Current as of: October 14, 2019 - 17:26 Valid for departures: From September 12, 2019 to December 31, 2030

Self-Guided Walking the Cotswold Ring Trip Notes

 Destinations: 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Programmes: Walking & Trekking Min age: W07CW Moderate

Trip Overview

Enjoy the delights of before taking in some world-famous villages along the route, including Broadway, Bourton-on-the- Water and the Saxon capital of . There's even the option to take a side trip to visit Stratford-upon-Avon if a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace is calling you!

Your route takes you over Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the , to , the last resting place of Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's 6th wife). Visit some of the 'wool churches' of the Cotswolds - so named because of the input of finances from local, wealthy wool merchants back in medieval times to create elaborate and architecturally stunning buildings. Two of note on this route are in Winchcombe and . Other points of interest along the route include some beautiful formal gardens at Kiftsgate or the Hidcote gardens. The (after which the post-war West Indian immigration boat was named) forms part of the route back to Cheltenham from Bourton-on-the-Water.

Accommodation along the route has been hand-picked in Bed & Breakfasts with character, ranging from inns and townhouses to an old bakery. Offering a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome, as well as hearty breakfasts, they offer comfortable stops along the walk and a charming insight into Cotswold life.

At a Glance

 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation  Full English Breakfasts  Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent  Route directions and maps  Luggage transfers between hotels  Walking transfers

 Countries visited: United Kingdom

Trip Highlights

 Explore the Cotswolds - 's 2nd largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (2nd to the Lake District)  Beautiful villages including Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Winchcombe  Visit the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle (last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's 6th wife)  Stunning gardens at historical manor houses including National Trust gardens  Start your walk from historic spa town, Cheltenham with an optional visit to Stratford-upon-Avon en route.

Is This Trip for You?

Walking Conditions Classification: Self-Guided Activity Level: 3 (Moderate) Average daily distance: 16.8km (10.4 miles). No. of days walking: 6 Terrain and route: Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Cheltenham End City: Cheltenham

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Cheltenham Spa On arrival in the historic spa town of Cheltenham you may well be tempted to explore the local area and some of its 'treasures' before finding somewhere to eat near the hotel. Day 2 Cheltenham to Winchcombe Starting from the classical Pump Room, the route crosses Cleeve Hill - the highest point of the Cotswolds - to long barrow and descends to Sudeley Castle and the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, with its fine 'wool church'.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles

Day 3 Winchcombe to Broadway Follow the pilgrims' route to , then over the hills to Jacobean Stanway House and on to idyllic Stanton, before reaching the old coaching village of Broadway for your overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles

Day 4 Broadway to Chipping Campden A half day's walking over the hills via Broadway Tower with its magnificent views to Chipping Campden. In the afternoon, explore this charming town with its silversmiths and 'wool church', or visit Dover's Hill, site of the annual 'Cotswold Olympiks', or the beautiful gardens at Kiftsgate or the National Trust gardens at Hidcote; or spend the afternoon at nearby Stratford-on-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 5 Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh Pass through the charming villages of Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre. On certain days of the week both Bourton House gardens and Sezincote House will be open. Finally, a pleasant stroll across meadows to the idyllic of Moreton-in-Marsh for your overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles

Day 6 Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water After crossing the high wolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, complete with village stocks and picturesque square, the Cotswold Ring then passes through to Bourton-on-the-Water, prettily located on the River Windrush, with its many attractions.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 19 km / 12 miles Day 7 Bourton-on-the-Water to Cheltenham The Ring follows the pretty River Windrush through the delightful villages of and . Finally, a dramatic descent from the high wolds, through the meadows of the Cotswold escarpment, to journey's end in Cheltenham.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 28 km / 18 miles

Day 8 Depart after breakfast Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation Cotswolds Accommodation

You'll be staying in a mix of HH, HHH, 3 star and 4 star guesthouses, B&B's, inns and hotels including a 17th-century former coaching inn and one of the oldest houses in Chipping Campden, dating back over 600 years. All of the accommodations offer a warm and friendly Cotswold welcome and hearty cooked breakfasts.

For those wishing to extend their stay in the area, ask us about city break add-ons in Bath or .

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $424.70 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

Enjoy the local cuisine in quintessentially British , cafes and delicatessens - local delicacies include Cerney Ash or Stinking Bishop cheeses, Crackleberry Farm eggs, Cotswold Cream liqueur and the local ales - try the Yubby beer from the Yubberton Brewery Co. There's also the archetypal English Cream Teas that go down a treat with a nice hot cup of tea!

Weather & Seasonality

When to go

This trip is possible year round, however due to the English weather, it is recommended to go between April and October.

Joining Instructions

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Cheltenham Spa Location end: Cheltenham

What to Take Practical Information

Visa United Kingdom

US passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

The Lyme disease bacterium is spread through the bite of infected ticks. It can be found throughout the US but is more common in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. Ticks can be found in any areas with deep or overgrown vegetation where they have access to animals to feed on. If you find a tick on you or suspect you may have been bitten by one, it is important you advise your tour leader and seek medical attention.

Vaccination United Kingdom

No vaccinations are obligatory.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

United Kingdom's Timezone: Europe/London BST (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

United Kingdom's Electricity: 220-240V. 50Hz. You will need a 3 pinned type G plug.

Money ATM Availability

There are ATM's in most of the main towns along the route, but not all. Most businesses in the area will take payments in cash or by card.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

All breakfasts are included, so you will need spending money for any picnics, lunches, evening meals and drinks.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page. How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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