England's Cotswolds are one of the areas which seem to be thrown back in time. The village cottages built of honey-hued walls and stone-mullioned windows are a delight. The gentle unhurried life of the villages allows us to relax as we pass the beautiful cottage gardens and russet-earth fields enclosed by dry stone walls along country paths which have been used for centuries. This is England at its best.
Your walk takes you to one of the truly great gardens of England, Hidcote. You will have an opportunity to wander along the famous and beautiful slopes, hedges, avenues and dells of this remarkable garden. You will also visit Sudeley Castle where Queen Catherine Parr is buried. The great and lucky Queen was the last of King Henry VIII's wives. Through good fortune and good sense, Catherine did not follow her predecessors to the executioner's block and outlived the King.
You will have time to explore Burford with its jumble of streets, inns, shops and tea rooms. What would a walk in England be without a cup of tea and some "biscuits" at the end of the day? You will have the opportunity to explore Hailes Abbey, a ruin of a 13th century Cistercian foundation.
Although the Cotswolds is one of the most photographed areas in all of England, no photo seems to do it justice. It is a joy to be in this beautiful place. But perhaps the most enticing part of the Cotswolds is the feeling of eternity that one gets from being in a place where so much history seems so alive.
Your accommodations will be in bed and breakfasts and guest houses equipped with private bathrooms.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Mickleton, near Chipping Campden.
Day 2: From Mickleton Church you will follow country lanes through the twin hamlets of Hidcote Bartrim and Hidcote Boyce to Hidcote Garden - this renowned garden boasts ten acres of delightful hedges, slopes, avenues and dells. Enjoy a walking tour of Chipping Campden. 5 miles - 2,5 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Chipping Campden.
Day 3: Walk part of the Cotswold Way to Broadway Tower, a most remarkable 18th century folly. Visit the William Morris exhibition and climb the tower for outstanding panoramic views towards Wales. Descend into Broadway a beautiful Cotswold village renowned for the tea shops and antique stores. 6 miles - 3 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Chipping Campden.
Day 4: Walk from Broadway, visiting Buckland church on the way, to the perfectly beautiful villages of Stanton and Stanway. Walk on for a picnic lunch and the evocative ruins of Hailes Abbey. End the day with a visit to Sudeley Castle where Queen Katherine Parr is buried. 8 miles - 4 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Stow-On-The-Wold.
Day 5: Walk from Bourton-on-the-Water to the beautiful, unspoilt villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter. Continue on the Wardens Way footpath along the ridge and through the valley to the ancient villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. 10 miles - 5,5 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Stow-On-The-Wold.
Day 6: A day of gentle walking in the peaceful Windrush Valley going from one sleepy village to another. You will have time to explore the lovely old Cotswold town of Burford with its jumble of inns, shops and tearooms. Have lunch before walking to the scenic villages of Swinbrook and Asthall, strongly associated with the Mitford sisters. 7 miles - 3,5 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Stow-On-The-Wold.
Day 7: Depart after a leisurely breakfast.
Please note that non walking alternatives are offered to those who wish to take a break from walking. (Entrance fees not included unless in the itinerary). These are:
Monday: Further exploration of Chipping Camden or one of the many local gardens/houses.
Tuesday: Further exploration of Broadway with its art and antique shops or one of the many local gardens/houses.
Wednesday: Further exploration of Broadway with its art and antique shops or one of the many local gardens/houses.
Thursday: Further exploration of Stow-on-the-Wold with its art and antique shops and/or Bourton on the Water and Winchcombe.
Friday: Further exploration of Burford.
2008 Dates: June 8-14, July 6-12, September 7-13.
Meeting Point: Mickleton, near Chipping Campden. Transfers not included.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking along footpaths, narrow earthen tracks which can sometimes be uneven and a little rocky in places. Occasionally there will be farm tracks and paved minor roads.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$3,500 per person, shared.
$275 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights B&B accommodation
- 5 days of guided walking
- Breakfast each day
- 5 picnic or pub lunches
- Fruit and juice breaks
- 4 dinners
- All entrance fees in the itinerary
- Blue Badge Tourist Guide
- Back-up transport during walk
- Luggage transfer
- Tax.
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England
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