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England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking

A Charming Village-to-Village Route

 

On this delightful Cotswolds walking tour, discover dreamy English countryside - rolling hills, hedgerow-lined fields, and postcard-pretty hamlets. Hike from village to village, taking detours to visit iconic sites. Indulge in some Shakespeare with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, take in a scenic steam train ride, and explore the beautiful town of Cirencester with its strong Roman influence. Other highlights include an historic castle with royal connections, a Roman villa, and sampling pints of the finest bitter - together making the perfect England hiking trip.

  • Hike through postcard-perfect English countryside, passing through villages such as Chipping Camden, Stow-in-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water

  • Visit the historic Roman town of Cirencester

  • Stay in welcoming country inns, offering character-filled accommodation and great meals

Contact an Expert

Arrive:

Oxford, England

Depart:

Oxford, England

Price: from $5,145

Duration:

8 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

5-16 Guests

Min Age:

16 yrs

Activity:

Level 2

This is a moderate trip, with good walking - about 2-5 hours per day. The elevation gain is not serious (maximum 1,500\'), with most days less than 1000\'. The terrain is a mixture of well-worn walking paths, fields, meadows and roads. The paths and fields can be damp, so water-proof walking shoes or boots are recommended.
Learn more here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • A Classic Walk to Burford

    Day 1

    Meet in Oxford (which is easily reached by train from London), transfer 45-minutes to Minster Lovell Hall - the scenic ruin of a 15th century Oxfordshire manor house built by one of the richest men in England. From here, hike along the scenic Windrush River, stopping for lunch in a traditional pub along the way. This is one of the classic river walks of the Cotswolds. Today's hike ends directly at our hotel in the picturesque village of Burford, our home for the next two nights.

    Accommodation: The Lamb Inn-Burford, England

    The Lamb Inn is a quintessential English inn with modern day comforts, located on a quiet street in the historic market town of Burford. The 17 en-suite bedrooms have individual decor, featuring a collection of stylish fabrics and antique furnishings, and welcome extras like Nespresso machines. Guests love the quirky style and warmth of this charming traditional hotel.

    Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain

    Transportation: 1-hour private minibus transfer

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike the Monarch's Way North

    Day 2

    Today, embark on the first hiking adventure in the Cotswolds. Hike from one enchanting village to another on good trails, through pastoral green countryside. Highlights include the hamlets of Bourton-on-the-Water (known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'), and Lower Slaughter (much nicer than its name suggests) before finishing at the equally lovely Stow-on-the-Wold. A short 15 minute transfer leads back to the hotel in Burford.

    Accommodation: The Lamb Inn-Burford, England

    The Lamb Inn is a quintessential English inn with modern day comforts, located on a quiet street in the historic market town of Burford. The 17 en-suite bedrooms have individual decor, featuring a collection of stylish fabrics and antique furnishings, and welcome extras like Nespresso machines. Guests love the quirky style and warmth of this charming traditional hotel.

    Activity: 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike the Cotswolds Way

    Day 3

    Today starts with a short transfer to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, the official start of the Cotswolds Way trail. Set off southward toward the village of Broadway, then up Dover's Hill to take in great views across the region. After checking in to the hotel in Broadway, take an afternoon trip to the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon (30 minutes away), renowned as the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare.

    Accommodation: The Broadway-Broadway, England

    Tucked away in the Worcestershire village of Broadway, the Broadway Hotel is housed inside timbered buildings dating from the 15th century. Its rooms are spacious and comfortable, and come with an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi. The ambience is warm and welcoming, and it is a perfect place to unwind after rambling across the surrounding hills.

    Activity: 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling terrain with 650' elevation gain

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private minibus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Head South Along the Cotswolds Way

    Day 4

    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 we finish at the ruins of Hailes Abbey, founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall. A short transfer leads back to the hotel in Broadway, where you spend another night.

    Accommodation: The Broadway-Broadway, England

    Tucked away in the Worcestershire village of Broadway, the Broadway Hotel is housed inside timbered buildings dating from the 15th century. Its rooms are spacious and comfortable, and come with an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi. The ambience is warm and welcoming, and it is a perfect place to unwind after rambling across the surrounding hills.

    Activity: 4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • The Highest Point of the Cotwolds Way

    Day 5

    After a short transfer back to Hailes Abbey, rejoin the Cotswolds Way and hike south to Sudeley Castle, which boasts strong royal connections through its 1,000 year history. After exploring the castle, continue on to Cleeve Hill which, at 1,040-feet, is the highest point in the Cotswolds. From the summit, follow a broad ridge which gradually descends to the end point, Gotherington Railway Station. From here, jump on a steam train back to Broadway and our final night in the village.

    Accommodation: The Broadway-Broadway, England

    Tucked away in the Worcestershire village of Broadway, the Broadway Hotel is housed inside timbered buildings dating from the 15th century. Its rooms are spacious and comfortable, and come with an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi. The ambience is warm and welcoming, and it is a perfect place to unwind after rambling across the surrounding hills.

    Activity: 4-5 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain

    Transportation: 1-hour private minibus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Chedworth Roman Villa To Bibury

    Day 6

    Transfer 45-minutes south to the ruins of Chedworth, one of the grandest Roman villas of its time. After exploring the beautiful ruins, enjoy a relaxed hike, following the banks of the River Coln all the way to the next hotel, in the charming village of Bibury, passing through woodland and through small villages on the way. Our hotel is located just yards from Arlington Row, often said to be the prettiest street in England. This row of weavers cottages were created in the 17th century but the original buildings date back to around 1380. Stroll around the village before gathering for dinner.

    Accommodation: The Swan Hotel-Bibury, England

    Located on the enchanting banks of the Coln River in the idyllic village of Bibury, this former coaching inn is the ultimate haven for a peaceful escape. The 22 spacious, country-style rooms feature antique furnishings and contemporary fabrics and wallpapers. It's a delightful place to end a walk in the Cotswolds.

    Activity: 3-4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 325' elevation gain

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • River Coln Hike & Cirencester

    Day 7

    A brief transfer takes us to Pitham Copse and our trailhead. Enjoy a relaxed hike along the banks of the scenic River Coln, passing through the villages of Quenington and Coln St Aldwyns, before arriving back in Bibury. Freshen up and enjoy a pub lunch before we transfer into nearby Cirencester. Known as the capital of the Cotswolds, this historic town has strong Roman influence and we'll spend the afternoon exploring it. Afterwards, transfer back to Bibury for a final night dinner.

    Accommodation: The Swan Hotel-Bibury, England

    Located on the enchanting banks of the Coln River in the idyllic village of Bibury, this former coaching inn is the ultimate haven for a peaceful escape. The 22 spacious, country-style rooms feature antique furnishings and contemporary fabrics and wallpapers. It's a delightful place to end a walk in the Cotswolds.

    Activity: 2-3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 165' elevation gain

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private minibus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Return to Oxford

    Day 8

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

    Transportation: 45-minute private minibus transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

MT Sobek works only with expert local guides who take hikers deep into the heart of the English countryside and foster camaraderie at quaint inns.

Reason #02

This custom designed journey for MT Sobek features a visit to one of England's most famous towns, Stratford-upon-Avon, the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Reason #03

Trekkers take in the prehistoric 'White Horse,' a 360-ft-long and 3,000-year-old hillside sculpture, the oldest such site in Britain.

Meet your guides

Pete Long

Pete Long

Pete has spent most of his life hillwalking and trekking around the globe. He has trekked in Nepal, Bolivia, Patagonia, and Europe but loves hillwalking in his home country, particularly the Lake District. He's also gained many bushcraft skills on his travels and now utilizes his greatest interest and skills together in guiding others in the outdoors. Meet Pete on one of MT Sobek's incredible adventures in England.

Activities

Easy to moderate hikes through the pretty pastoral landscapes of the Cotswolds, paired with guided tours of historic sites and medieval market towns.

Lodging

Quintessential English inns and charming hotels in ancient buildings, featuring period details, modern amenities, and a welcoming ambience.

Climate

Mornings are cool and misty, while afternoons are clear and warm. Rain is common, but you can expect sunshine, too. Summer months can be quite warm.

FAQ

Who will meet me on arrival?

You will need to travel to the trip's starting point on your own. We will meet you in Oxford at 12pm on Day 1 to gather before boarding our vehicle to start the trip.

Can I wear hiking shoes or cross-trainers, or do I need hiking boots?

You can wear hiking shoes, but cross-trainers will probably get wet. The best footwear for this trip are water-proof walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots.

Can I skip a day of hiking on this trip?

Yes. If we are staying in the same hotel, you may simply relax at the hotel and explore the nearby villages. When we are changing hotels, you would ride with our guide in the minibus.

Will I have access to the support vehicle throughout the day?

Although we do have a support vehicle throughout the day, it is not always quickly accessible to the walkers.

What happens if it starts to rain?

We highly recommend that guests pack their rain gear in their day packs each day. There will be several opportunities to access the vehicle during each day.

Where do we eat lunch on this trip?

On this trip, lunches are either a great picnic lunch on the trail, prepared by your guides, or in a cozy pub along the way. All lunches are included on this trip.

lighted trees and hotel - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour
hiker and church steeple - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour
sheep - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour
village closeup - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour
sunrise valley - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour
village view - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour
cotswold street scene - England Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour

Testimonials

"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."

Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest

"We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek."

Dennis G.
MT Sobek Guest

  • 2022
  • Go Private
  • Go Custom

2022

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • May 27 - Jun 03, 2022
    $5,145 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,000 single supplement
    AvailableConfirmed
    Book This Date
  • Jun 24 - Jul 01, 2022
    $5,145 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,000 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Jul 29 - Aug 05, 2022
    $5,145 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,000 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine with welcome and farewell dinners)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Private

Go Private

Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private Trip.

Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

Private Trip Pricing:

2022 Pricing

6 to 7 guests from $5,355 per person double occupancy

8 to 9 guests from $5,255 per person double occupancy

Additional Costs:

Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.

Take Over One of These Dates

Make Your Own Dates in These Months

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine with welcome and farewell dinners)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure

Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

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Inspiration to Explore

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