodation: The Lion Inn Winchcombe

Todayโ€™s itinerary takes you on a stunning walk from Bourton-on-the-Water to the picturesque market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. Along the way, youโ€™ll pass through Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds, with an impressive market square and a wide range of cosy cafรฉs and curious antique shops. We also suggest taking the opportunity to visit the Slaughters, famously one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, with its calm river and beautiful mill. With the day drawing to a close, youโ€™ll arrive in Moreton-in-Marsh for your final evening of the tour.

10 miles - Up to 450 ft elevation

Accommodation for night 5: Moreton-in-Marsh

Accomodation: The Mousetrap Inn

Your tour comes to an end after a relaxed breakfast. We recommend onward travel from Moreton-in-Marsh train station, a short walk away from your hotel.

Accomodation: The Redesdale Arms

Due to local scheduling, activity time is subject to change. Accommodations vary depending on departure date.

Dates & Booking

Dates Prices  
22 Mar 26 - 27 Mar 26
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22 Mar 26 - 27 Mar 26
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12 Apr 26 - 17 Apr 26
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12 Apr 26 - 17 Apr 26
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26 Apr 26 - 01 May 26
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26 Apr 26 - 01 May 26
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10 May 26 - 15 May 26
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10 May 26 - 15 May 26
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24 May 26 - 29 May 26
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24 May 26 - 29 May 26
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07 Jun 26 - 12 Jun 26
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07 Jun 26 - 12 Jun 26
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21 Jun 26 - 26 Jun 26
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21 Jun 26 - 26 Jun 26
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05 Jul 26 - 10 Jul 26
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05 Jul 26 - 10 Jul 26
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19 Jul 26 - 24 Jul 26
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19 Jul 26 - 24 Jul 26
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02 Aug 26 - 07 Aug 26
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02 Aug 26 - 07 Aug 26
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16 Aug 26 - 21 Aug 26
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16 Aug 26 - 21 Aug 26
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06 Sep 26 - 11 Sep 26
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06 Sep 26 - 11 Sep 26
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13 Sep 26 - 18 Sep 26
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13 Sep 26 - 18 Sep 26
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27 Sep 26 - 02 Oct 26
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27 Sep 26 - 02 Oct 26
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04 Oct 26 - 09 Oct 26
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04 Oct 26 - 09 Oct 26
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18 Oct 26 - 23 Oct 26
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18 Oct 26 - 23 Oct 26
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Map

Good To Know

โœ”๏ธ Book with a 25% refundable deposit.

๐Ÿงณ Guaranteed departure? Click ‘Full Details’ to learn more.

๐Ÿ”’ Booking protected by ABTOT.

Gallery

Handpicked Accommodation

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Noel Arms Hotel

Chipping Campden
One of the oldest and most traditional Cotswold inns and steeped in history. Follow the footsteps of Charles II who rested here after his Scottish Army was defeated by Cromwell at the battle of Worcester. The fine stone facade of the Noel Arms Hotel with its proud coat of arms has been part of the charm of Chipping Campdenโ€™s high street for centuries.
cotswold-house-hotel_rsz_27082025110859315jpg

Cotswold House Hotel & Spa

Chipping Campden
Nestled in the heart of Chipping Campden, this charming, Grade II listed Regency town house is an award winning hotel complete with a tranquil spa, relaxed bistro and the beautiful Fig Restaurant. The central location offers up picturesque Cotswold scenery from every window; be that rolling hills and nearby fields, or the honey-coloured architecture of the town centre.
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The Broadway Hotel

Broadway
Located on the village green in Broadway, the โ€˜Jewel of the Cotswoldsโ€™. This cosy sixteenth-century inn brings together roaring fires, good food and friendly staff – the perfect countryside getaway.
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The Lygon Arms Broadway

Broadway
The Lygon Arms in Broadway is a historic and elegant hotel that beautifully captures the charm of the Cotswolds. Dating back to the 16th century, this stunning inn features traditional architecture, including exposed beams and period furnishings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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The Lion Inn Winchcombe

Winchcombe
The Lion is a beautifully restored 15th-century coaching inn featuring nine gorgeous ensuite bedrooms, each with its own quirky charm and character. Serving traditional pub food created with the finest seasonal and local produce, a cracking range of cask ale and craft beer, plus local cider. Outside the beer garden is ideal for al fresco drinking and dining.
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The Mousetrap Inn

Bourton-on-the-Water
Delicious comforting food, a welcoming atmosphere, and hosts who make you feel right at home. Nestled in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, you can find a pint of craft beer or a bite of something hearty. They’re all about simple pleasures done right.
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The Lansdowne Villa

Bourton-on-the-Water
Nestled just a short 5-minute walk from the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water, this family-owned bed and breakfast offers the perfect retreat to explore the beauty of the Cotswolds. Exclusively for adults and pet-free, each room is uniquely designed to offer comfort and style, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind.
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The Redesdale Arms

Moreton-in-Marsh
The award winning Redesdale Arms Hotel sits at the gateway to the Cotswolds, on the High Street of the historic town of Moreton-in-Marsh. Steeped in history and dating back to around 1650, constructed of mellow Cotswold stone with a heavily oak beamed interior.
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The Manor House Hotel

Moreton-in-Marsh
The Manor House Hotel, Moreton in Marsh, is an enchanting 16th Century Cotswold retreat where you can both indulge and relax in a homely atmosphere.

What our guides say...

We give you the routes, you set the pace and explore at your leisure.

Rick

Detailed Information

Whatโ€™s Included
    • All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
    • All breakfasts
    • GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
    • All baggage transportation
    • All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
    • 24/7 emergency telephone support
Accommodation Types
    Choose between 3* options or upgrade to 4* options for an additional cost.
     
    Some accommodations are self-check-in, meaning that you will access your accommodation independently, without facility reception or concierge. This is usually managed through key lock boxes and entry codes. Entrance information will be provided to you on the day of arrival by Active England.
Difficulty Level

    What difficulty rating is this tour?

    Moderate. This tour is rated moderate meaning itโ€™s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. Weโ€™ll enjoy some rolling hills, and a few steeper walks which are a bit more demanding. 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 60โ€™s. As a moderate tour, this walking holiday is suited to seniors who enjoy back-to-back walking days.

Equipment Provided
    Unfortunately we are no longer providing walking poles on self-guided tours.
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: Charlbury railway station. Easy transfers from Charlbury.

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.

    How hilly are the Cotswolds?
    The Cotswolds are a range of hills, with its name stemming from โ€˜Coteโ€™ meaning sheep enclosure and โ€˜woldโ€™ 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 self-guided holiday?
    With exceptionally well-planned routes, our self-guided tours are designed to suit the experienced, independent traveller or groups of travellers; those who wish to walk at their own pace and speed. With Ride With GPS and maps, we detail all of the points of interests, lunch stops, cafes โ€“ and of course pubs! Walk at your leisure, safe in the knowledge that a support team and emergency support vehicle is always on standby. Our guide highlights the key differences between self-guided and guided travel.

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.

Carbon Footprint

Whatโ€™s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, weโ€™ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. Weโ€™ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliersโ€ฆ

What does the number mean?
Weโ€™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.

Weโ€™ve got a long way to go but weโ€™re on our way to net-zero

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

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        Good To Know

        Deposit: Secure your place with a 25% deposit. Deposits are refundable in line with our refund policy.

        Balance: We ask for the remaining balance of a booking 90 days before departure date. For bookings made less than 90 days before departure, the full amount is required at the point of booking.

        All of our scheduled departure dates have a status. Here’s what they mean.

        Ready to Book: This tour is accepting new bookings. It is not a guaranteed departure.

        Guaranteed Departure: This tour has met the minimum number of participants required for it to operate. This status is based on real-time booking numbers and reflects reservations at the time it is displayed. Please note that the Guaranteed Departure status is subject to change.

        On Request: Bookings may be available – we will need to check hotel and transfer availability before confirming. Please do not make any additional travel plans before we confirm your booking.

        Sold Out: Sorry! This tour is now sold out.

        Our ABTOT membership protects your booking. For full details, please see our terms and conditions.

        Dates & Prices

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        Enquiry Form

        Please complete our form below. Alternatively, book a call at a time to suit you here.