Cotswold Walks

We traveled to the United Kingdom from the United States to take a walking tour of the Cotswold“s. At the end of the trip the 4 of us reviewed our trip and each one of us stated that we would not have wanted to change one thing about it! Andrew had all of the food, travel and accommodations set up with our itinerary sent to us in advance; all of which were superb. The walking tour was beyond fantastic! The opportunity to walk thru fields see Castles and walk by majestic homes was breathtaking. Andrew had transportation set up for those who could not walk over uneven ground because of an injury but could still enjoy the trip by meeting us at strategic locations. Initially I thought the price was high but after experiencing the trip it was worth every penny. In fact we are going again next year and bringing others along. Robert our guide, was friendly and informative and we all consider him a friend. I am 58 years old and travel many times a year and I can unequivocally state this has been my favorite trip! Thank You Robert and Andrew!

This was an amazing vacation! Two of my gal pals and I went for a 4 day 5 night hike from Cheltenham to Moreton-​on-​Marsh. We are in our 50s. The guide book was excellent but not perfect, and that made it even more enjoyable. It added to the sense of adventure! We did get lost a few times, but the views were so amazing and the whole experience was so much fun that we really didn’t mind. The tips were spot on too, and that helped (for instance, be careful of bulls). There were also tips for longer/​shorter paths so we felt we had some choice. The accommodations were also good. We didn’t expect swanky and were pleasantly surprised with most of our rooms. We went end of May and the flowers were all abloom, making us feel like we were walking in a cross between Brigadoon, the Wizard of Oz, the Sound of Music and Shangril-​La. Highly recommend Cotswold Walks.

This was a fabulous experience. We would do it again. The only reason this is 4 stars instead of 5 is that we got bottom of the barrel” rooms in a few hotels/​inns. The biggest problems were in Morton in Marsh and Broadway. Good hotels but garrett rooms. Also poor Internet if that matters. We would have also liked to have known that we needed to book several days ahead for restaurants in Broadway. The route notes were excellent and the walk was extremely relaxing and beautiful. We would definitely work with this group again on another walk in the Cotswolds.

I’m now hooked on walking holidays and Cotswold Walks was absolutely perfect. I did the 4 day 5 night walk from Cheltenham to Moreton-​in-​Marsh by myself and had a fantastic time. Being female, I had friends in the US ask if it was safe. Not only was it safe, it was one of the best vacations I’ve had in a long time. Directions were fantastic. Thank goodness he provides descriptions on the different gate styles as that was all new to me. I met a few other walkers who got lost a bit, but I really don’t see how as everything was so detailed. I also carried a small compass and I did refer to it a few times but it wasn’t essential. Loved having my bag waiting for me in my room and the B&B hosts & hostesses were fantastic. Don’t hesitate! It was wonderful.

I echo the comments of many others here — I am back two weeks now from one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life — a 60 mile+ hike in the Cotswolds to celebrate my birthday. I hiked by myself, and can recommend Cotswold Walks without qualification if a self-​guided walking holiday is what you’re looking for. Andrew customized a Cotswold Ring tour for me to coincide with a private garden exposition in Chipping Campden and time at Hidcote, and the whole experience was well-​planned, well-​communicated, and well-​excuted. The inns were cozy, clean, and charming and the breakfasts the perfect start for the day. To have a hot shower, bags waiting, and another charming village to explore at the end of the walking day was delightful. I had to backtrack a few times to find my way, but the well-​written directions were easy enough to get reoriented to. Walkers are congenial people; while I didn’t meet many folks when I was on the trail, we spot each other pretty easily in the villages in the evening. Restaurant recommendations Andrew includes in his materials are spot on — and British cuisine, at least in this part of Britain is much more than bangers and mash!

Andrew of Cotswolds Walks was recommended by 2 separate American friends who’d greatly enjoyed their own walking vacations a couple of years prior. My husband and I agree heartily! This was an exceptionally enjoyable and invigorating experience for us (mid-​sixties couple in pretty good shape). Andrew perfectly customized our 8 day tour to our requests. We loved every minute of the adventure, even the few times we got confused and had to retrace steps. The countryside is gorgeous, the villages charming, the people friendly and helpful, and the accommodations top-​notch. We felt confident and excited each day to set out on our own, eager to discover the next section of trails with clearly spelled out route notes in hand. Each day was unique, and luckily, the weather ideal, allowing us to ooh and aah at the beauty of the Cotswolds. We’ve just returned home and have already raved about this vacation to many friends, so Andrew, be prepared for an influx of interest from future Cotswolds Walks customers!

We (a group of 4 women) just completed a self-​guided walking tour of «The Cotswold“and can’t recommended it highly enough! Planning from the US was handled expertly by the staff via email and telephone when needed. The route notes were detailed and complete. B&Bs were all wonderful and it was great having our bags sitting in our room at the end of a long day of hiking. Best of all, the Cotswolds are incredibly beautiful and we marveled at every step at the scenery and charming villages we visited. This is a vacation you’ll never forget.

This outfit was magnificent! I have always wanted to go on a walking tour in England, self guided. Our travel agent, Village Travel in Massachusetts, did the research to find us this local UK outfit. The cost was a fraction of what we would have paid as opposed to an outfit here in the states. Though not all of the B&B’s were great, the tour itself was magnificent. We were provided with local, specific maps and guides as to where we would be going. As it was not a group led by a guide, we had to follow the precise detail of the instructions. They were great and very specific. We met other American’s on the tour using different tour outfits and they were getting lost and frustrated. Many ended up taking local buses to the next village to prevent getting lost. Some joined us during part of their journey so we could guide them to the next destination, which was nice for added company. We never got lost and this is coming from one who is just moderately good, not great at directions.
We told the folks at this tour company how many miles (roughly) we wanted to walk and they provided us with the most wonderful routes, through wheat fields, gorgeous villages, lawns behind manor houses, paths lined with moss covered stone walls… you get the picture. I would recommend Cotswold Walks and would use them again. I only wish they were in other countries guiding us on our next journey.