Hiking The Cotswold Way - In Shakespeare's Footsteps

Arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare was born. If you have time, take the opportunity to explore the town. You can visit Shakespeare's birthplace in the town center, Holy Trinity Church where he is also buried. Or visit the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway once lived.

Accommodation in Stratford Upon Avon

Today's hike takes you to Mickleton. We suggest you stop at the National Trust Gardens at Hidcote Manor, near Mickleton. Enjoy the extensive views over the valleys of the Severn and Avon towards the Malvern Hills and Wales.

Accommodation in Mickleton

A lovely hike to Broadway via Chipping Campden Fish Hill and the unique Broadway Tower, which offers outstanding views over the Cotswolds. Broadway is a beautiful and picturesque town, and the main street is lined with magnificent stone houses and some fantastic antique shops

Accommodation in Broadway

During today's hike to Blockley you will pass through Buckland where you can take some time to explore. A visit to Tudor Snowshill Manor, with its collection of art from around the world, may be of interest. Then you continue hiking towards Blockley. During the 18th century when the wool industry was in decline, Blockley turned to silk manufacturing. The village is a unique collection of buildings that reflect its former glory of mills and silk production, and has a completely different character than other villages in the northern Cotswolds.

Accommodation in Blockley

A beautiful hike where you will be able to explore some of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. To the medieval wool town of Bourton on the Water, the hike takes you via Batsford, Stow on the Wold and Lower Slaughter. The River Windrush flows down the main street in Bourton on the Water. Bourton is well known for its footbridges over the River Evenlode and for its scale model of the village.

Accommodation in Bourton on the Water

Today you hike to the small village of Guiting Power. Nestled in the hills above a small valley, Guiting Power is a perfect example of a typical Cotswold village. Our accommodation tonight is in this small and isolated village where time has almost stood still.

Accommodation in Guiting Power

Today there are two hiking routes to choose from. A. Via Sudeley Castle (19 km, about 5 hours). B. Via Warden's Way & Sudeley Castle (11 km, about 2.5 hours). Today's hike leads you to the ruins of Hailes Abbey, destroyed during Henry VIII's time, as well as the still inhabited Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr lived. Winchcombe is a charming town nestled in a deep valley near the spa town of Cheltenham.

Accommodation in Winchcombe

The trip ends after breakfast.