England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking

Today continue on the Cotswolds Way, hiking directly from the hotel southwards out of Broadway on rolling terrain. Climb up to an Iron Age hill fort before descending again to cross fields and some woodland at the bottom of the escarpment. From here, pass through various pretty villages including a ruined abbey and ancient churches before arriving in the Cotswolds town of Winchcombe. A short transfer leads back to the hotel in Broadway, where you spend another night.

After a one-hour transfer into the central Cotswolds, start hiking just north of the hamlet of Painswick, for a climb up to Painswick Beacon. Situated over 900 feet up on the escarpment, it commands a fine vantage point to survey the surroundings. The hike then leads past an Iron Age fort before descending into woodlands which, in early summer, are filled with bluebells and wood anemone. Leaving the woods, descend into the Stroud valley and into the center of Stroud, a town known for its independent shops, cafés, and galleries.

Continue on the Cotswolds Way, hiking from Stroud to the nearby town of Dursley. The route continues into Penn Wood, and onto Coaley Peak, which features stellar views over the Cotswolds and west towards Wales. Climb the little summit of Cam Long Down, and down into the market town of Durlsey, then transfer east to nearby Bibury. Tonight's hotel is located just yards from Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers' cottages often said to be the prettiest street in England. Enjoy a stroll around before dinner.

The final hike of the trip explores the ancient chalk downs of Oxfordshire following ancient trails known as ridgeways. Pass a Neolithic long barrow and chamber tomb site before reaching the end point, the site of Uffington Castle and the famous 'White Horse,' a 360-ft-long prehistoric hillside sculpture that's more than 3,000 years old. Leaving the horse behind, transfer into nearby Cirencester, a historic town of Roman origin, known as the capital of the Cotswolds. Spend the afternoon exploring it and transfer back to Bibury for a final farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer back to Oxford where the trip concludes.