Explore the Cotswolds
(guided walking holiday)
Trail overview
Where? – starts, South Cotswolds, Nr. Cheltenham Spa; ends north Cotswolds, Nr Stow on the Wold
When? – Saturday 16th June 2012, 6 night guided walking holiday
Price? – from £835 per person (based on two sharing a bedroom)
Is there any place more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds? This two centre holiday helps you discover two gorgeous and historic areas, firstly the Roman Cotswolds near Cirencester, and the beautiful Cotswolds and Oxfordshire Borders near Stow on the Wold. Our guide David grew up here and it is our local knowledge which brings you Roman villas, mosaic floors, unspoilt villages, ancient stone circles and tales of Jane Austen.
Relax and unwind at two fabulous country inns built in local Cotswolds stone, where country style accommodation blends with a warm welcome and fabulous local food. As well as fabulous country style bedrooms, you'll find wonderful bathrooms with modern creature comforts, outstanding local food, wooden beams, fireplaces and a fabulous atmosphere. If you enjoy high standards, character and quality, this is definitely the walking experience for you.
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Local knowledge and expertise
Foot Trails has been planning and organising award winning walking holidays for 8 years Our local knowledge and expertise of the rural South West means we know the best autumn paths, best locations for the season and all the lovely country pubs and ingredients to give you a memorable break.
"It was breath-taking. The views were spectacular."
Sue
"One of the must-do weekends of the year."
Chris Haslam, Sunday Times
The Explore the Cotswolds, highlights
- Admire rolling views across peaceful Cotswolds countryside, away from the crowds.
- Explore a grand Roman villa with its bath houses and mosaics.
- Walk through charming, little known Cotswolds villages with pretty stone cottages.
- Explore the river Churn valley with its tumbling weir and mills.
- Discover the story of the Cotswolds wool trade.
- Hear how Jane Austen is connected to the Cotswolds.
- Be amazed by the history and legends of an ancient stone circle.
- Taste local food at country pubs on route during your walks.
Included in your holiday
Your 6 night guided walking weekend begins conveniently Saturday evening at 7.30 pm with a complimentary glass of wine on the terrace. (Arrive earlier if you wish, a complimentary 2.5 mile walk is available for the afternoon). Welcomed by Foot Trails founder Alison Howell, a relaxing evening start to your weekend will be a chance to meet your fellow guests and hear about your weekends walks.
The following day we explore the secret landscape of the Churn river valley. Our path takes you across the river by a bridge, a delightful 18th century mill alongside you. Here you can enjoy the soothing sound of the water as it tumbles over the weir. Up onto the sweeping hill, you will find superb views looking across the valley, woodland, fields and cottages, the odd grand manor. Lunch at a Cotswolds coaching pub on route.
Following a leisurely breakfast, you will walk in the footsteps of the Romans, who once heavily populated this area. We make our way through the landscape to one of the Cotswolds best loved Roman villa's. Nested on a hill side it occupies a peaceful and picturesque spot. Explore the centuries old mosaic floors and bath houses. Lunch at a country pub that was once a mill.
The next day, after breakfast we take a bus ride to Stow on the Wold, while we walk your luggage will be taken onto your next inn. Stow on the Wold is a beautiful market town. At the height of the Cotswolds wool trade the town was famous for its sheep markets, where as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at one time. We arrive to the town on foot after a short morning's stretch, in time for lunch. Then we enter the lowlands wandering through a peaceful nature reserve, arriving on foot to Bledington and your next country inn.
Wednesday's walk gives us a literary link, first with Jane Austen who visited the area to see relations, and also with a poet. The water meadows, with the river Evenlode are a superbly peaceful spot. The villages on route are quintessentially Cotswolds, with their charming stone cottages. The ancient churches hold many fascinating tales from times past, one has an amazing collection of 14th century wall paintings, still visible today.
Ancient history is a feature of our walk on Thursday, with a circle of Neolithic standing stones a great example. Thought to have been built by a local tribe for religious ceremonies, you can see if you can count them. (It is apparently impossible to do so, and reach the same number). Views abound, and unspoilt villages.
On your last morning, spend the morning over a leisurely breakfast, take a wander on the green or back out to the water meadows before making your onward journey.
Click here for a detailed brochure and itinerary
2012 pricesfrom £835(*) per person, based on two sharing, includes breakfast and lunches as described above.
(*) Upgrade to a deluxe room, £30 per person
Solo occupancy of a double room, £186 supplement (total)
Foot Trails are unique
Foot Trails are the only company in the world to specialise in superior English country inns.
Our English country inns have all the character and style of a country pub with the quality and comforts of a hotel.
Our English country walks are researched using our local knowledge and expertise. No national trails or well known tourist paths, this is walking off the beaten track.
Best of all, no heavy bags or squashed sandwiches to carry! With a Foot Trail you enjoy hot tea and coffee as you walk and delicious country pub lunches by the fire on route.
Why wait?
With only 12 places available, book your Explore the Cotswolds walking holiday now.
Escape! Relax and unwind in beautiful English countryside, as you walk with our expert guide and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of a summer day.
Our atmospheric guided walking holiday in The Cotswolds will enable you to explore a little known corner of this well loved country. You'll return inspired and rejuvenated.
Click here for a detailed brochure and itinerary
2012 pricesfrom £835(*) per person, based on two sharing, includes breakfast and lunches as described above.
(*) Upgrade to a deluxe room, £30 per person
Solo occupancy of a double room, £186 supplement (total)
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