England Cotswolds Village to Village Walking Tour
A Picturesque Walk Through the English Countryside
- Available: June, July, September
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
6-12 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Hike through picturesque English countryside, passing charming villages like Chipping Camden, Stow-in-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water
- Explore the historic Roman town of Cirencester
- Stay in cozy and welcoming country inns, offering character-filled accommodation and delicious local meals
Itinerary
A Classic Walk to Burford
Day 1
Meeting in Oxford (which is easily reached by train from London), a 45 minute transfer takes us to the tiny village of Swinbrook. Starting from the cricket green, a short leg-stretching walk takes us to Asthall, where we enjoy a traditional Cotswolds pub lunch in a local inn. Afterwards, we walk alongside the Windrush River to the tiny St Oswald's Church, which dates back to the 11th century. We continue alongside the river all the way into Burford, ending directly at our hotel and base for the next 2 nights.
Accommodation: The Lamb Inn-Burford, England
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
Activity: 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Cotswold Way
Day 3
Today starts with a short transfer to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, the official start of the Cotswold 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
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 Cotswold Way
Day 4
Today continue on the Cotswold Way, hiking directly from the hotel southwards out of Broadway on rolling terrain. Climb up to the site of 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
Activity: 4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The Highest Point of the Cotwold Way
Day 5
After a short transfer back to Hailes Abbey, rejoin the Cotswold 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
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
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
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
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $5,945 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,200 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,300 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,300 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,300 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,300 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,300 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$1,300 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
5 to 6 guests from $6,695 per person double occupancy
7 to 8 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
9 guests from $5,995 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.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
June, July, September
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.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary (excludes dinner on Day 4)
- 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
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Jeremy Martin
Jeremy is a top MT Sobek guide, who loves exploring wild places the world over! As well as guiding in his home country of New Zealand for over 15 years, Jeremy leads intrepid adventures in England, Scotland, and Ireland. He has a special passion for summer walks in England, leading England Coast to Coast Hiking and Village to Village Hiking in the Cotswolds. When he's not guiding for MT Sobek, Jeremy enjoys examining maps, planning adventures, and working with school groups near his home in Herefordshire, England.

Dan Morgan
Dan lives in the English Lake District where he regularly climbs the local crags and fells, paddles the rivers and cycles the trails. He has lived in the Highlands of Scotland, which is his spiritual home and the land of his ancestors. He has travelled extensively on every continent except the Poles, one day perhaps!. When not guiding for MT Sobek he will be plotting his next ski trip to Norway or climbing trip to the Alps.

Jamie Pimblett
Jamie is a MT Sobek guide who has taken his passion for the outdoors all over the world! Guiding across open seas and high peaks he leads kayaking, climbing, and hiking in a range of environments. Growing up with the Peak district on his doorstep has shaped a special connection to the countryside especially within Northern England. When he’s not guiding for MT Sobek he’s on his own adventures and could be anywhere.
Activity Level
This trip is rated 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 about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain
Day 2
3-4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain
Day 3
3-4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling terrain with 650' elevation gain
Day 4
4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain
Day 5
4-5 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain
Day 6
3-4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 325' elevation gain
Day 7
2-3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 165' elevation gain
Accommodations
Quintessential English inns and charming hotels in ancient buildings, featuring period details, modern amenities, and a welcoming ambience.
Weather
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.
Know Before You Book
Accommodations
This itinerary stays in small country villages, sleeping in centuries-old inns. Most of our guests find the experience of sleeping in historic English inns to be a charming and authentic part of this trip. However, be advised that guestrooms and en-suite bathrooms are quite small.
FAQs
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 10am 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.
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Guest Reviews
"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."
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MT Sobek Guest
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