Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Independent tour

The Cotswolds are hills of about 300 metres in height that are mostly in the historic counties of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, about 150 km west of London, not far from the border with Wales. Their northern extremity is between Chipping Campden and Stratford-on-Avon and their southern extremity is at Bath. In the middle ages their prosperity derived from wool, which was considered the finest in Europe. Today, the chief glory of the area lies in its villages - gems of architecture that developed out of the medieval wool trade and which have survived unspoilt into the 20th century.

The Cotswolds form the largest conservation area in the UK. But there is much more in this area of unexpected contrasts. Marvellous views from the Cotswold escarpment; countryside that is a happy compromise between man and nature; some of England's finest churches; country houses, Neolithic barrows, ruined abbeys, gothic collies, magnificent gardens and even a substantial industrial heritage - and all best seen on foot. In between these delights, you'll also find plenty of good pubs serving local beers and excellent food! By following our detailed walking tours, each night you stay in good standard Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a charming Cotswold village or town offering a wide range of pubs and restaurants.

Collect your route kit and maps at your hotel upon check-in.

A walk that takes you through the town, visiting the many sites associated with William Shakespeare, is possible; or a longer walk into the countryside surrounding the town. Overnight Stratford.

Day 3: Stratford-on-Avon - Moreton-in-Marsh (18 km)

Possible transfer to Mickleton (or Hidcote, one of Britain's greatest formal gardens).

Walk to Chipping Campden, one of the loveliest of Cotswold Towns, with its perfect main street and magnificent 'wool' church. It was local custom that rich wool-merchants built churches, thus named “Wool-Churches”. Continue on to Moreton-in-Marsh for overnight.

From Moreton, walk via Sezincote, with its unique Mughal style house, Stow-in-the-Wold, the highest village in the Cotswolds, and pretty Lower Slaughter, to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions.

Bourton to Winchcombe, following the pretty River Windrush to Naunton and then from Guiting Power over the wolds to Winchcombe, former Saxon capital, with its castle.

Recuperate from the rather long previous day, explore Sudeley Castle and the old church and seek sustenance in one of the beautiful restaurants. Possibility to take the bus to Cheltenham (approx. 12 km).

This magnificent walk takes you across country to Stanway and Stanton, one of the best preserved Cotswold villages (much used for period films) before arriving at the old coaching village of Broadway for overnight.

After breakfast your tour comes to an end, and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

Price & Schedule

DEPARTURE DATES:

Daily from mid-April to mid-October

- 7 nights with breakfast in typical English 3 star guesthouses and inns of high standard, with shower or bath and toilet

- Well marked route

- Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers

- Transfer to Mickleton

- Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse

- Hiking rucksack per room

- Emergency service hotline

EASY TO MODERATE: Some gentle hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land, villages and sometimes even private gardens. Suitable for anyone with just a reasonable level of fitness.