Explore the quaint country villages of the Cotswolds on this self-guided walking tour
Have the quintessential English countryside experience on this self-guided walking tour of the Cotswold villages! Each day you’ll take a lovely walk through the bucolic villages whose honey-coloured stone walls transport you back in time.
On this walking tour, you’ll be travelling from Cheltenham to Moreton-in-Marsh on foot. This is the best way to experience the rolling hills and stunning country manor houses of the area. You’ll have plenty of time to wander through gardens and picture-perfect villages along your route. The 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking tour is the perfect, easy-going self-guided tour for you to explore this beautiful part of England.
Highlights of the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour
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5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Cheltenham
Your adventure will begin with your arrival at Cheltenham. Settle in your hotel and prepare for your adventure to start.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cheltenham
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Bourton-on-the-Water
Clients will be collected for a short transfer to Chedworth Roman Villa or Northleach (client preference) before walking to Bourton-on-the-Water. The beautiful pastures and woods along the banks of the little River Coln are the setting for the best exposed Roman villa in the country. The handsome little market town of Northleach provides an excellent introduction to this countryside. Its large 15th century wool church, built by wealthy merchants, is typical of the Cotswold style while the Heritage Centre gives a fascinating insight into traditional farming life. The walk follows the Monarch's Way through unspoilt hamlets and over the rolling country to Bourton in the valley of the River Windrush. This is the most famous village in the area with a wide range of attractions including museums, perfumery and a delightful maze.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: Long route: 17 km
Short route: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike to Stow-on-the-Wold
Two beautiful riverside villages will feature on today’s walk. Lower and Upper Slaughter, on the banks of the little River Eye, are among the most popular in the Cotswolds. The charming cottages, manor houses and water mill which are being restored to full working order, are favourite subjects for local artists who regularly exhibit their work in the village hall. Lower and Upper Swell on the River Dickler are equally pleasant with cosy country inns and unique features like the Georgian therapeutic well. The town of Stow-on-the-Wold has a number of handsome stone buildings that stand around the ancient market square that once hosted some of the greatest sheep fairs in the country.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold
Distance: Long route: 3 hours, 12 km
Short route: 2.5 hours, 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk to Moreton-on-Marsh
Continue up the Evenlode Valley past the typically English manor at Donnington and the surprising Oriental house at Sezincote. Here the 18th-century manor is built in the Indian style with water gardens. Moreton in Marsh stands on either side of a broad main street lined with fine houses, shops and inns. Please note that in some cases you might need to spend the night in Stow-on-the-Wold instead.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: 2-3 hours, 10-12 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Final Morning in Moreton-in-Marsh
Your tour ends after breakfast when you check out of your hotel. Travel back to London for your flight home or continue your journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in England is run as private tour for your group only and the price depends on the type of room that you choose.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: $975 USD
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,750 USD
Accommodation on the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and bed & breakfasts. These boutique hotels offer comfortable rooms in charming locations.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel (please inquire for the pricing). Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel/BB in Cheltenham
Stay in cozy local hotels and BB’s in small towns of Cotswolds along your cycling route.
Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water ★★★★
This lovely family-owned-and-operated guesthouse is conveniently located near the center of Bourton-on-the-Water. You’ll be well taken care of so can focus on enjoying this beautiful area.
The Limes Guest House, Stow-on-the-Wold ★★★
Enjoy this clean and comfortable guesthouse, with a highlight being the peaceful gardens. Sip a cup of tea by the koi pond and listen to the birds.
The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh ★★★
This has the character and charm of an old coaching inn, but renovated to include modern amenities for your comfort. Enjoy the courtyard when the weather is good and the roaring log fire when it isn’t.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Cheltenham and after the tour in Moreton-in-Marsh are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for your luggage is included each day between your hotels as outlined in the itinerary. Your transfer to the beginning of your trail on the first day is also included.
Also Included
- Complete tour information packages
- Smartphone app with GPS routes
- Access to 24-hour emergency helpline
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from England
- Lunches, dinners, drinks, or snacks
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Busses and/or ferries, unless stated otherwise
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Gratuities for restaurant servers or hotel staff
Frequently Asked Questions about 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour
Compass Holidays has been helping walkers explore the best walks in the UK since 1990. Their expert team organize great walking holidays so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your time away.
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