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

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

B&B's

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

$1960USD

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
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.

Traveller Rating

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

12kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(87kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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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.

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. Accommodation: Overnight in a welcoming guesthouse in Guiting Power.

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

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.

Grading

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

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

High season is 1 May - 30 June and 1-30 Sept. A supplement appies for high season departures.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1960USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$750
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$800

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?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

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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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Discover the Cotswolds on foot | Tim Charody

England, The Cotswolds, United Kingdom, Cotswolds Walks, Cotswolds Cycling

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