Welcome to the Cotswolds with its green fields, rolling hills, hedgerow lanes, friendly pubs and historic villages built from the region’s distinctive honey-coloured stone. Your journey begins in the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh before leading you south through classic Cotswold scenery and picture-perfect villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Winchcombe and Broadway. Walking here feels special: the region’s status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty helps preserve its peaceful landscapes, charming architecture, and timeless character.
Moreton-in-Marsh, UK
Days 1+7
Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham, UK
Days 2+3
Winchcombe, Cheltenham, UK
Day 4
Broadway, UK
Day 5
Chipping Campden, UK
Day 6
| Start any date between Apr 15 and Oct 15. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
TerrainRolling hills
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,750
Single Supplement: US $650
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,250
Single Supplement: US $800
Getting There
Arrive to Moreton-in-Marsh by train or bus from London Paddington station. You can catch the Heathrow Express from London Heathrow to Paddington station and then transfer from there to a train for Moreton-in-Marsh.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Your trip starts in Moreton-in-Marsh, a historic market town in the Cotswolds, with a rich history that dates back to medieval times and beyond. Despite evidence of Roman occupation in the area, the town’s name suggests Saxon origins, with “Moreton” deriving from the Old English “mor” (moor) and “tun” (settlement), indicating a settlement in a marshy area. Your Area Manager will meet you at 5 pm on Day 1. Enjoy the town known for its well-preserved Cotswold stone buildings and traditional architecture, and make sure to visit a local pub in the evening – shall it be the Swan Inn, Black Bear Inn or Redesdale Arms?
Moreton-in-Marsh to Lower Slaughter (or Upper Slaughter)
Walk into the heart of the countryside, with its green fields, gentle streams, and pockets of peaceful woodland. Stow-on-the-Wold is a classic Cotswold village with its soft stone cottages and relaxed atmosphere, including classic British pubs. End the day in Lower Slaughter, an enchanting village where Copse Hill Road, often called the most romantic street in Britain, lives up to its reputation with its arched stone bridges and beautifully preserved architecture.
Hiking Distance: 15 km; elevation gain: 175 m
Lower Slaughter Loop
After leaving Lower Slaughter, your walk picks up the Warden’s Way and continues across meadows toward Bourton-on-the-Water, a lively village known for its graceful low bridges and riverside charm. Beyond Bourton, the trail winds along quiet countryside, eventually leading you to Naunton, where an impressive medieval dovecote stands tucked beside the river.
Naunton is an ideal spot for lunch at its excellent local pub before you continue onward. From here, the path winds through open fields and peaceful stretches of the Cotswolds toward Upper Slaughter, a village untouched by the turmoil of centuries. From here you enjoy a scenic return along the River Eye Valley back to Lower Slaughter.
Alternatively, enjoy the short route to allow for a slower start and more time in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Hiking Distance: 9 km; elevation gain: 100 m or 17 km; elevation gain: 200 m
Transfer to Guiting Power, Hike to Winchcombe
Begin your day with a transfer to the charming village of Guiting Power in the heart of the Cotswolds. Spend some time exploring the village then walk to Winchcombe along a scenic stretch of the Warden’s Way, passing rolling farmland and wooded valleys. The trail passes by the historic grounds of Sudeley Castle, a beautiful historic estate on the edge of Winchcombe. Due to limited lodging in town, some trips may stay in nearby Broadway and transfers are provided back to the start of the hike the following day.
Hiking Distance: 10 km; elevation gain: 175 m
Winchcombe to Broadway
There are various options today, giving you the flexibility to choose a walk that suits your energy. The main route follows a slightly more challenging stretch of the Cotswold Way, leading through classic Cotswolds countryside to the postcard-worthy villages of Stanton and Broadway, with opportunities to visit Hailes Abbey and Stanway House. The long option also includes Snowshill, while the gentler route still passes the main highlights on a shorter route and avoids the steeper climbs. Broadway’s wide, tree-lined High Street and honey-coloured stone buildings offer the perfect place to unwind for the evening.
Hiking Distance: 22 km; elevation gain: 500 m or 19 km; elevation gain: 440 m or 14 km; elevation gain: 190 m
Broadway to Chipping Campden
The hike from Broadway to Broadway Tower and onward to Chipping Campden takes you along the scenic Cotswold escarpment, offering sweeping views across the rolling countryside. From Broadway, the trail climbs gently through meadows and woodlands to Broadway Tower, an iconic 18th-century monument perched on the highest point of the Cotswolds, where on a clear day you can see for miles across England. Continuing north, the route passes over Dover’s Hill and then descends toward Chipping Campden, a charming market town celebrated for its elegant terraced High Street, historic wool-trader cottages, and vibrant arts and crafts heritage, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural history along the way.
Hiking Distance: 10 km; elevation gain: 250 m
Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
The walk from Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh takes you through the heart of the northern Cotswolds, passing through charming villages and gently rolling countryside. Leaving Chipping Campden, wind past Broad Campden, a peaceful village with traditional stone cottages and a timeless village green, then continues to Blockley, known for its historic church, classic inns, and idyllic streets lined with honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings. From here, the route opens out into wide, undulating fields as you make your final approach to Moreton-in-Marsh – back to where it all began.
Hiking Distance: 12 km; elevation gain: 250 m
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.
Set in a 16th-century Cotswold stone manor house, this upscale guesthouse features elegant rooms individually decorated in contemporary country-house style. A full English breakfast is offered, and the restaurant serves upmarket, locally sourced dishes.
A welcoming, traditional Cotswold inn combining rustic charm with modern comforts. With cozy rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and an excellent restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine, it’s a perfect base for exploring the surrounding villages and countryside.
An historic and inviting Cotswold pub offering comfortable rooms and warm hospitality. Its traditional charm, hearty meals, and central location make it an ideal base for exploring Winchcombe and the nearby Cotswold Way trails.
Featuring well-appointed rooms, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, it blends contemporary comfort with classic village charm. Its central location on Broadway’s tree-lined High Street makes it perfect for exploring local shops, cafes, and the surrounding countryside.
Set in a Regency stone property with 2 acres of gardens, this upmarket hotel is a 2-minute walk from Chipping Campden historic Market Hall. They have stylish country-style rooms, as well as a refined restaurant offering locally sourced British dishes, plus a spa with a hydrotherapy pool and aromatic steam room.
Set in a 16th-century Cotswold stone manor house, this upscale guesthouse features elegant rooms individually decorated in contemporary country-house style. A full English breakfast is offered, and the restaurant serves upmarket, locally sourced dishes.
An elegant and historic hotel offering luxurious accommodation in a quintessential village setting. With beautifully designed rooms, fine dining, and attentive service, it provides a relaxing retreat after a day of walking.
An historic and inviting Cotswold pub offering comfortable rooms and warm hospitality. Its traditional charm, hearty meals, and central location make it an ideal base for exploring Winchcombe and the nearby Cotswold Way trails.
A historic and grand Cotswold inn, blending centuries of character with modern comforts. With elegant rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a central location on Broadway’s High Street, it offers a perfect base for exploring the village and surrounding countryside.
Set in a Regency stone property with 2 acres of gardens, this upmarket hotel is a 2-minute walk from Chipping Campden historic Market Hall. They have stylish country-style rooms, as well as a refined restaurant offering locally sourced British dishes, plus a spa with a hydrotherapy pool and aromatic steam room.
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