Short Self-Guided Cotswolds Walking Tour
At a Glance
- 5 days, 4 nights
- 3* or 4* Hotels
- Self-guided
- Pickup: Moreton-in-Marsh
- Carbon: 48kg CO2e
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
See the best bits of the Cotswolds on this short, self-guided tour
See England at its rural best, as you hike through honey-coloured villages, through sheep-filled fields and down quaint country lanes with our short self-guided Cotswolds walking tour. The Cotswolds is perfect walking country, with an abundance of history, heritage and stunning scenery to enjoy. Covering a range between 4-7 miles per day, this itinerary is easy – moderate difficulty. Please get in touch and our friendly local guides will be more than happy to assist with your requirements. Whichever route you choose, with excellent accommodation, cozy local pubs and outstanding cuisine, Active England promises a Cotswold adventure you’ll never forget.
This itinerary ensures an unforgettable Cotswold adventure with exceptional accommodations, cozy local pubs, and outstanding cuisine.
- Visit the ‘garden rooms’ at the world-famous Hidcote Gardens.
- Walk through Broadway, the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’.
- Revel in the bustling market town of Bourton-on-the-Water
Your Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Moreton-in-Marsh at 10:00 am, you will be greeted by our friendly local guide who will provide you with a comprehensive introductory briefing. The first route will take you through the enchanting Batsford Arboretum, where we suggest stopping for lunch, and the picturesque village of Blockley. While you continue your journey towards Chipping Campden, make sure to visit Broad Campden, which is renowned for its thatched cottages and traditional Cotswold stonework. Chipping Campden, one of the most iconic market towns in the Cotswolds, will be your home for the night.
7 miles – 850ft elevation
Day two sees you take on a loop out from Chipping Campden to the wonderful surroundings of Hidcote Gardens. Nestled down quiet country Cotswold lanes, these world-famous gardens were designed by American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston. The garden cafe is the ideal place to while away a few hours before you begin the return leg to Chipping Campden and some well-earned refreshments at your accommodation.
7 miles – 400ft elevation
Today’s walk sets out on the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail that spans from Chipping Campden to Bath. The first stop of the day is Broadway Tower, which boasts breathtaking views over 16 counties in England and Wales. It’s an ideal spot to stop and savour your lunch before making your way into Broadway itself, known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.” Stroll along the lively high street and explore the many fascinating stores. For a truly indulgent experience, treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the delightful Broadway Deli.
5.4 miles – 580ft elevation
Following an early morning transfer to the village of Naunton, there’s a shorter walk on today’s menu. Strolling out from the village centre through classic Cotswold countryside, you’ll wind your way towards Bourton-on-the-Water. Famous as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ this is the region’s most visited town and for good reason! Take in the local architecture, before settling into your accommodation for the evening.
4.5 miles – 220ft elevation
After a relaxed breakfast, there’s the chance to walk to the village of Lower Slaughter, with its two small bridges and converted mill with a water wheel. We then arrange a lunchtime transfer to Moreton-in-Marsh railway station for onward travel.
3 miles – 140ft elevation
Gallery
Handpicked Accommodation
Lygon Arms Hotel
Originally a 16th Century Cotswold coaching inn, the Lygon Arms is situated in the beautiful high street of Chipping Campden. This small, family run hotel is well known for its friendly atmosphere and traditional English food.
Cotswold House
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.
Chestnuts Bed and Breakfast
This B&B is a 300-year-old listed building overlooking the village green and the River Windrush, which flows through the Cotswold countryside on its journey to the Thames.
What our guides say...
This part of the Cotswolds is my favourite and this short tour takes in all the best walking
What’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
Accommodation Types
Choose between 3* options or upgrade to 4* options for an additional cost
Difficulty Level
This tour is rated easy-moderate, meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. You cover varied terrain, enjoying some rolling hills and a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Daily distances range from 4-8 miles. Rewarding views are guaranteed!
Equipment Provided
We’ll provide walking poles if required.
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: Moreton-in-Marsh.
FAQ's
Where are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) 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 ‘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 self-guided holiday?
With exceptionally well-planned routes, our self-guided tours are designed to suit the 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 – and of course pubs! Walk at your leisure, safe in the knowledge that a support team and emergency support vehicle is always on standby.
Make this trip private
Our private tours offer complete freedom to customize your trip. Base your tour on one of our scheduled departures, or tailor a bespoke experience to match your every expectation. We love combining our knowledge of England with our expertise in planning and delivering the best adventure trips.
Similar Tours
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.
What people are saying
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.
