Highlights of the Cotswolds

Day 1 - Welcome to Oxford

Arrive at Oxford train station this afternoon and meet your Wilderness guide. After introductions and being relieved of your luggage, head out for a walking tour of this beautiful, historic city. An established town since the 9th century AD, people have inhabited this area for thousands of years. With stunning architecture and a rich history, walking through its bustling cosmopolitan streets makes for a lovely first afternoon of your trip. After a short transfer, arrive at a cosy traditional English inn which will be your base for the next two nights. Enjoy taking the time to settle in, before eating dinner this evening in the warm glow of candlelight and chatting with your guide about the adventure that lies ahead. (D)

Day 2 - The Windrush Valley and Blenheim Palace

This morning, enjoy a circular walk through the Windrush Valley. The landscape here holds its history close, so traversing the valley on foot is the perfect way to explore. From the door of your hotel, meander through the pretty market town of Burford, looking out over sweeping arable fields before passing through the now deserted hamlet of Widford. Not much remains of the settlement now, apart from the tiny 13th-century St Oswald’s Church which sits quietly among the old stone walls and grassy meadows. After lunch and a quintessentially English cream tea, visit the incredible Blenheim Palace, built between 1705 and 1722. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace is notable as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | approx. 4 hours | Ascent 120 m/400 ft

Day 3 - Hiking from Minster Lovell

After breakfast, transfer to Minster Lovell, a honey-coloured village of Cotswold stone romantically nestled on the banks of the River Windrush. It is perhaps best known for the ruins of its 15th century hall, owned by the Lovell family for many generations and now an ancient monument. Striking to look at, the hall has inspired several sinister tales that cling like cobwebs to the weathered stone. After exploring the history and myths of the village, enjoy a walk to Swinbrook, a quaint hamlet with drystone walls, ivy-clad cottages and a cosy local pub. After lunch by the water, enjoy a visit to a neolithic stone circle or drive over to Snowshill to experience the aromatic fields of purple lavender that ripple like waves in the breeze. This evening, settle into a magnificent manor house which will be your home for the rest of the trip. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 6 km/3.5 miles | approx. 2.5 hours | Ascent 55 m/180 ft

Day 4 - The Cotswold Way

Spend the morning hiking a beautiful section of the Cotswold Way – a 164km trail that stretches from the charming old wool merchants’ town of Chipping Camden to the Roman city of Bath. Chipping Camden’s high street is architecturally stunning, and many of the buildings date to between the 14th and 17th centuries. Leaving the village, enjoy the way the landscape changes underfoot and the views that stretch from fence post to fence post towards the horizon. On arrival to Broadway, climb the town’s famous gothic folly which offers a panorama of the surrounding countryside. After lunch, a short transfer will take you back to your accommodation where there will be time to relax before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | approx. 4 hours | Ascent 180 m/600 ft

Day 5 - Chedworth, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water

After a short, scenic drive, enjoy a walk through the picturesque countryside, soon arriving at the remains of Chedworth Villa – one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain. Tucked beneath old trees, the peaceful tranquillity of the place is matched only by its exceptional insight into life during the Roman period in Britain. After a late lunch at a traditional pub, visit Arlington Row and Bourton-on-the-Water, the latter often ranked as one of the prettiest villages in the UK. Enjoy pottering around, popping into some artisanal shops full of local produce and taking photos before heading back for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 11 km/7 miles | approx. 5 hours | Ascent 200 m/650 ft

Day 6 - Depart

After you’ve packed up and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast, drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace and burial ground of William Shakespeare, for a short walking tour. Enjoy exploring the bustling market town, visiting the playwright’s childhood home and exploring some of the boutique and artisanal shops that jostle for space on the historic streets. The trip finishes at the train station at noon where you can either continue your onward travel plans or stay and wander around the town. (B)