Compare Walking the English Countryside: the Cotswolds and Cornwall by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 4,699 |
| Price Per Day | $ 313 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 13 Dinners |
| Description |
Thanks to thousands of miles of public and ancient footpaths, walking is an integral part of the British way of life. With rolling hills, scattered stone villages and a wealth of historic monuments and buildings from prehistoric times to the present day, there is no better countryside to roam than that of the Cotswolds and the Duchy of Cornwall. |
Day 1: In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2: Arrival Day, Mickleton
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel
Activity note: The walk to Hidcote Gardens is approximately one mile each way.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. You may wish to take an optional walk to nearby Hidcote Gardens – your Group Leader will help you with directions. At 5pm we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Please also note that the distance and duration of walks may change due to local conditions.
Dinner: A seated Welcome Dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Evening: Free time to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead.
Day 3: Chipping Camden, Broadway, Mickleton
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel
Activity note: The walk from Chipping Camden to Broadway is approximately 5.5 miles, with two steady hill climbs totalling 200 metres of ascent.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. A breakfast buffet with a range of hot and cold items, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning: We'll enjoy the morning in the delightful town of Chipping Campden. Here you will have two options to choose from: Either enjoy a guided walk and a visit to Hart’s Silversmith with your Group Leader, or set out on your own for independent exploration. Your Group Leader will provide you with maps and suggestions for places to see.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon: This morning we walk from Chipping Camden to the village of Broadway, via the iconic Broadway Tower. We’ll navigate spectacular hills and be rewarded, weather permitting, with glorious views out across the Cotswolds. Broadway Tower itself stands like a monolith atop Dover’s Hill, the second highest point in the Cotswolds and is an example of what the English affectionately refer to as a “folly” – an extravagant building constructed for no real practical purpose.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Enjoy a presentation by a Cotswold AONB Ranger on “The History of Farming in the Cotswolds & Countryside Conservation”.
Day 4: Oxford, Christ Church, Mickleton
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel
Activity note: The Oxford city walk is approximately 1.2 miles on flat ground.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We board the motor coach and travel to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. We’ll enjoy an informative and educational stroll through the city to Christ Church Meadow, a flower-filled water meadow beside the River Thames, before a local expert takes us behind the scenes and reveals the grandeur of Henry VIII’s Christ Church. Founded in 1546 and one of the largest of the Oxford’s 38 colleges, Henry’s Lord Chancellor Thomas Wolsey planned the impressive Great Quadrangle, the Tudor Kitchen and the Great Hall. Christ Church is, uniquely, the Cathedral seat of Oxford and occupies a 150 acre site in the centre of the city. Please note that, due to examination timetables, Christ Church may not be available on every departure. If this is the case, you will be able to enjoy an expert-led exploration of New College, first founded in 1379.
Lunch: Lunch will be served in Oxford.
Afternoon: Free time. You will receive an information pack with maps, directions, historical notes and suggestions for things to do.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 5: Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters, Mickleton
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel
Activity note: The Naunton to Bourton walk is approximately 6 miles with a moderate 333 metre ascent.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Explore some beautiful British pastures and riversides as we walk from Naunton to Bourton-on-the-Water. On the way we’ll pass through Upper and Lower Slaughter, an interestingly named pair of villages that have been inhabited for over 1,000 years.
Lunch: A packed lunch of sandwiches, fruit and a drink or similar will be provided en-route.
Afternoon: Free time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water. Nestled inside the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bourton has been described as “the Venice of the Cotswolds”.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 6: Coln St Aldwyn, Bibury, Kelmscott Manor, Mickleton
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel
Activity note: The Coln St Aldwyn to Bibury walk is approximately 6 miles on largely flat ground.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: To begin today we’ll take a gentle walk through the picturesque village of Kelmscott to Kelmscott Manor – home to both William Morris and the hugely influential Arts & Crafts movement – where we’ll enjoy an expertly guided tour of the house and gardens.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: We begin our walk this afternoon in Coln St Aldwyn, a charming hamlet on the banks of the River Coln. Our route will take us through the many picturesque villages of the Coln Valley, passing peaceful and unspoilt riverside, before ending in the Cotswold village of Bibury, once described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England”.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 7: The Duntisbourne Valley, Cirencester, Mickleton
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel
Activity note: The Duntisbourne Valley walk is approximately 6 miles on largely flat ground.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: This morning we explore the Duntisbourne Valley, home to numerous beautiful small villages and some wonderful views. Our final destination is Cirencester, stopping en-route at Cirencester Park, home to a beautiful 16th Century manor house.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: We’ll take an expert-led walk of Cirencester, a quaint market town and an important early Roman fort. Here you will be able to visit the Corinium Museum, which has excellent exhibits detailing Cirencester’s Roman history.
Dinner: In the hotel. A special treat tonight as we enjoy a light main course, followed by a famous Pudding Club with a selection of traditional British puddings.
Evening: Free time.
Day 8: Transfer to Cornwall, The Cathedral City of Wells, Camelford, North Cornwall
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lanteglos Country House Hotel.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today we transfer by motor coach to Cornwall, in the South East of England. En-route we will pay a visit to the Cathedral City of Wells. One of the smallest cities in England, Wells is packed with fascinating history and architectural splendour. Your Group Leader will orientate you to the area before you have some free time to explore at your own pace.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: The transfer to Cornwall continues.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Relax after dinner as a local expert gives you an introduction to the local area.
Day 9: Pentire Head, The Coastal Path, Camelford, North Cornwall
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lanteglos Country House Hotel.
Activity note: The walk from Pentire Farm to St Enodoc Church is approximately 6.5 miles. There are several short, but sharp ascents and descents.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: A walk through the stunning Cornish landscapes today as we make our way along the coast from Pentire Farm to St Enodoc Church. Marvel at the breathtaking views across the Camel estuary, followed by sandy beaches and wildlife-rich dunes. Laurence Binyon wrote “For The Fallen” whilst sat along this route, and Sir John Betjeman is buried in the churchyard at St Enodoc.
Lunch: A packed lunch with local specialities, including saffron cake.
Afternoon: This afternoon we take a field trip to Cornwall’s largest vineyard, Camel Valley. Explore local wine making tradition and maybe even sample a glass for yourself!
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Some of Sir John Betjeman’s most celebrated works were inspired by the Cornish coast, and tonight we’ll be treated to a reading of his poems by the Camhayle Theatre Group.
Day 10: St. Ives, Blue Hills Tin Streams, Camelford, North Cornwall
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lanteglos Country House Hotel.
Activity note: The walk from St. Ives to Clodgy Point and back is approximately 3 miles, with a gradual ascent of 100 metres.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We depart by motor coach for the seaside town of St. Ives, where you will have two options for this morning. You can enjoy a guided walk around the harbour, before striking out to Clodgy Point to admire the wild Atlantic Ocean and making your way back through Bronze Age field systems. Should you want a more relaxed day, you may wish to stay behind and explore St. Ives independently. Its cobbled streets are full of history, legend and tradition and also house the Tate Gallery, the Cornish arm of this world famous London gallery.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: After our time in St. Ives, we’ll board the motor coach for a field trip to Blue Hills Tin Streams. Cornish tin has been produced since 2000 BC, and we’ll be able to experience how Blue Hills keeps this rich tradition alive with a local expert.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 11: Padstow, Port Isaac, Camelford, North Cornwall
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lanteglos Country House Hotel.
Activity note: The walk from Harlyn to Padstow is approximately 7 miles, with an ascent of 140 metres and several short, sharp descents.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today’s field trip takes us by motor coach to Padstow, where you will have two options. You may wish to join your Group Leader for a guided walk from Harlyn Bay to Padstow, via Trevone Head and Hawker’s Cove – a magnificent stretch of rugged coastline and a stunning tidal estuary. If you’d like a quieter morning, you will be able to stay behind in Padstow for fuller exploration of its charms.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: Take the Blacktor Ferry from Padstow to Rock, then travel onwards to Port Isaac for a free afternoon of independent exploration. Port Isaac is a busy coastal port first established in the Middle Ages, where narrow, winding streets bordered by picturesque cottages give way to a delightful marina stretching out into the sea. Eagle eyed fans of British television will also be able to spot the home of popular character Doc Martin, perfectly positioned above the village looking out over the bay.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 12: The Cornish Riviera, Camelford, North Cornwall
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lanteglos Country House Hotel.
Activity note: The walk from Dodman Point to Mevagissey is approximately 6.5 miles, with ascents totalling 300 metres over three main climbs.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today we explore the Cornish Riviera, with several options for you to enjoy this picturesque part of the county. You may wish to pay a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a world renowned botanical garden, for an expert led-tour of the North Garden and time for independent exploration. For those wishing for something more strenuous, you can join your Group Leader for a walk from Dodman Point to Mevagissey – a superb promontory with sweeping views along the coast in both directions, picturesque fishing villages and sandy coves.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: We’ll all meet in Mevagissey this afternoon to explore this bustling fishing village, packed full of history, crafts and – of course – fresh fish!
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 13: Tintagel, Camelford, North Cornwall
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lanteglos Country House Hotel.
Activity note: The walk from Boscastle to Tintagel is approximately 4.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 335 metres split across three climbs. The extension to Trebarwith Strand is a further 2.5 miles.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: This morning we negotiate the spectacular Rocky Valley as we walk from Boscastle to Tintagel. Follow a wild coastline with imposing cliffs and ancient rock formations, before taking in a dose of English mythology at Tintagel. Set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, Tintagel Castle is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: The day continues, with an opportunity to explore Tintagel or continue your walk onwards to Trebarwith Strand. We will then return to the hotel and take some time to reminisce on your walking adventures in Cornwall.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 14: Transfer to London, The Roman City of Bath, London Heathrow Airport
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Heathrow Hotel.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We board the coach for our transfer to the London airport hotel, with a visit to the Roman spa city of Bath en-route. You’ll have time to independently explore this ancient city, home to one of the most complete surviving Roman Baths in Britain. Around Britain’s only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and building complex that still flows with natural hot water and was regarded as the beating heart of Bath for centuries.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: The transfer continues.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 15: Program Concludes, London Heathrow Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.
Morning: Shuttle bus to Heathrow Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.
