Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: England Cotswolds Village to Village Walking
Day 1 A Classic Walk to Burford
1-hour private minibus transfer
3 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain
Meeting in Oxford (which is easily reached by train from London), a 45 minute transfer takes you to the tiny village of Swinbrook. Starting from the cricket green, a short leg-stretching walk takes you to Asthall, where you enjoy a traditional Cotswolds pub lunch in a local inn. Afterwards, walk alongside the Windrush River to the tiny St Oswald's Church, which dates back to the 11th century. Continue alongside the river all the way into Burford, ending directly at your hotel and base for the next 2 nights.
Accommodation: The Lamb Inn
(L, D)
Day 2 Hike the Monarch's Way North
3–4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain
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
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike the Cotswold Way
1.5-hour private minibus transfer
3–4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling terrain with 650' elevation gain
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
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Head South Along the Cotswold Way
4–5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain
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 finishing at the ruins of Hailes Abbey, founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall. A short transfer takes you a little further south to Sudeley Castle, which boasts strong royal connections through its 1,000 year history. Tour the grounds before transferring back to your hotel in Broadway.
Accommodation: The Broadway
(B, L)
Day 5 The Highest Point of the Cotswold Way
1-hour private minibus transfer
4–5 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain
After a short transfer back to Hailes Abbey, rejoin the Cotswold Way and hike south to Cleeve Hill which, at 1,040 feet, is the highest point in the Cotswolds. From the summit, take in breathtaking views of Cheltenham and the surrounding area. 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 your final night in the village.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Chedworth Roman Villa To Bibury
3–4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 325' elevation gain
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. Your 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
(B, L, D)
Day 7 River Coln Hike & Cirencester
1.5-hour private minibus transfer
2–3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 165' elevation gain
A brief transfer takes you to Pitham Copse and the 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 transferring into nearby Cirencester. Known as the capital of the Cotswolds, this historic town has strong Roman influence and you'll spend the afternoon exploring it. Afterwards, transfer back to Bibury for a final night dinner.
Accommodation: The Swan Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Return to Oxford
45-minute private minibus transfer
After breakfast, transfer back to Oxford where the trip concludes.
(B)
