The Cotswolds - Self Guided
Cotswold Villages £250 (ss£100)
Cotswolds Villages
Nowhere else in England does the work of nature and the work of man appear to be in greater harmony than the Cotswolds, the combination of idyllic stone villages and small towns set amidst a gentle, rolling countryside is without parallel and quintessentially 'English'. This programme of walks enable you to explore some of these beautiful villages and small towns as well experience the typical rolling wold country. Many sheep still graze the wolds, which is all that remains of the wool industry, which once brought prosperity to this part of England. You will walk along the valleys of many of the meandering streams and rivers of the area and ponder on the beauty of the picturesque villages built out of oolitic limestone, which looks warm even on the dullest days.
You will be centre based staying at the 17th Century Hatherley Manor Hotel at Down Hatherley, Gloucestershire. A three-star hotel set in 37 acres of its own grounds located four miles from Gloucester and 6 miles from Cheltenham. The hotel offers good food and comfort after a day walking in the beautiful Cotswold countryside.
Your own transport is required to enjoy this holiday.
Your Programme
Day 1: Arrive
Day 2:Deerhurst, Apperley - The River Severn (E:7mls/11kms)
This walk starts at the small late-Saxon chapel of Odda at Deerhurst and takes you across pastureland to the village of Apperley. You then make your way along bridleways to the disused Coome Hill canal, passing through a nature reserve before reaching the banks of the River Severn and returning to Deerhurst.
Day 3: Stanton - Stanway (M:6mls/10kms)
The route takes you along part of the Cotswold Way through some of Cotswolds finest countryside. You walk through the picturesque villages of Stanton and Stanway and continue into woodland before emerging onto the hillside above Stanway. Your return route then takes you across open countryside passing Shenberrow Hill Camp.
Day 4: Winchcombe – Sudeley Castle- Belas Knap (M:6mls/10kms)
This walk follows the Windrush Way past the magnificent Sudeley Castle and you climb the Cotswold scarp for wonderful views. You visit Belas Knap one of the great burial mounds of ancient Britain and return back to the market town of Winchcombe.
Day 5: Bourton –on –the –Water — The Slaughters (E:6mls/10kms)
Your walk starts from the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-Water and you follow the valley of the River Windrush across pastureland. You spend time in the picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter and then return to spend time exploring Bourton-on-the-Water.
Day 6: Depart
