Classic Cotswold Walking Tour

New for summer 2010, Headwater's independent circular walk is run by our expert local partners and begins by the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. After one night here you walk to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, (famous for Sudeley Castle), before an escarpment trail with fantastic valley views leads to the world-famous coaching village of Broadway. From here you walk up to Broadway Tower, a tiny hilltop castle, before descending to 12th century Moreton-in-Marsh along the old Roman Fosse Way, then walk back to end in Bourton.

En route, you'll pass fields of purple lavender stretching into the distance, and hear thundering hooves on racing gallops as prize horses are exercised for Ascot; you'll see Iron Age forts standing sentinel on ancient hilltops, and visit stone follies marking viewpoints from where Oliver Cromwell supervised the burning of local Abbeys.

Everywhere you walk, you'll come across welcoming village pubs with friendly owners and excellent menus, and pass through villages so perfectly preserved they are used as locations for TV period dramas! Walks are all designed at fflevel, however, all can be shortened by taxi transfer for a small supplement.

Throughout, you’ll stay in high quality, hand-picked country inns and historic hotels oozing with quintessential charm and character, and with a choice of restaurants on your doorstep, evening meals are a further highlight of this holiday.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive in Bourton-on-the-Water
Regularly voted the prettiest village in England, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the showpieces of the region and its hidden streets are crammed with tiny shops, Tudor houses and gourmet restaurants for dinner.

Day 2 - Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe (15km/9mi/5hr or 21km/13mi/6hr)
Walk alongside the Windrush, lined with bright daffodils, to the beautifully timeless villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. Then on through shady woodland before descending to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and nearby Sudeley Castle, last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife.

Day 3 - Winchcombe to Broadway (9km/6mi/3.5hr or 17km/10mi/5hr)
An ancient pilgrim's route leads from Winchcombe to the eerie ruined arches of Hailes Abbey. It's a gentle climb up to the Iron Age Fortress at Beckbury Camp for superb valley views. After passing Stanway House's magnificent gatehouse and tithe barn, enjoy a pub lunch in Stanton (used for TV period dramas it is so perfect!), then amble through open meadows to charming Broadway, Jewel in the Cotswold Crown.

Day 4 - Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh (13km/8mi/4hr or 20km/12mi/6hr)
Today's walk takes you beneath the Worcestershire Hills, stopping off first at Broadway's Tower, the C18 folly inspired by Capability Brown, where you're rewarded with stunning unspoilt views. It's then a gentle descent to Chipping Campden's covered market, almshouses and silversmith. Stop for lunch in pretty Blockley, and then descend to Batsford - the arboretum here is filled with spectacular Coral Bark Maple trees and russet berried Mountain Ash. Your final stretch is an easy stroll to the thriving market town of Moreton, located at the head of the beautiful Evenlode Valley.

Day 5 - Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water (13km/8mi/4hr or 19km/12mi/6hr)
Follow the Roman Fosse Way before branching off through wheat fields and copses of hawksbeard and buttercups, and descend to the antique shops of Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch overlooking the stocks on the village green. Listen for woodpeckers in oak woods on the way to Lower Slaughter, from where a gentle stroll brings you back to the tourist honeypot of Bourton on the Water.

Day 6 - Leave Bourton-on-the-Water

Is this trip for you?
This holiday can be either a 1 or 2 boot independent walking tour (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System). To shorten the walking distances for the 1 boot itinerary, there is an additional charge of £90 per booking for the 4 taxi transfers. If you love great scenery, panoramic views, historic sites, English history and country pubs this walk will appeal.