Cotswolds Self Guided Trails

Arrive in Moreton–in–Marsh, set at the crossroads of the Roman Fosse Way and today’s A44 – a classic Cotswold market town with a broad square and old stocks. We take time to explore before dinner.

We cross the high wolds towards Stow–on–the–Wold, passing the remarkable Mogul style manor at Sezincote and threading through pretty hamlets to reach the picturesque square and village stocks.

We stroll gently downhill from Stow–on–the–Wold across meadows to Lower Slaughter, where the mill still turns, then continue to Bourton–on–the–Water with its many attractions – you can extend the route today if you prefer a longer walk.

From Bourton–on–the–Water, we set out on a circular walk to explore more of the Slaughters – you can choose a shorter loop or a longer outing according to how you feel.

After a short transfer, we walk through woodland and fields before a dramatic descent to Winchcombe, the ancient Saxon capital, close to Sudeley Castle – the resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. We stay in Winchcombe, where you can visit the fascinating church and local museums.

We follow a pilgrims’ route to Hailes Abbey, then cross the hills to Jacobean Stanway House with its impressive gatehouse and medieval tithe barn, continuing via idyllic Stanton to the coaching village of Broadway, where fine houses and inns line the broad way.

We climb to Broadway Tower – an 18th century folly with far reaching views across the vale – then descend to Chipping Campden, celebrated for its covered marketplace, splendid wool church, historic almshouses and silversmiths.

We pass through Broad Campden and Blockley and descend to Batsford, where you may visit the arboretum and falconry centre – on selected days Bourton House Gardens and Sezincote House also open – before a pleasant stroll across meadows back to Moreton–in–Marsh.

Depart after breakfast.