Oxford to Bath Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Oxford

Arrive in Oxford. Spend time visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums.
Staying overnight at Oxford Coach & Horses or similar

Day 2: Oxford to Woodstock 18KM (11.5MI), 4.5HR

Today's walk follows the River Thames before joining the Oxford Canal and the Shakespeare Way to Woodstock. You'll have sweeping views back to Oxford across the flood plain meadows. You'll pass a derelict nunnery and the church at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is laid to rest, before ending up in the picturesque town of Woodstock where you can visit Blenheim Palace.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Blenheim Buttery or similar

Day 3: Woodstock to Witney 18.5KM (12MI), 4.5HR

A chance for another visit to Blenheim Palace before setting off through Capability Brown's wonderful landscaped grounds towards the village of Combe, set on a hill above the Evenlode Valley. Continue on through the lush green Oxfordshire countryside to the busy town of Witney, the largest market town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, once famous for its blankets.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Corncroft B&B or similar

Day 4: Witney to Burford 17KM (11MI), 4.5HR

Today follow the River Windrush into the heart of the Cotswolds. The route passes Minster Lovell and your walk ends in the bustling medieval town of Burford, where the High Street sweeps downhill towards the River Windrush, its three arched medieval bridge and its impressive 'wool' church.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Angel Inn or similar

Day 5: Burford to Bibury 21KM (13.5MI), 6HR

Your route today passes through the quiet hamlet of Holwell, through part of the River Leach valley and follows the Roman road into Gloucestershire to Hatherop. Follow a trail along the River Coln to Bibury, described by designer William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England'.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Cotteswold House B&B or similar

Day 6: Bibury to Cirencester 18KM (11.5MI), 5HR

Head through the village of Barnsley, past Barnsley House where the garden was designed by its former resident, Rosemary Verey. Cross pasture and arable land to Ampney Crucis before heading to the Roman town of Cirencester. Visit the Abbey or stroll in the grounds of the nearby Bathurst Estate.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Old Brewhouse or similar

Day 7: Cirencester to Tetbury 22KM (14MI), 6HR

From Cirencester head through the grounds of the Royal Agriculture College to follow the disused Thames and Severn Canal. After walking through a landscape of gently rolling hills you'll reach the small town of Tetbury, with its independent specialist shops and the Prince of Wales's original 'Highgrove Shop'. Possibility of visiting Highgrove Royal Gardens - pre-booking is essential.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Royal Oak or similar

Day 8: Tetbury to Castle Combe 24KM (15MI), 6HR

Skirt the edge of the Highgrove Estate and follow the Monarch's Way through a typical Cotswold landscape and through the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. Walk through charming Cotswold villages and into Wiltshire to drop down into Castle Combe, with its pretty high street used as the film set location for War Horse and Stardust.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Castle Inn or similar

Day 9: Castle Combe to Bath 27KM (17MI), 6.5HR or 22KM (14MI), 6HR

Walk through wooded valleys to the old market town of Marshfield. From Batheaston follow the canal to Bath for a triumphant entrance to the city, finishing up at the steps of Bath Abbey.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Hill House or similar

Day 10: Leave Bath

Depart after breakfast