The Heart of the Cotswolds is a five-night village-to-village walking tour condensing the best of the Cotswold Ring and all the finest villages into four days’ walking in one of the most scenic areas of England.
We are based in the Cotswolds – we know this area very well! “The Heart of the Cotswolds” is a self-guided walking tour of the very best scenery and villages in this beautiful region condensed into four days of walking and with five nights in Bed and Breakfasts (or hotels if requested). From Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, to Chipping Campden with its ancient covered market, to the folly at Broadway Tower and the Arboretum and Falconry Centre at Batsford, there is something for everyone. You can start in any of the overnight stops along the route. For those who do not want to move accommodation each night, the holidays can be turned into a two base holiday with pre-arranged transfers.
Price:
From £630 per person based on two people sharing in inns and B&B’s, all rooms ensuite
From £765 per person based on two people sharing in hotels, inns and
Luxury upgraded accommodation on request.
Single supplement depends on the level of accommodation chosen. Please ask.
An additional night can be added so that you stay in the lovely village of Chipping Campden – halfway between Broadway and Moreton-in-Marsh. Cost for this depends on accommodation chosen so please ask.
Included:
5 nights B&B in rooms with private bathrooms, luggage transportation, guidebook and maps, back-up service.
Not Included:
Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.
Departure Dates:
Any day April-October subject to accommodation availability
Day 1: Arrive Moreton-In-Marsh for overnight.
Enjoy this lively market town. On arrival you will be given a package with maps, route notes, luggage labels and everything else you need for your holiday.
Day 2: Moreton in Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water – 12 miles.
After breakfast, set off across the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square> After lunch in this lovely village, continue on through Lower Slaughter to arrive at Bourton-on-the-Water, with its river and small bridges and many other attractions.
Day 3: Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe – 13 miles.
From Bourton-on-the-Water the route follows the River Windrush to the perfect villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. Then through woods and fields before the descent to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, close to Sudeley Castle, last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. Overnight in Winchcombe, with its fascinating church and local museums.
Day 4: Winchcombe to Broadway – 10.5 miles.
Follow the pilgrims’ route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the ‘broad way.’
Day 5: Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh – 12 miles.
Walk up to the Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly from where there are fine views across the vale before descending to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, with its covered market place, beautiful ‘wool’ church, almshouses, and silversmith. Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton.
Day 6:
Departure after breakfast.
Example of B&B accommodation: Blair House Winchcombe,
Example of inns : www.redesdalearms.com, https://whitehartwinchcombe.co.uk
Example of hotels: Manor House Hotel Moreton in Marsh/Chester House, Broadway, Broadway Hotel.
Upgrade to luxury hotels is also possible. Price will depend on hotels and rooms chosen – dormyhouse.co.uk, www.lordsofthemanor.com
Moreton in Marsh has a direct train link to London Paddington with about 10 trains per day. If you arrive by car, please tell us and we will discuss the options of where you start the tour – as it is a circular route you can start on the day of your choice.
5 nights Bed and breakfast in chosen level of accommodation, luggage transportation each walking day, route notes and maps, local back-up
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit
April to October. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit
