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Highlights
Explore the quaint country villages of the Cotswolds on this self-guided walking tour
Enjoy the pleasant paths that wind along the rivers, streams, and rolling hills of the English countryside.
Discover the charm of each of these picturesque villages as you take in their unique architecture and personality.
Stay in welcoming local inns and bed & breakfasts that will immerse you in laid-back country life.
Experience history coming to life as you walk to mills, museums, shops, and gardens that have been carefully preserved.
Have the quintessential English countryside experience on this self-guided walking tour of the Cotswold villages! Each day you’ll take a lovely walk through the bucolic villages whose honey-coloured stone walls transport you back in time.
On this walking tour, you’ll be travelling from Cheltenham to Moreton-in-Marsh on foot. This is the best way to experience the rolling hills and stunning country manor houses of the area. You’ll have plenty of time to wander through gardens and picture-perfect villages along your route. The 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking tour is the perfect, easy-going self-guided tour for you to explore this beautiful part of England.
Have the quintessential English countryside experience on this self-guided walking tour of the Cotswold villages! Each day you’ll take a lovely walk through the bucolic villages whose honey-coloured stone walls transport you back in time.
On this walking tour, you’ll be travelling from Cheltenham to Moreton-in-Marsh on foot. This is the best way to experience the rolling hills and stunning country manor houses of the area. You’ll have plenty of time to wander through gardens and picture-perfect villages along your route. The 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking tour is the perfect, easy-going self-guided tour for you to explore this beautiful part of England.
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5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Cheltenham
Your adventure will begin with your arrival at Cheltenham. Settle in your hotel and prepare for your adventure to start.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cheltenham
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Bourton-on-the-Water
Clients will be collected for a short transfer to Chedworth Roman Villa or Northleach (client preference) before walking to Bourton-on-the-Water. The beautiful pastures and woods along the banks of the little River Coln are the setting for the best exposed Roman villa in the country. The handsome little market town of Northleach provides an excellent introduction to this countryside. Its large 15th century wool church, built by wealthy merchants, is typical of the Cotswold style while the Heritage Centre gives a fascinating insight into traditional farming life. The walk follows the Monarch’s Way through unspoilt hamlets and over the rolling country to Bourton in the valley of the River Windrush. This is the most famous village in the area with a wide range of attractions including museums, perfumery and a delightful maze.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: Long route: 17 km
Short route: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike to Stow-on-the-Wold
Two beautiful riverside villages will feature on today’s walk. Lower and Upper Slaughter, on the banks of the little River Eye, are among the most popular in the Cotswolds. The charming cottages, manor houses and water mill which are being restored to full working order, are favourite subjects for local artists who regularly exhibit their work in the village hall. Lower and Upper Swell on the River Dickler are equally pleasant with cosy country inns and unique features like the Georgian therapeutic well. The town of Stow-on-the-Wold has a number of handsome stone buildings that stand around the ancient market square that once hosted some of the greatest sheep fairs in the country.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold
Distance: Long route: 3 hours, 12 km
Short route: 2.5 hours, 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk to Moreton-on-Marsh
Continue up the Evenlode Valley past the typically English manor at Donnington and the surprising Oriental house at Sezincote. Here the 18th-century manor is built in the Indian style with water gardens. Moreton in Marsh stands on either side of a broad main street lined with fine houses, shops and inns. Please note that in some cases you might need to spend the night in Stow-on-the-Wold instead.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: 2-3 hours, 10-12 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Final Morning in Moreton-in-Marsh
Your tour ends after breakfast when you check out of your hotel. Travel back to London for your flight home or continue your journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in England is run as private tour for your group only and the price depends on the type of room that you choose.Prices below are per person:
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: GBP720
- Price per person staying in a single room: GBP1291
Accommodation on the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and bed & breakfasts. These boutique hotels offer comfortable rooms in charming locations.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel (please inquire for the pricing). Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Cheltenham and after the tour in Moreton-in-Marsh are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for your luggage is included each day between your hotels as outlined in the itinerary. Your transfer to the beginning of your trail on the first day is also included.
Also Included
- Complete tour information packages
- Smartphone app with GPS routes
- Access to 24-hour emergency helpline
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from England
- Lunches, dinners, drinks, or snacks
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Busses and/or ferries, unless stated otherwise
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Gratuities for restaurant servers or hotel staff
- How hard is the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to England?
- Are meals included on the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cheltenham to start this tour?
- Is the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour guided?
- Where does the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour end?
- Are equipment rentals included?
- What should I wear on the 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to the United Kingdom?
- Are there any travel restrictions for the United Kingdom?
- When is the best time to travel to England for this tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. Please be prepared to walk between 2 and 3 hours each day on non-challenging terrain.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
The closest international airports to Cheltenham are London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). From London, you can reach Cheltenham via Junction 11 of the M5 if you are driving. You can also take the train; the Great Western Railway runs to Cheltenham Spa from Didcot Parkway, Reading, and London Paddington station.
No, this is a self-guided walking tour. You’ll be provided with a tour information package and a GPS app to guide you along your route.
This tour ends in Moreton-in-Marsh. You can take the train back to London from here.
No, there are no equipment rentals provided. Please bring all personal equipment desired.
It’s recommended that you wear comfortable layered clothing on your walks. Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics are a great choice. It’s a good idea to bring waterproof clothing in case of rain, as well as a hat for sun protection.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to England for this tour is the summer (June-September) when the weather is at its warmest and driest.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Customer Ratings
Compass Holidays has been helping walkers explore the best walks in the UK since 1990. Their expert team organize great walking holidays so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your time away.
