There are so many considerations when hiking in the Cotswolds. Our team of experts have come up with the questions they are most frequently asked so that you are armed with all the information you need before heading out on the pathways of the Cotswolds.

What trip should I do, how fit do I need to be?

We offer a range of trips, many of which have a variety of itineraries, so you can choose your preferred daily distance and hopefully find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. We offer the full Cotswolds Way over various nights to tailor the tour to your walking level, alongside our Cotswold Trail, Cotswold Round and Southern Cotswolds: Oxford to Bath routes! A special mention should be said for our Cotswolds in Comfort tour which is also perfect for those looking for a slower-paced adventure or for those looking to do things in luxury, why not treat yourself to our In Style trip? 

What gardens can I visit in the area?

Sudeley Castle has an array of beautiful Gardens and grounds you can walk around when doing the Cotswold Way, Trail on In Comfort Itineraries. If you opt to do our Oxford to Bath route then you will have the opportunity to visit Blenheim Palace's, wonderful manicured gardens (pictured below). Also, on our In Style tour, you have the opportunity to stay at Barnsley House, whose gardens were perfectly crafted by internationally renowned garden designer Rosemary Very. You also have the opportunity to visit the national trust-owned Hidcote and Kiftsgate which is home to famous rare roses.

What ruins/history/country houses can I see along the way?

There are many too many houses and historical monuments throughout the Cotswolds to note in one paragraph and it will largely depend on the itinerary you are doing. To name a few, The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle, Churchill's Grave, and Highgrove (Home to King Charles). There are historic manor houses at Snowshill and Rodmarton as well as rustic ruins and many museums such as Corinium in Cirencester for you to explore. Click here for a full list of Historic Houses and Museums. 

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. In the summer months, sunscreen is essential and if you happen to be walking in March or October, some woolly gloves and a hat might be a good idea!

When is the best time of year?

The Cotswold tours are available to walkable all year round (March to October) although the paths are arguably at their most beautiful in the Spring when the flowers bloom and late Autumn when the golden amber hues from the trees compliment the honey pot-colored villages!

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. We provide this information in your information pack and Macs App.

Are there places to stop for lunch?

Yes! It can depend on which route you are walking of course, but our Macs App will show the locations of all our recommended stopping points and point you in the direction of what days a packed lunch is recommended! Luckily the Cotswolds has many country pubs, cafes and restaurants along the way and most towns and villages will have shops to stock up on packed lunch goods. 

Where can I get the best cream tea?

Cream teas are the lifeblood of the Cotswolds but make no mistake; these are not just about scones, clotted cream and a cup of tea. The 'cream teas' you will encounter come in all shapes and sizes, from delicate blends of tea, carefully crafted for you, to towering cake stands filled with a variety of creative sweet treats. All towns and villages will have a local tea room but arguably the most special would be at the Lords of the Manor hotel in upper slaughter (not too far from Bourton-on-the-Water). You can visit it directly on our Cotswolds in Comfort tour.

What is the prettiest village in the Cotswolds?

Good question, but it's far too hard to answer, everyone will have their own preference. Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill and Broadway are good starting points though in our humble opinion!

Our team of specialists are here to help you plan your next adventure, contact us for advice & inspiration.