A Walk in the Cotswolds
8 Days A Walk in the Cotswolds
On this delightful hiking trip, discover dreamy English countryside — rolling hills, hedgerow-lined fields, and postcard-pretty hamlets. Hike from village to village, taking detours to visit iconic sites. Indulge in some Shakespeare with a trip to Stratford-upon- Avon, take in England's grand history with a visit to the World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, and explore the beautiful town of Cirencester with its strong Roman influence. Other highlights include a prehistoric white horse carved into a hillside, Neolithic tombs, and sampling pints of the finest bitter — together making the perfect English hiking trip.
Details Testimonials
Arrive: Oxford, England "Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always Depart: Oxford, England come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see." Duration: 8 Days Bob J.
Group Size: 5-16 Guests "We have traveled throughout the world, but never Minimum Age: 16 Years Old experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek." Activity Level: Dennis G.
. REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek works only with This custom designed journey Trekkers take in the prehistoric expert local guides who take for MT Sobek features a visit to 'White Horse,' a 360-ft-long and hikers deep into the heart of the one of England's most famous 3,000-year-old hillside sculpture, English countryside and foster towns, Stratford-upon-Avon, the oldest such site in Britain. camaraderie at quaint inns. the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare.
ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Easy to moderate hikes through Quintessential English inns Mornings are cool and misty, the pretty pastoral landscapes and charming hotels in ancient while afternoons are clear and of the Cotswolds, paired with buildings, featuring period warm. Rain is common, but you guided tours of historic sites details, modern amenities, can expect sunshine, too. Summer and medieval market towns. and a welcoming ambience. months can be quite warm.
Pete has spent most of his life hillwalking and trekking around the globe. He has trekked in Nepal, Bolivia, Patagonia and Europe but loves hillwalking in his home country, particularly the Lake District. He's also gained many bushcraft skills on his travels and now utilizes his greatest interest and skills together in guiding others in the outdoors. Meet Pete on one of MT Sobek's incredible adventures in England.
Pete Long Itinerary DAY 1 EXPLORE BLENHEIM PALACE & BURFORD After meeting in Oxford (easily reached by train from London and Heathrow Airport), take a 30-minute transfer to Blenheim Palace, known for its striking Baroque architecture. Enjoy a private tour of the Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, then stretch your legs on a wander through its wonderful garden and extensive landscaped grounds. Then take a 30-minute transfer into the Cotswolds and to the picturesque village of Burford, home for the next two nights.
Meals: L, D
DAY 2 HIKE THE MONARCH'S WAY NORTH Today, embark on the first hiking adventure in the Cotswolds. Hike from one enchanting village to another on good trails, through pastoral green countryside. Highlights include the hamlets of Bourton-on-the-Water (known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'), and Lower Slaughter (much nicer than its name suggests) before finishing at the equally lovely Stow-on-the-Wold. A short 15 minute transfer leads back to the hotel in Burford.
Activity: 3–4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 HIKE THE COTSWOLDS WAY Today starts with a short transfer to the historic market town of Chipping Campden, the official start of the Cotswolds Way trail. Set off southward toward the village of Broadway, then up Dover's Hill to take in great views across the region. After checking in to the hotel in Broadway, take an afternoon trip to the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon (30 minutes away), renowned as the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. There may even be time to catch a show before returning to Broadway.
Activity: 3–4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling terrain with 650' elevation gain
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 HEAD SOUTH ALONG THE COTSWOLDS WAY Today continue on the Cotswolds Way, hiking directly from the hotel southwards out of Broadway on rolling terrain. Climb up to an Iron Age hill fort before descending again to cross fields and some woodland at the bottom of the escarpment. From here, pass through various pretty villages including a ruined abbey and ancient churches before arriving in the Cotswolds town of Winchcombe. A short transfer leads back to the hotel in Broadway, where you spend another night. Activity: 4–5 hours/9 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 HIKE FROM THE HAMLET OF PAINSWICK TO THE TOWN OF STROUD After a one-hour transfer into the central Cotswolds, start hiking just north of the hamlet of Painswick, for a climb up to Painswick Beacon. Situated over 900 feet up on the escarpment, it commands a fine vantage point to survey the surroundings. The hike then leads past an Iron Age fort before descending into woodlands which, in early summer, are filled with bluebells and wood anemone. Leaving the woods, descend into the Stroud valley and into the center of Stroud, a town known for its independent shops, cafés, and galleries.
Activity: 4–5 hours/7 miles hiking with 980' elevation gain
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 HEAD FROM STROUD TO THE MARKET TOWN OF DURSLEY Continue on the Cotswolds Way, hiking from Stroud to the nearby town of Dursley. The route continues into Penn Wood, and onto Coaley Peak, which features stellar views over the Cotswolds and west towards Wales. Climb the little summit of Cam Long Down, and down into the market town of Durlsey, then transfer east to nearby Bibury. Tonight's hotel is located just yards from Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers' cottages often said to be the prettiest street in England. Enjoy a stroll around before dinner.
Activity: 4–5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 980' elevation gain
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 DISCOVER WHITEHORSE HILL & CIRENCESTER The final hike of the trip explores the ancient chalk downs of Oxfordshire following ancient trails known as ridgeways. Pass a Neolithic long barrow and chamber tomb site before reaching the end point, the site of Uffington Castle and the famous 'White Horse,' a 360-ft-long prehistoric hillside sculpture that's more than 3,000 years old. Leaving the horse behind, transfer into nearby Cirencester, a historic town of Roman origin, known as the capital of the Cotswolds. Spend the afternoon exploring it and transfer back to Bibury for a final farewell dinner.
Activity: 3–4 hours/7 miles hiking with 490' elevation gain
Meals: B, L, D DAY 8 RETURN TO OXFORD After breakfast, transfer back to Oxford where the trip concludes.
Meals: B Jul 5 - 12, 2019
Sep 13 - 20, 2019
May 29 - Jun 5, 2020
Jun 26 - Jul 3, 2020
Jul 31 - Aug 7, 2020 2019
$ 5,295 per person
Additional Cost $ 1,000 Single Supplement
2020
$ 5,295 per person
Additional Cost $ 1,000 Single Supplement
PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expert leadership from experienced adventure International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess guides baggage charges Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs Potable water and snacks throughout Airport transfers to and from Oxford 1 glass of wine or beer at dinner Optional travel protection All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation Departure day group transfer to Oxford