Cotswold Walking Holidays

Cumbria Way
The Cotswold walking holiday is a five night village-to-village walking tour condensing the best of the Cotswold Ring and all the finest villages into four day's walking in one of the most scenic areas of England.


Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive Moreton-in-Marsh for overnight.

Day 2:
Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water. 12 miles (19km)
After crossing the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, the Cotswold passes through Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions.

Day 3:
Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe. 13 miles (21km)
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 (17km)
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 (20 km)
Walk up to 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.

Practical Information:

Included

5 nights B & B, luggage transportation each walking day, route notes and maps, local back-up

Distance

47.5 miles (80 kms)

Minimum/maximum daily distances: 10.5 miles (17km)/13 miles (21km)

What To Take

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

When To Go

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

Insurance

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.