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Walking the Cotswold Ring

1-800-267-3347

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  • Holiday code
    W07CW
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided walking
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
    , and
  • Activity level
  • Call usfor dates and prices
  • Departures
    Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 1 Jan '70 to 1 Jan '70
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels
  • Breakfast daily
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route directions and maps
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Route directions and maps
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Hotel upgrades
  • Suitable for
  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Food lovers, flora & fauna, art & history, vegetarian meals
      from 8 reviews

Ms DOMINEY says...
Most enjoyable circular walk in beautiful countryside. Travelled and walked alone using the excellent maps and instructions provided. Accommodation very ...
Read reviews »

United Kingdom: The Cotswolds

Walking the Cotswold Ring

This trip is currently unavailable. Please call us on 1-800-267-3347 for further details.

  • Explore the Cotswolds - England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Beautiful villages including Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Winchcombe
  • Visit the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle (last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's 6th wife)
  • Stunning gardens at historical manor houses including National Trust gardens
  • Start your walk from historic spa town, Cheltenham with an optional visit to Stratford-upon-Avon en route.

This walk through the Cotswolds starts in the historic Regency spa town of Cheltenham and explores the quintessentially British villages of the area. The Cotswolds are England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with a combination of panoramic rolling hills, sites of historical interest and the archetypal golden-hued vilages, there is so much to explore! Enjoy the delights of Cheltenham before taking in some world-famous villages along the route, including Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and the Saxon capital of Winchcombe. There's even the option to take a side trip to visit Stratford-upon-Avon if a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace is calling you!

Your route takes you over Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds, to Sudeley Castle, the last resting place of Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's 6th wife). Visit some of the 'wool churches' of the Cotswolds - so named because of the input of finances from local, wealthy wool merchants back in medieval times to create elaborate and architecturally stunning buildings. Two of note on this route are in Winchcombe and Chipping Campden. Other points of interest along the route include some beautiful formal gardens at Kiftsgate or the Hidcote National Trust gardens. The River Windrush (after which the post-war West Indian immigration boat was named) forms part of the route back to Cheltenham from Bourton-on-the-Water.

Accommodation along the route has been hand-picked in Bed & Breakfasts with character, ranging from inns and townhouses to tearooms. Offering a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome, as well as hearty breakfasts, they offer comfortable stops along the walk and a charming insight into Cotswold life.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com

Day-by-day itinerary



We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 , or email usa@exodustravels.com

Day 1: Arrive in Cheltenham Spa

On arrival in the historic spa town of Cheltenham you may well be tempted to explore the local area and some of its 'treasures' before finding somewhere to eat near the hotel.
Stay overnight at The Portland Guesthouse or similar

Day 2: Cheltenham to Winchcombe (8.75mi/14km)

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'.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Lion Inn or similar

Day 3: Winchcombe to Broadway (9 or 11mi/14.4 or 17.7km)

Follow the pilgrims' route to Hailes Abbey, then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House and on to idyllic Stanton, before reaching the old coaching village of Broadway for your overnight.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Windrush House or similar

Day 4: Broadway to Chipping Campden (6mi/9.5km)

A half day's walking 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.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Noel Arms or similar

Day 5: Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh (7.75mi/12.5km)

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 the idyllic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The White Hart Royal Hotel or similar

Day 6: Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water (12mi/19km)

After crossing the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, the Cotswold Ring then passes through Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water, prettily located on the River Windrush, with its many attractions.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Manor Close or similar

Day 7: Bourton-on-the-Water to Cheltenham (17.5mi/28km)

The Ring follows the pretty River Windrush through the delightful villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. Finally, a dramatic descent from the high wolds, through the meadows of the Cotswold escarpment, to journey's end in Cheltenham.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Portland Guesthouse or similar

Day 8: Depart after breakfast


Breakfast included

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Portland Guesthouse, Cheltenham

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The Portland Guesthouse is a late Georgian property with seven ensuite bedrooms, each with a unique personality. Decor ranges from Regency blue and gold to a warming plum and light neutral lower floor rooms. Breakfast is served in the traditional regency breakfast room.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

The Lion Inn, Winchcombe

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The Lion Inn is a 15th Century Coaching Inn with eight classically decorated rooms. There is also a garden, bar and restaurant.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Windrush House, Broadway

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Windrush House is just a short walk from the picturesque Cotswold village of Broadway. Rooms have been individually designed and feature stylish colour schemes and opulent fabrics, providing an alluring retreat for the discerning guest. A scrumptious breakfast will start your day perfectly, the finest local ingredients are sourced to ensure freshness and quality.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Noel Arms, Chipping Campden

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The Noel Arms is one of the oldest inns in the Cotswolds, dating from the 16th Century and is steeped in history. Rooms are individually styled with elegant furniture. There is a on-site restaurant and coffee shop. Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.


Extra nights: Please contact us for details.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

The White Hart Royal Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh

Set in a 17th-century former coaching inn, the White Hart Royal Hotel is located in Moreton-in-Marsh’s historic town centre and boasts regal connections as King Charles I took shelter here during the English Civil War. A four-poster bed, private garden, spacious wet room and a roll-top bath feature in some of the individually designed bedrooms. Flagstone floors and an original inglenook fireplace are in the traditional Snug Bar and guests can also make use of the hotel’s two period lounges. Fresh, local ingredients are served on the traditional British menu in the Courtyard Restaurant.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

The Manor Close B&B, Bourton-on-the-Water

The Manor Close B&B offers a warm and friendly welcome and brings the best of Bourton-on-the-Water to your doorstep. With its English country house feel, guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV and complimentary WiFi. The property also features a Full English Breakfast with all ingredients being locally sourced wherever possible including the eggs that are both locally sourced and free range. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Extending your stay

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

The Oxford Coach & Horses B&B, Oxford

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The Oxford Coach & Horses is built on the site of an old coaching inn dating from the 18th century and is located within 10 minutes walk from the city centre. This delightful, refurbished coaching inn offers a pleasant retreat and an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle nearby and yet far enough away from it all. Said to be the last coaching inn in Oxford before the road to London was put in, the Oxford Coach & Horses is a family-owned business with eight bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, a flat screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a safe and plenty of storage space. There is also tea & coffee making facilities. The property is small enough to provide a friendly welcome with the advantage of having up-to-date facilities to make your visit relaxed and comfortable. The B&B is just around the corner from a vast range of international cuisine in the St Clements and Cowley Road area.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

The Kennard, Bath

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The Kennard is located on a quiet residential street in easy walking distance from some of the best restaurants and shopping areas of Bath, as well as close to Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, Holburne Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery. This boutique Guest House offers 12 refurbished and individually decorated bedrooms over five floors, with views either over the garden and city, or out over the street below. There is free Wi-Fi, a small sitting area and an honesty bar at the property and full English breakfast (or continental buffet) is included.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Portland Guesthouse, Cheltenham

Hair dryer iconNEARBY:

The Portland Guesthouse is a late Georgian property with seven ensuite bedrooms, each with a unique personality. Decor ranges from Regency blue and gold to a warming plum and light neutral lower floor rooms. Breakfast is served in the traditional regency breakfast room.

Travel

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


Ms DOMINEY, 24/10/2021

Most enjoyable circular walk in beautiful countryside. Travelled and walked alone using the excellent maps and instructions provided. Accommodation very close to the walk routes, so no detours / taxis required. Found my own dinner options online and booking in advance to be recommended at present. Luggage transfer went very smoothly and mostly found my suitcase already in my room on arrival. Comfortable and very clean ensuite rooms, although one was a bit cramped, but in a very old coaching hotel. Would travel again with Headwater as I felt confident with all planning.


Mr FAIRWEATHER, 20/09/2021

An excellent holiday, with detailed route notes that were generally easy to follow. Because several different long distance routes were combined, the walking was varied and always interesting. The accommodation en route was more than satisfactory and ideally located. One regret was that, with only one night in each village, by the time that the day's walk was completed, there wasn't time to explore fully some of the interesting places on the way.


Mr RUGG, 25/07/2021

Really wonderful walking - the Cotswold Ring was quite exceptional. The walks were about the right distance for us but we broke up the final walk between Stowe and Cheltenham with a stop-over a the Guitling Guest House in Guiting Power. We can highly recommend this walk.


Mr HALL, 06/07/2021

This was my 2nd self guiding walking holiday with Headwater. Yet again this was a very enjoyable experience. The local agent provided a well informed and written booklet of route notes and with a phone app which had downloaded maps of each day's walk with GPS on certainly kept me on the right track. The walking itself was very enjoyable with quite a challenging experience on the last day to walk the 17 & 1/2 miles back to Cheltenham which I would recommend. Incredibly it stayed dry apart from a little shower on the last day. Stayed in some excellent hotels and B&B's on route. Overall an awesome trip round the Cotswolds.

Headwater response:
Thank you Mr Hall for your holiday summary, so pleased to hear you enjoyed your self guided walking experience with us, we look forward to orgnasing your 3rd trip with us.
Headwater Customer Service Team


Mr DENBY, 01/07/2021

Great holiday. Bags transported as promised and were always waiting for us either in reception or in our rooms at the destination accommodation. Accommodation is...varied -some good, some poor



Headwater response:
Thanks Mr Denby for your holiday feedback, good to see you had a great time. Please be assured your feedback with regards to accommodation will be monitored in order that improvements can be made.
Headwater Customer Service Team


Mrs HARRISON, 27/06/2021

Pretty villages , beautiful flower filled meadows and gentle rolling hills. The last day of 17.5 miles back to Cheltenham is long but very pleasant and a stop off of fruit cake and tea was really welcome at the village post office in Guiting Power on the way. Insect repellent is a good idea as horse flies were rather hungry in some locations.


Mrs SANDISON, 26/06/2021

An easy way to arrange a walking holiday with clear routes and excellent luggage transport/delivery service from one night to the next


Mr Fennell, 18/10/2020

The itinerary provided excellent walking through lovely countryside and with pretty Cotswold villages along the way. The walks vary in length from 6 miles to 17 miles on the final day, although there are worthwhile alternatives if the latter is too daunting. Accommodation was first class and no problems were encountered getting an evening meal despite Covid restrictions. Recommended.



Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , and hotels

Breakfast daily

Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

Route directions and maps

Luggage transfers between hotels

Route directions and maps


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

Please call for prices

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.

Holiday details

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
Please contact us for child prices.

Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.

Departures

Meals
Breakfast daily

Other details

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

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