A Walk in theCotswolds

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.

Arrive: Oxford, England

Depart: Oxford, England

Duration: 8 Days

Group Size: 5-16 Guests

Minimum Age: 16 Years Old

Activity Level: Level 2

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Details Testimonials

"Great experience every time with someof the most knowledgeable guides intheir fields. We always come home withwonderful memories of the people wemeet and things we see."

Bob J.

"We have traveled throughout the world,but never experienced a level of serviceand attention to detail as we did withMT Sobek."

Dennis G.

REASON #01

MT Sobek works only with

expert local guides who take

hikers deep into the heart of the

English countryside and foster

camaraderie at quaint inns.

REASON #02

This custom designed journey

for MT Sobek features a visit to

one of England's most famous

towns, Stratford-upon-Avon,

the 16th-century birthplace

of William Shakespeare.

REASON #03

Trekkers take in the prehistoric

'White Horse,' a 360-ft-long and

3,000-year-old hillside sculpture,

the oldest such site in Britain.

ACTIVITIES

Easy to moderate hikes through

the pretty pastoral landscapes

of the Cotswolds, paired with

guided tours of historic sites

and medieval market towns.

LODGING

Quintessential English inns

and charming hotels in ancient

buildings, featuring period

details, modern amenities,

and a welcoming ambience.

CLIMATE

Mornings are cool and misty,

while afternoons are clear and

warm. Rain is common, but you

can expect sunshine, too. Summer

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

                                                                ItineraryEXPLORE 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.

DAY 1

Meals: (L) /(D)

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.

DAY 2

Activity: 3–4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling & flat terrain

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

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.

DAY 3

Activity: 3–4 hours/6 miles hiking on rolling terrain with 650' elevation gain

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

HEAD SOUTH ALONG THE COTSWOLDS WAYDAY 4Today 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)

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.

DAY 5

Activity: 4–5 hours/7 miles hiking with 980' elevation gain

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

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.

DAY 6

Activity: 4–5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 980' elevation gain

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DISCOVER WHITEHORSE HILL & CIRENCESTERDAY 7The 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)

RETURN TO OXFORD

After breakfast, transfer back to Oxford where the trip concludes.

DAY 8

Meals: (B)

Oct 5 - 12, 2018

May 24 - 31, 2019

May 31 - Jun 7, 2019

Jul 5 - 12, 2019

Sep 13 - 20, 2019

2018

$ 4,795 per person

Additional Cost

$ 1,000 Single Supplement 

2019

$ 5,295  per person

Additional Cost

$ 1,000 Single Supplement

PRICE INCLUDESExpert leadership from experienced adventureguides

Accommodations as noted in the itinerary

Meals as noted in the daily itinerary

Potable water and snacks throughout

1 glass of wine or beer at dinner

All tips and gratuities for support staff with theexception of your lead adventure guide(s)All group entrance fees, activities, and groundtransportation

Departure day group transfer to Oxford

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDEInternational airfare, any airport taxes, or excessbaggage charges

Optional tips to your lead adventure guides

Personal expenses such as medical immunizations,phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs

Airport transfers to and from Oxford

Optional travel protection