Journey Across The Cotswolds Inn to Inn Independent (self-guided) Walking Trip

“As on our previous trip, we found the directions for the treks to be well-done and clear. We enjoyed our stays ateach of the inns. Thank you for making our second Foot Trails experience so pleasant.”

Bob & Marjorie, USA

Welcome & Trail Story from Alison

In many ways this Foot Trail has been a life time in themaking. My husband David grew up in the Cotswolds and many of my own family still live and farm there.

I wanted our guests to be able to enjoy the best of this beautiful county but avoid certain parts of it which, in my view, have become over crowded and over touristy.

This magical journey, which can be up to 8 nights, takes you through the best of the Cotswolds. But not on the busy Cotswolds Way, on intentionally chosen local paths and track-ways.

Places connected with its once thriving wool industry, mesmerising villages and picturesque landscapes. Starting in the North of the Cotswolds near Chipping Camden, you'll make your way via Stow on the Wold (the highest town in the Cotswolds) before walking on towards Burford.

Be prepared for a little adventure. Longer grasses in summer, a little overgrown may sometimes apply, but your efforts will be richly rewarded with sights of villages, landscapes and views that most visitors simply never see.

Warm Regards, Alison HowellFounder & CEO

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About Journey Across the Cotswolds

Journey Across the Cotswolds is an inn to inn style walking trail, staying for two nights at up four different locations in the Cotswolds.

Walking from village to village on local paths is a superb experience enjoying peaceful countryside, market towns, Cotswolds villages and hand-picked country inns on the way. But this isn't the Cotswolds Way! It is the Foot Trails way.

This tour gives a glimpse into the life past and present of The Cotswolds. Places connected with the wool industry, agriculture and market towns.

With every day its own mini adventure your walking will be filled with discoveries.

Contents

Pick of the highlights p6

Where? p7

Sample daily itinerary p9

Hand-picked inns p14

Prices & booking p16

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Our pick of the highlights

* Enjoy an authentic and peaceful side to The Cotswolds, thanks to local insider knowledge

* Discover mesmerising and secret Cotswolds stone villages

* Find out how wool made this county wealthy

* Visit Chipping Camden with its magnificent architecture and 100 year old connection to the Arts and Crafts movement including silver, jewellery, printing, book binding and furniture making

* Enjoy pastoral scenes of England and learn about country ways

* Admire Stow on the Wold, the highest market town in the Cotswolds with its independent shops and cafés

* Walk ancient track-ways and discover a connection with English author Jane Austen

* Stay in four of the Cotswolds' most stunning and historic country inns

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Where?

The Cotswolds are in the South West of England with Wiltshire to their South, Wales and Worcestershire to their West and North and Oxfordshire to the East.

How to get here?

“Journey Across the Cotswolds” begins either near Chipping Camden or Stow on the Wold depending on the length of your trail.

The nearest train stations for arrivals is Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. Travel is approximately 90 minutes by train from London Paddington or a 2 hour drive from London by car.

From further afield the nearest airports can be found atBristol, Exeter and LondonHeathrow. Airport cars oftenmake the most convenienttransfer and we can arrangethis for you. Access to Londonand Oxford are both easy if youare staying there either beforeor after your Foot Trail.

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Sample daily itinerary...

This is intended to be an example. Your itinerary will be custom made and individually tailored to suit you and the season that you are walking in. Itineraries are available from 4 to 8 nights. Rest days or sightseeing days can be incorporated at your request. Flexible daily walking distances are also possible with a choice of distances.

Day 1

Arrive to your first country inn near Moreton-in-Marsh for the start of your journey. You might wish to relax here or step out with your boots for your first introductory trail, Bertie’s Trees 4.5 miles

Day 2

The Campdens 8.5 miles

This idyllic walk will lead you across quintessential English countryside and through gorgeous Cotswolds villages. You'll discover tales that go back to Saxon times and theMercian kings, the birth of industry with water mills, merchants and money, entrepreneurs and Arts & Crafts in the market town of Chipping Camden. What fun.

Day 3

By Hill, Wold & Meadow12 miles, including luggage transfer today

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As you leave the Moreton marshes and make your way towards Stow on the Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds, the countryside starts to change, becoming more rolling and curvaceous.

You'll pass through unspoiled villages of Cotswold stone which straddle the Fosse Way, the ancient Roman Road. Look out for the 1,000 year old yew tree; pass the wells that once supplied Stow with its water before finding yourself in the hustle andbustle of its market place. Linger and explore or skip straight through, you will soon find yourself back in beautiful countryside.

Day 4

Jacobean Gem5.5 miles or 8.5 miles

Picking up the ancient track way, you will notice the wonderful atmosphere of this corner of the Cotswolds. Little known, and blissfully crowd free, you are in an area once inhabited by our bronze age ancestors thousands of years ago. Forts, earthworks and burial mounds are all nearby.

On to Chastleton, regarded as England's finest Jacobean house and owned by the National Trust. Admire the house, its setting, the 12th century church and Cotswoldsfarmhouses. As your walk moves on, look out for the ridges and furrows, remains of an medieval farming system.

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“We were constantly dazed andamazed by your trails and notes. Cannot imagine the time and effort put into this. You will be happy to know we were never once "lost". The only trickster we had to deal with were the incredible views - he did his best to lead us astray!” Paula & Bill

Day 5

On Eyford’s Solitude 7.5 miles or 10 miles

You'll cross high ground, giving you views over the delightfully named Windrush valley.

Your trail winds and meanders, following a tributary of the River Windrush, and bringing you to a delightful Cotswolds village. It is quiet, peaceful, amazingly unspoilt and you can enjoy the stone cottages and 15th century church. The sound ofthe water in the river, running through the village and a medieval dovecote are lovelysights. You skirt the hill tops, for fabulous views, following the river Eye back to Upper Slaughter, a truly picturesque sight with its stone bridge, grassy banks and lovely cottages.

Day 6

Hush, Listen to the Windrush9 miles or 12.5 miles

Moving into the River Windrush valley the countryside opens up into a huge beautiful wide expanse. Enjoy far reaching views and quiet removed valleys before arriving into a picture perfect Cotswolds village. Besides its two mills this village was known for its stone, quarried for some very famous English buildings including Windsor Castle, 'Old' St Pauls and Blenheim Palace.

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You will find delightful cottages and houses that date back to the 17th century. We pick up the lane to take us on to the banks of the River Windrush from where you can enjoy great views of Burford spire. Look out for swans and herons. Take time, if you wish, to explore the shops and cafés and many historical tales from Golden Dragons to medieval graffiti.

Day 7

A Cat, A Rat and A Dog4.5 miles or 11 miles

The eastern edge of the Cotswolds where the Cotswolds stone mingles with village greens.

English churches and clear running streams is picture perfect. 'A cat, a rat and a dog, ruled all of England under a hog' went the saying. Our trail today will tell you the story with a 15th century ruin, a 'dog' fleeing the battle and a ghostly skeleton. You can explore the ruins and enjoy the villages before wandering back to your inn.

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Where you stay

You can walk and enjoy your creature comforts with a Foot Trail. Every trip includes stays at beautiful country pubs, hand-picked by our founder Alison Howell.

Why a country pub and inn? Simply because they have such a unique character. It is asmall unique place, a place where conversation, enjoyment, local flavours and character all combine to give you the ultimate relaxing experience.

Rooms and food are local and delicious, indeed in many cases award-winning, but there is none of that bland hotel or formal dining after a day in the country. You’ll find a bar, real ales and wines that has welcome and atmosphere and dinners of local flavours that delight.

To us it’s all part of being in the country. Your Journey Across the Cotswolds is based in four personally chosen country inns.

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What's included and pricesThis tour is available any nights (subject to availability) with 4,5,6 ,7 and 8 night stays.

Prices from:5 nights from £855 per person*6 nights from £955 per person*7 nights from £1195 per person**Based on two sharing, staying on a bed & breakfast basis

Included in your tour:• Independent (self guided) walking days custom made to match you and the season. • Tailored Walk and Explore Box • Local Ordnance Survey™ maps (waterproof) • Trail guide cards (waterproof, one for each day with easy to follow instructions) • Plastic map holder • Local stories and histories • Recommended lunchtime stops at country pubs and cafés • Nature cards for identifying wild flowers, trees and animals • Seasonal nature guide book • Sweets (for a boost en route) • Your en-suite accommodation in a classic en-suite bedroom (superior upgrades available) • Breakfasts. • One bottle of wine. • Transport drop off services as required by your itinerary. • Luggage transfers between your country inns. • Services of your own dedicated expert trip planner to create and organise your trip plus a dedicated Guest Liaison Manager before arrival.

Availability:Up to 8 nights between 01 March and 31 October. We can include rest days or sightseeing days.

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Words from our guests

“We enjoyed your selections of all the Inns – they were comfortable and welcoming. At each location we wanted to stay longer because of the delicious food and warm service. We returned to the US with lots of pictures of the lovely country side and wonderful memories of the roses and joyful walks. Speaking of which, we loved the routes you selected. Thanks again for your attention to detail, help in navigating the travel, and response to our phone calls.”Cathy & Bob, USA

"We have returned safely home from our second wonderful walking adventure with Foot Trails. It was as magical as the first, and different in subtle ways. Your paths were as expected detailed, fun to follow, and placed us each day in the midst of glorious vistas, greens of every shade, and skies of blue and clouds of white. We wish you continued success in your endeavours. You really do offer a unique kind of British walking holidays!”Ann & Joe, USA

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Why a Foot Trail?

A Foot Trail avoids the formulaic nature, crowds and predictability of mass tourism and focuses instead purely on the quality of your experience.

Take a Foot Trail and you will explore deep beneath the surface.

You will walk and hike in real and authentic places. Enjoy real, not manufactured tourism moments. Shared conversations with a local person, the stillness of time spent in beautiful landscapes and the joy of encountering stories and moments from England's past.

Three words describe a Foot Trail perfectly.

Simple – Crafted – Authentic

“My over-riding memory of my hike in England was of an overwhelming prettiness, as well as a calibre of food that was far more local, whole and mindful than I had expected. I really wasn't expecting the South West of England to have such an informed foodie focus.” Sarah Wilson, Australian food author & TV Presenter.

Foot Trails are one of England's best loved regional walking travel companies. We work within our local community, crafting walking experiences from scratch, aimingfor a positive outcome for us all.

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To bookCall +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 35% deposit will be payable. Full balances due 8 weeks before arrival. PayPal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)

Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

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