Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

Postcard perfect Cotswolds villages | Tim Charody

Walk through classic English countryside | Tim Charody

When nature and architecture combine | Tim Charody

Discover the Cotswolds on foot | Tim Charody

A Cotswold Way sign | Tim Charody

walking across River Eye | John Millen

The quiet streets of the Cotswolds | Tim Charody

Hike to the iconic Broadway Tower in the Cotswolds | Tim Charody

Iconic telephone box in the Cotswolds | Tim Charody

Full English breakfast | Tim Charody

Postcard perfect Cotswolds villages | Tim Charody

Walk through classic English countryside | Tim Charody

When nature and architecture combine | Tim Charody

Discover the Cotswolds on foot | Tim Charody

A Cotswold Way sign | Tim Charody

walking across River Eye | John Millen

The quiet streets of the Cotswolds | Tim Charody

Hike to the iconic Broadway Tower in the Cotswolds | Tim Charody

Iconic telephone box in the Cotswolds | Tim Charody

Full English breakfast | Tim Charody

introductory to moderate

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

B&B's

Meals

7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1180GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: UCO

Self Guided Cotswolds Walking Trip highlights

Gentle walks in the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Begin in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare
Classic Cotswold Villages: Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe
Visit Sudeley Castle, home of Katherine Parr, and Hailes Abbey
Honey-coloured cottages, pubs and classic countryside views
3
Revised Itinerary for 2026 with overnight in Guiting Power - no taxis!

This trip is designed to offer a gentle introduction to walking in the English countryside. The Cotswolds are rolling rather than mountainous, with the highest point rising just over 300 metres (1,000 feet). Officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the landscape is a patchwork of honey-coloured villages, fields bordered by dry-stone walls, wooded valleys and wide open views.

Your route begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and leads through some of the region’s most picturesque villages and market towns. Highlights include Mickleton, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, the Slaughters, and Guiting Power. You’ll also explore Winchcombe, with visits to the historic Sudeley Castle and the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey.

Around half of the itinerary, approximately 80 kms (50 miles), follows the famous Cotswold Way, claimed to be the best waymarked trail in England.

With its honey-coloured limestone cottages, historic churches and welcoming pubs, this holiday captures the charm of the Cotswolds at an easy pace, perfect for first-time walkers and those who want time to enjoy both the scenery and the villages along the way.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Stratford-upon-Avon

Finishing Point:

Winchcombe

Fleece seller, Chipping Camden | John Millen

'Exploring the Cotswolds' Trip with Anna | Anna Frank

Primary Itinerary
2026 Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Stratford-upon-Avon

Make your own way to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The day is free to explore the town. You can visit Shakespeare's birthplace in the centre of town, the Holy Trinity Church where he is buried, and the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway once lived. Or why not see a famous play at The Royal Shakespeare theatres. Accommodation: Overnight in a traditional English bed & breakfast with en-suite rooms, delicious home cooking, friendly service and a cosy atmosphere.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk to Mickleton via Hidcote Gardens - 17 km/10.5 miles, 5.5 h

Today's walk will bring you to Mickleton. We suggest that you stop off at the National Trust Gardens at Hidcote Manor, near Mickleton. Enjoy the wide views over the vales of Severn and Avon toward the Malvern Hills and Wales. Accommodation: A small hotel with award winning restaurant.

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk to Broadway via Chipping Campden Fish Hill - 14.5 km/9 miles, 4 h

Today you will walk to Broadway via Chipping Campden, Fish Hill and the unique Broadway Tower, which offers remarkable views of the Cotswolds. Broadway is a beautiful and picturesque town, and the main street is lined with magnificent stone-built houses as well as some great antique shops. Accommodation: You will receive a warm welcome at a local hotel in Broadway.

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk to Blockley - 19.3 km/12 miles, 6 h

On today's walk to Blockley you will pass Buckland where you can take a little time to explore, the church is interesting and has medieval painted roof timbers. Pass Laverton, Stanton and Snowshill. A visit to the Tudor Snowshill Manor, with its collection of art and artefacts from all over the world, is highly recommended. Blockley bears some resemblance to the villages of the Stroud Valley but the stone is much more golden in colour. During the 18th century when the wool industry was in decline, Blockley turned to silk production. The village is a unique collection of buildings reflecting its past glory of mills and silk production and is quite different in character to other north Cotswolds villages. Accommodation: A traditional inn in the village.

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Bourton-on-the-Water via Batsford & Lower Slaughter - 21.5 km/13 miles, 7 h

Today is a beautiful walk, and you will be able to explore some of the prettiest villages of the Cotswolds. To the medieval wool town of Bourton-on-the-Water, the walk will take you via Batsford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Lower Slaughter. The river Windrush flows down the main street of Bourton-on-the-Water. This Cotswolds town is well known for its footbridges over the river Evenlode. Accommodation: A family run 4* guesthouse where you can expect a warm welcome on arrival.

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk to Guiting Power - 11.6 km/7 miles, 4 h. Taxi to Winchcombe

An easy schedule today, which allows ample time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water with its many attractions before setting out on your walk. Guiting Power, nestled in the hills above a small valley, is a perfect example of a Cotswold village. Due to limited accommodation in Guiting Power, you will spend 2 nights in Winchcombe. You will meet with a taxi in Guiting Power and be transferred to your accommodation in Winchcombe (included in the cost of your trip). Accommodation: You will spend 2 nights at a charming, traditional pub located in the heart of Winchcombe. It has a cosy, rustic feel offering local ales and hearty food. *NEW ITINERARY 2026 - will include an overnight stay in Guiting Power with no taxi transfers required*

Meals: B

Day 7
Taxi to Guiting Power, then walk to Winchcombe 18.5 km/11.5 miles, 6 h

Your taxi (included in the cost of your trip) will drop you back at Guiting Power and from here you will walk to Winchcombe via one of these options: - Sudeley Castle, . 18.5 km/11.5 miles, 5 h - Warden’s Way & Sudeley Castle, 10.46 km/6.5 miles / 10.46 km, 2.5 h Your walk today leads you to the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey, destroyed under Henry VIII, and the still inhabited Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr lived. heart of Winchcombe. It has a cosy, rustic feel offering local ales and hearty food. *NEW ITINERARY 2026 - overnight in Winchcombe with no taxi transfer required*

Meals: B

Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk to Mickleton via Hidcote Gardens - 17 km/10.5 miles, 5.5 h

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk to Broadway via Chipping Campden Fish Hill - 14.5 km/9 miles, 4 h

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk to Blockley - 19.3 km/12 miles, 6 h

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Bourton-on-the-Water via Batsford & Lower Slaughter - 21.5 km/13 miles, 7 h

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk to Guiting Power - 11.6 km/7 miles, 4 h.

Meals: B

Day 7
Walk Winchcombe 18.5 km/11.5 miles, 6 h

Walk to Winchcombe via one of these options: - Sudeley Castle, . 18.5 km/11.5 miles, 5 h - Warden’s Way & Sudeley Castle, 10.46 km/6.5 miles / 10.46 km, 2.5 h Your walk today leads you to the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey, destroyed under Henry VIII, and the still inhabited Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr lived. Accommodation: A comfortable inn in the heart of Winchcombe. It has a cosy, rustic feel offering local ales and hearty food.

Meals: B

Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts
7 nights B&B accommodation on a twin share basis usually with ensuite facilities
One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg
Digital information pack including Navigational App, route notes & maps
Emergency hotline
Return taxi Guiting Power - Winchcombe (2025 departures)

What's not included

Travel to Stratford and from Winchcombe
Lunches, dinners and drinks
Transfers
Items of a personal nature
Travel insurance
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation

Hotels, guesthouses & country inns

You will stay in a variety of welcoming Cotswold hotels, inns and guesthouses, each selected for its local character, comfort and convenient location close to the walking route. Rooms include private bathrooms where available, along with facilities such as a TV and tea and coffee making supplies. Ensuite rooms cannot always be confirmed due to the small scale of rural properties. A hearty English breakfast is usually provided, and several accommodations also feature bars and restaurants serving locally sourced food. While we always aim to book the accommodations described, this is not guaranteed. In some cases, we may need to use a similar standard property nearby. Please note that in Bourton-on-the-Water, equivalent alternatives are limited.

Trail Surface

Natural Terrain on Countryside Paths

The trails wind through open countryside, farm land, fields, woodland and local villages. Many of the trails have been walked for centuries as a means of local travel. Generally the paths are well-worn, but they are mostly natural terrain which can be rocky and muddy if it rains when care must be taken. Walking boots are essential, and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

We grade this walk as Easy to Moderate compared to our other UK tours. The route is gently hilly rather than mountainous, and the weather is rarely too severe for walking. Villages are frequent along the way, offering regular opportunities to rest or explore. On Day 7, a shorter walk option is available, providing extra flexibility towards the end of the itinerary.

Departure dates

Daily from 16 Mar to 20 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

DN1

A supplement applies to overnight stays in Mickleton on a Friday or Saturday evening.

DN2

For more hiking options in the Cotswolds consider a 5-day walk (code WMW), 6-day option (code TCO), and the full Cotswold Way (code WAD).

DN3

Mid Season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug and High Season is from 1 May - 30 June & 1-30 Sep. A supplement applies for mid and high season departures.

Priceper person from

£1180GBP

Options & Supplements*

Single Supplement 2025GBP£440
Single Supplement 2026GBP£480
Solo Traveller Supplement 2025GBP£590
Solo Traveller Supplement 2026GBP£590

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all | Collapse all

?Does this trip follow the Cotswold Way?

This is a walking holiday in the Cotswolds that follows footpaths into interesting villages that the Cotswold Way largely misses. There are a couple of days where you will be walking on the Cotswold Way for some of the time. If you like to walk the Cotswold Way National Trail, please have a look at our trip called Cotswold Way (code WAD).

?Is navigation in the Cotswolds difficult?

This trip includes walks on several marked and recognised local walking routes, and also on more general village footpaths through fields and country trails. To support you, we provide access to our dedicated navigational walking app, which includes GPS mapping and all of the detailed route notes in digital form. These can also be printed if you prefer a paper copy. Unlike the UK National Trails, this path is not continuously waymarked, although you will see markers such as yellow or white arrows and signs for local trails. With the app and notes, you’ll always have clear guidance at hand.

?Will I need walking boots when I go walking in the Cotswolds?

We recommend footwear with ankle support as it is easy to twist an ankle when you're in the outdoor. Please note that on this walk sections can be muddy after rain and it is certainly worth having boot-type shoes. Make sure your boots are well worn-in before you embark on the trip.

?Do you have suggestions for adding in extra nights?

An extra night in Stratford-upon-Avon gives you more time to explore the world of Shakespeare. You can visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Hall’s Croft, wander the historic streets lined with timber-framed houses, or enjoy a performance with the Royal Shakespeare Company. A stroll by the River Avon or a boat trip also adds to the experience.

Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, is another rewarding place to stay longer. With its stone bridges crossing the River Windrush, it’s a perfect spot to relax, browse tea rooms and shops, or visit attractions like the Cotswold Motoring Museum, the Model Village, or the nearby Birdland Park and Gardens. It also makes a good base for exploring nearby villages such as Upper and Lower Slaughter.

?How is this 8-day walk different to the 5-day 'Exploring the Cotswolds'?

This walking holiday includes several places that are excluded from the 5-day trip, these are Stratford Upon Avon, Mickleton, Chipping Camden, Blockley and Broadway. In addition, this walk does not include Moreton-in-Marsh, which the 5-day walk does visit.

Self Guided Cotswolds Walking Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.