dossier

Classic Cotswolds Walk

CLASSIC COTSWOLDS WALK - DAY BY DAY

Washbourne Court, Bourton on the Water, AAAAA, Day 1 & 5

A gorgeous converted rural manor a 15 minute stroll along country paths from Bourton-on-the-Water. Set in lovely grounds on the bank of the River Eye – luxurious rooms and vibrant artwork are an unusual but effective fusion.

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 (/9mi/5hr or 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 sixthwife.

White Hart Inn, Winchcombe AAA, Day 2

An old inn on the main street in Winchcombe, the White Hart is all stripped wood gastro pub downstairs and antique suits of armour upstairs. Creaky rooms are all individual and comfortable.

Day 3 Winchcombe to Broadway (6mi/3.5hr or 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 Campfor 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.

Broadway Hotel, Broadway, AAAA, Day 3

The Broadway Hotel is an old coaching inn on the main street. Luxurious rooms with high quality fabrics surround a small central courtyard, and public rooms are all wooden beams, wood panelling and open fires.

Day 4 Broadway to Moreton-in-Marsh (8mi/4hr or 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 unspoiled views. It's then a gentle descent to Chipping Campden's covered market, almshouses and silversmith. Stop for lunch inpretty Blockley, 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.

Moreton Manor, Moreton in Marsh AAAA, Day 4

Moreton Manor is in the heart of Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Set in a converted manor on the main street, it radiates luxury and good living. Libraries, comfy sofas, striking artwork and an open terrace characterise the ground floor, while stylish modern bedrooms are upstairs.

Day 5 Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water (8mi/4hr or 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 agentle stroll brings you back to the tourist honeypot of Bourton on the Water.

Day 6 Leave Bourton-on-the-Water after breakfast

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 enchance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.