Duration: 3, 4 or 5 nights / 2, 3, or 4 days walking
Distance: 22.75 miles / 36.4 km - 32.75 miles / 52.4 km
Grade: Easy to moderate
The best walking in the shortest time - this tour takes you through some of the most scenic and historic parts of the Cotswolds. It starts in Cheltenham Spa in the south and ends in Moreton-in-Marsh in the north, both of which are easily accessible by rail from London and major airports.
The route leads across rolling hills and through charming villages, passing landmarks such as Belas Knap long barrow, Hailes Abbey, and Sudeley Castle, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
The tour balances gentle exploration with opportunities to experience the Cotswolds’ unique character. The highlights of the tour are villages like Stanton, Winchcombe, and Blockley with historic churches and traditional limestone cottages, and the local attractions such as Broadway Tower and famous gardens such as Hidcote and Kiftsgate Court Gardens. Each stage of the journey offers something different, from historical sites and pastoral landscapes to quiet meadows and bustling market towns, making it a rewarding way to explore this quintessentially English countryside.
Upgraded accommodation available on request.
Prices based on 2 people sharing an en-suite room.
Start any day.
Special Offers - Discover our exclusive Special Offers—tours designed to be ready "off the rack," with guaranteed availability as described.
Optional Extra
If you would like one of our expert local guides to join you for a walk, please enquire about availability. Your guide will engage you in all things Cotswolds and explain the hidden secrets, routes, gardens, and history with a level of insight and personal experience that only a private guide can provide.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Cheltenham
Arrive Cheltenham Spa train station and transfer by taxi to Winchcombe (not included). Overnight in Winchcombe.
DAY TWO
Winchcombe to Broadway
9 miles/14.4 km or 11 miles/17.7 km
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'.
DAY THREE
Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh
13.75 miles/22 km
Walk up to Broadway Tower, the 18th century folly from where there are fine views across the vale. Descend to Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, with its covered market place, beautiful 'wool' church, almshouses and silversmith. Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
DAY FOUR
Depart after breakfast.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Cheltenham
Arrive Cheltenham Spa train station and transfer by taxi to Winchcombe (not included). Overnight in Winchcombe.
DAY TWO
Winchcombe to Broadway
9 miles/14.4 km or 11 miles/17.7 km
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'.
DAY THREE
Broadway to Chipping Campden
6 miles/9.5 km
A half day's walk over the hills via Broadway Tower with its magnificent views to Chipping Campden. In the afternoon, explore this charming town with its silversmiths and 'wool church', or visit Dover's Hill, site of the annual 'Cotswold Olympiks', or the beautiful gardens at Kiftsgate or the National Trust gardens at Hidcote; or spend the afternoon at nearby Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.
DAY FOUR
Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
7.75 miles/12.5 km
Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. On certain days of the week both Bourton House gardens and Sezincote House will be open. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
DAY FIVE
Depart after breakfast.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Cheltenham
Arrive Cheltenham Spa train station and overnight.
DAY TWO
Cheltenham to Winchcombe
8 miles/12.8 km
Starting from the classical Pump Room, the route crosses Cleeve Hill - the highest point of the Cotswolds - to Belas Knap long barrow and descends to Sudeley Castle and the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, with its fine wool church. Overnight in Winchcombe.
DAY THREE
Winchcombe to Broadway
9 miles/14.4 km or 11 miles/17.7 km
Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House, with its magnificent gatehouse and medieval tithe barn and on to idyllic Stanton. Stay in the coaching village of Broadway, where an array of fine houses and inns flank the 'broad way'.
DAY FOUR
Broadway to Chipping Campden
6 miles/9.5 km
A half day's walk over the hills via Broadway Tower with its magnificent views to Chipping Campden. In the afternoon, explore this charming town with its silversmiths and 'wool church', or visit Dover's Hill, site of the annual 'Cotswold Olympiks', or the beautiful gardens at Kiftsgate or the National Trust gardens at Hidcote; or spend the afternoon at nearby Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.
DAY FIVE
Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
7.75 miles/12.5 km
Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. On certain days of the week both Bourton House gardens and Sezincote will be open. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
DAY SIX
Depart after breakfast.
A taxi from Cheltenham Spa train station to Winchcombe should cost approximately £30.
Just returned to the States with great appreciation for our first walking experience with Cotswold Walks! We loved the quiet, unhurried experience of navigating the countryside and the gorgeous vistas of farm country and historic sites we encountered every day. Your detailed trail maps, coupled with the very useable and accurate app, helped us sort out details of the trip navigation easily -- they were of exceptional quality! We loved the chance to explore the small towns we visited and the inns were comfortable and welcoming. This was our first walking vacation and, based on what a wonderful experience it was, we will certainly do it again! Thanks so much for arranging such a terrific trip!
Sarah S.
September 2023
I finally have a chance to reply and to let you know that our hiking tour in the Cotswolds was exceptional! It certainly exceeded our expectations. From the moment I made contact with Adam describing the trip we wanted, he was organized and professional. He created a perfect hiking experience for us that was exactly what we hoped for. All of the accommodations we had were wonderful. The hiking from town to town was simply beautiful. What a great asset to have those public paths everywhere! Having all the trails downloaded to GPS made the navigating so easy. We ran into other hikers trying to read their paper maps in the rain and having a hard time. I just put my phone in a plastic bag and it worked great. We rarely got lost, but when we did the GPS let us know! Just a fabulous trip all the way around and we have already decided we want to do it again. We will definitely use Cotswold Walks the next time and will recommend your company to anyone who is interested.
Mary G.
September 2023
My husband and I had a fantastic time on the Cotswold Line! Three days and four nights was the perfect length for our first rambling trip. We were really thankful for the pair of hiking poles. We each carried one and found it really helped walking up and down hills and through uneven fields. The route notes were very clear, but it was good to have the app as a backup.
Whitney H.
August 2023
Our four days of walking in the Cotswolds were wonderful. The highlight of our two week visit to England. We loved the sense of being away from everything. It was just us, beautiful scenery, wildflowers and the sheep. The directions, maps and GPS were great and easy to use. Our favorite lodging was The Portland Guesthouse. We enjoyed dinner at The Swan in Broadway. I’ve already recommended Cotswold Walks to friends and would do it again myself. Thank you so much. This trip exceeded my expectations.
Cathleen W.
May 2023
We had the best trip, everything was perfect! All the accommodations was above expected, the route was amazingly beautiful and all the people we met so friendly. Your communication before and during our trip was 100% and the maps and app helped us find our way perfectly fine. Although Lygon Arms was a marvelous experience of course, I think the last stop in Moreton-In-Marsh was our favorite. Nice town and lovely hotel. I have recommended you to several friends of mine and we will come back for another walk in the future.
Annika B.
April 2023
I apologize for not sending you a huge thank-you when we returned from our wonderful Cotswold walk- however, better late than never.
Your arrangements and suggestions all worked out wonderfully. Even the car transportation was punctual and accommodating!
We lucked into glorious weather, only having a few minutes of light rain one day when crossing the hills from Cheltenham to Broadway. Your directions were very helpful but the app with GPS was a fabulous addition, preventing us from getting lost.
Again, we appreciate all of your assistance with planning our vacation. We had such a marvelous time exploring the Cotswolds and being together on the trails.
Karen L.
July 2022
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your service and the entire experience with Cotswold Walks.
We were in the UK for two weeks, and the time hiking was by far the best part of the entire trip! Everything was so well organized, I loved all the accommodations, and when we had the slight issue (below) everything was handled so well and came out perfect. The hikes were gorgeous, and the maps and app was very helpful and easy to navigate,
Thank you so much for everything! We will definitely use you again, and refer everyone we know to Cotswold Walks!
Amy S.
July 2022
Cotswold Walks