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Did you know the Cotswolds have more than five thousand kilometres of footpaths and rights of way – as well as fabulous National Trails like the Cotswold Way and Thames Path? With Walkers Welcome towns and villages too, is it any wonder the Cotswolds are the number one place for a walking break – whatever your age or ability?
Admire the beauty of the Cotswolds whatever the weather with an impressive walk from the village of Broadway up the hill to Broadway Tower. After your climb, reward yourself with some retail therapy and refreshments from the Tower Barn or Morris and Brown before enjoying a gentle stroll around the gorgeous landscape, taking in the beautiful views. Discover more about the fascinating history of Broadway Tower and keep an eye out for William and his herd in the deer park. Why not continue your adventure on the Cotswold Way or take the path down middle hill back to Broadway?
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Gentle pub walks are in abundance from Character Cottages in rural locations like Oyster Barn. For that unforgettable walk, rise early to catch the sunrise from Broadway Tower where you’ll find vistas stretching to Wales. If you’re after more of a challenge, head up Cleeve Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Edge for views with a serious wow factor. For Cotswolds character, try the heritage ramble to Belas Knap Long Barrow - one of the largest Neolithic burial chambers in the country where thirty-one bodies were found.
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Explore the World Heritage Site at Blenheim Palace and enjoy more than two thousand acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Take a stroll up to the grand cascades or around the lake to admire some of the finest views in England, looking out for the historical monuments such as the Column of Victory, Grand Bridge and Temple of Diana. Discover an array of formal gardens, including the water terraces, rose and secret gardens or follow the trail throughout the palace, park and formal gardens discovering the places beloved of Sir Winston Churchill.
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Giving you time away from screens, getting back to nature and exploring the countryside; self-catering pet and family-friendly holiday cottages in the Cotswolds are ideal for walkers visiting the Cotswolds. StayCotswold offers walkers a wide range of luxury self-catering accommodation with local knowledge and easy access to beautiful walks on the doorstep. Each property manual includes information on local walks and much more. From couples to large gatherings of family or friends, StayCotswold can find the right property for your “walking party”!
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Why not take a mindful walk through Daylesford Farm to celebrate nature and quiet the mind? Taking time to appreciate the world around you has been used as a meditative practice for thousands of years and, with the guidance of a Bamford Haybarn Spa teacher, you’ll learn how to commune with nature and connect with the moment through the sounds, sensations and scenery of the outdoors. Slow down, breathe, ground yourself and reconnect with the elements of the season and then return to your Daylesford cottage for the ultimate night’s sleep of pure luxury.
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If talking about walking is your thing, discover a literary walk through the Cotswolds countryside when Emily Rhodes launches a country-edition of her Walking Book Club. It takes place at The Lygon Arms Hotel on 5th September, when she’ll discuss Laurie Lee’s memoir of his Cotswold childhood, Cider with Rosie. Then enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea and overnight stay.
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Nestled in the heart of Chipping Campden, The Noel Arms is one of the Cotswolds' oldest inns and the perfect place to return to after a hard day’s rambling! For four centuries it’s hosted all manner of weary travellers, including Charles II during the English Civil War. Nowadays things are somewhat less frantic, with its twenty-eight bedrooms sitting at the head of the ancient Cotswold Way, which meanders through some of Britain's most beautiful countryside. Don’t miss monthly curry nights with Head Chef Indunil Upatissa – three-time winner of ‘Best Curry Chef’ at the Great British Pub Awards!
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Why not walk the road less travelled and enjoy Westonbirt Arboretum’s best kept secret – springtime? Renowned for its amazing autumnal colour, spring is an equally spectacular time of year at Westonbirt as the collection of flowering trees put on a vibrant show of colour including pinks, reds, purples and whites, with flowers of every shape and size bursting into bloom. If you want to learn more, why not join one of the free guided walks daily from 11am with one of their knowledgeable and friendly guides?
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The Sherborne Park Estate has a variety of walks to enjoy in the tranquil Cotswolds countryside, through parkland and farmland bordered by dry-stone walls. You can spot raptors including red kites and buzzards, farmland birds including yellowhammer and linnets, and you may even see kingfishers and water voles. At Lodge Park you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the Grade I listed, Charles Bridgeman designed landscape, and find out about work to restore it nearly 300 years after it was designed. Guided walks are available for both the estate and the Bridgeman landscape.
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At the southern end of the Cotswold Way, Bath provides the perfect antidote to the ups and downs of walking the 102 mile National Trail. There is no better way to ease away those aches and pains than bathing in Bath’s natural thermal waters in either the open-air rooftop pool or the stand-alone Cross Bath at Thermae Bath Spa. If you want a well-deserved treat after your exploits, you can also choose from over thirty spa treatments, including a Perfect Pick-Me-Up or an Aroma Massage and Body Scrub.
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Walk through royal history by taking a very special tour of the Royal Gardens at Highgrove led by one of The Prince of Wales’s expert guides. You’ll hear all about the history, inspiration and unique organic management behind these incredible gardens. Visitors will learn how the interlinked organic gardens have been created with imagination by the Prince and reflect his deep commitment to sustainability while enjoying the rich variety of flora and fauna on display. From the magnificence of the Thyme Walk to the serene, otherworldly setting of the Stumpery, your tour will offer a rare glimpse into the life of The Prince of Wales. Online booking in advance only.
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Base yourself at the private 130 acre nature reserve of Log House Holidays for your next walking holiday in the Cotswolds. Head out each day and explore the picturesque villages and towns, and the rolling hills that surround the area. Make sure you stop at a farm shop to pick up some delicious local foods for a picnic that day. Waiting for you each evening you’ll find your cosy cabin with an outdoor fire pit under the stars and panoramic views with not a soul in sight. Unwind in the hot tub whilst you plan your next day out walking in the Cotswolds.
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When you’ve walked part of the Cotswold Way or stretched your legs in Stow on the Wold, why not spend a comfortable night at The Barrel Store in the heart of beautiful Cirencester. A boutique hostel known as YHA Cotswolds, there’s room for up to forty-three people in fourteen rooms and perfectly located as a base for exploring the Cotswolds. It’s available for individual guests or to hire for a group, allowing you to make it your home away from home.
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The secluded valley of Woodchester Park is home to three waymarked walks and the perfect place to enjoy a walk soaking up the surrounding countryside. The boathouse walk takes you through the remains of an 18th- and 19th- century landscape park, past an unfinished Victorian mansion, round the lakes and past the boathouse, with woodland and pasture.
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Welcome in the lighter nights and warmer weather by staying in Chipping Campden, the starting point of the Cotswold Way with its beautiful views from the Cotswold escarpment, picturesque villages and ancient sites all the way to Bath. Enjoy a stay at The Kings Hotel on a Hazy Day & Lazy Stays offer and you’ll enjoy an elderflower champagne cocktail, two-course dinner, overnight accommodation and breakfast before you head off on your walking way.
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Base yourself at beautiful Eynsham Hall and you can stroll back in time by visiting North Leigh Roman Villa. Situated on the banks of the River Evenlode, you’ll find an almost complete mosaic floor as well as the remains of the 3rd century Roman home. With numerous lovely routes to take you there and back, you can end your walk with a glass of fizz on the terrace overlooking the glorious Cotswolds countryside.
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If you’re looking for a gentle walk in beautiful countryside with some history into the bargain, then why not try the Tetbury Trail? Park for free at the Tetbury Goods Shed and then follow the line of the old railway to the Trouble House pub – just two miles away. On your return enjoy a well-earned treat in the excellent Goods Shed café and have a look around the only remaining building in the old station yard – and now home to an arts centre and exhibition space.
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Forget the daily grind, escape social media and free your mind on the footpaths of the Cotswolds – considered the walking capital of England. So many health benefits have been associated with walking in nature – mindfulness, destressing and refocussing on what’s important in our lives. On a Cotswold Walks tour, your local guide will show you the best hiking trails and culinary delights the Cotswolds has to offer, while the self-guided tour means you can explore the English countryside at your own pace.
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With its spectacular views and landscapes, Dyrham Park lends itself perfectly to explorative walks around the parkland and garden. Set in 270-acres of rolling countryside, the park is home to hundreds of trees and a herd of fallow deer. Enjoy sweeping views of the elegant 17th century mansion and impressive vistas over Bristol and the Severn Estuary. On clear days, some viewpoints also offer a distant glimpse of Wales and the Black Mountains and for anyone looking to learn whilst they stroll, there are a variety of daily guided walks throughout the park.
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As a specialist in walking and cycling holidays, The Carter Company spend a lot of time designing their routes and hand picking accommodation to get things just right, to make sure they can offer exactly what you want. Book by the end of May for travel any time this year and quote Get A Step Ahead for special offers including upgraded rooms, transfers, dining and entrance tickets.
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Nestling under the Cotswold escarpment, Broadway offers a range of walks for all abilities. The natural Cotswold environment is complemented by the honey-coloured buildings within the village and surrounding areas. Situated on both the Cotswold and Wychavon Ways, Broadway is a focal point for walkers, offering not just the walk, whether easy or more strenuous, but a chance for refreshments afterwards as well!
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