England and Wales: Hiking Adventure

Day 1 – To the Cotswolds

Your private guide will meet you in Manchester this morning and you transfer south to the charming village of Broadway in the Cotswolds. After checking into your hotel, head out on a short hike up to Broadway Tower. This imposing crenellated structure is the highest castle in the Cotswolds, dating back to the 18th century, and gives a real sense of the history captured in this landscape. But really, it’s all about the sweeping views of the beautiful Cotswold landscape. Despite its modest altitude of just 313m above sea level, the sweeping panorama takes in 16 counties and across the border into Wales. And it’s a landscape that you’ll be exploring on this hiking adventure.

Overnight: 4 star | Broadway Hotel | Broadway

Day 2 – Hiking the Cotswolds Way

Setting out directly from the front door of the hotel, we hike up onto the escarpment and head south enjoying the elevated views. We soon pass Beckbury camp, an Iron Age fort dating back to 2,000 BCE. Moving forward in direction and history, we pass the ruins of 13th century Hailes Abbey, before we arrive at 15th century Sudeley Castle. An elegant castle with decades of fascinating royal connections, it is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried in the grounds. Once you have finished exploring, transfer back to the hotel or, for something a bit different, we can catch the heritage steam train back to Broadway.

Overnight: 4 star | Broadway Hotel | Broadway. (B)

Day 3 – Classic Cotswolds

A short transfer this morning takes us to the small market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, where fairs have been held in the square by royal charter since 1330. From here, we hike village to village, winding our way through peaceful countryside, past old parish churches and the villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. We finish at Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to the bridges spanning the peaceful River Windrush which runs through its centre.

After lunch, spend some time exploring the village or, if you prefer, we can take a trip to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. For the full experience, take a fascinating behind the scenes tour at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre before you catch a show to hear the bard’s words come to life.

Overnight: 4 star | Broadway Hotel | Broadway (B)

Day 4 – Hiking Offa's Dyke Path

Leaving the Cotswolds this morning, we transfer northwest into Wales. Our first stop is the historic town of Llangollen, where we’ll admire the incredible Pontcysyllte Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its soaring arches offer a unique valley crossing by boat or foot at almost 40m above ground level.

After lunch, we hike one of the best stages of the famous Offa’s Dyke Path. The trail was built in the 8th century by King Offa of the ancient Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia. Starting on a high pass, we follow a hilltop trail with wide open views over the Valley of Clwyd towards Snowdonia, passing ancient forts and burial mounds as we hike. After a drink in a local inn to recover, we make the short transfer west to our hotel, located close to Llanberis on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

Overnight: 5 star | Tyn Rhos Country House Hotel | Wales. (B)

Day 5 – Hiking Snowdonia National Park

Today we explore the beautiful rugged landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. A morning hike leads us into the spectacular glacial bowl of Cwm Idwal, where towering cliffs curve around a crystal clear lake. It’s easy to see why there are so many local legends and tales associated with this mystical place.

This afternoon you can choose to explore the mountain town of Llanberis – nestled at the foot of Snowdon’s peak, it has always been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Or discover the compelling National Slate Museum and learn what a crucial role slate played in this part of the world in days gone by. Alternatively, keen hikers can dedicate the full day to the mountains, perhaps hiking up one of the more challenging peaks such as Snowdon itself or the rugged peak of Glyder Fawl.

Overnight: 5 star | Tyn Rhos Country House Hotel | Wales. (B)

Day 6 – The Welsh Coast and Culture

We cross the bridge from the mainland of Wales to explore the wonderful island of Anglesey. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we’ll explore the region’s sweeping sandy beaches and cliff-bound coves on an invigorating coastal walk. After lunch, you can choose how to spend the rest of the day based on your interests.

Keen hikers may want a full day’s walk and there is lots of scope for that. Other options include a visit to a local producer of Anglesey salt, or cross the bridge back to the mainland and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the dramatic Caernarfon Castle, an imposing fortress with a fascinating history. Alternatively, if you want to wind down, ask us about a private yoga session which we can arrange on request.

Overnight: 5 star | Tyn Rhos Country House Hotel | Wales. (B)

Day 7 – Return to Manchester | Start Trip Extension

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will take you east back to Manchester Airport (2 hours) in time for your onward travel. Alternatively, continue your adventure on our Lake District extension. (B)

Day 7 – Trip Extension | Beatrix Potter's England

We transfer 3 hours north to the lush landscapes of the Lake District, a nature lover’s paradise and full of English charm. We’ll visit Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s historic farmhouse – and combine that with a walk to one of her favourite places, Moss Eccles Tarn. This is where she spent much of her time painting and writing stories about Peter Rabbit and the rest of the characters in her iconic tales. A short transfer north then takes us to our hotel, nestled on the banks of Ullswater.

Overnight: 4 star | Inn on the Lake | Glenridding. (B)

Day 8 – Hiking Ullswater

Take a unique trip directly from the hotel this morning, as we step on board a characterful ‘steamer’ boat for a cruise down Ullswater. Alighting at the far end of the lake, a wonderful hike leads us along the far shore all the way back to the hotel. As we hike, we’ll take in the views of the serene waters and across the lake to some of the highest summits in the Lake District. Back in the village, enjoy a traditional English tea or a pint of ale – your choice!

4 star | Inn on the Lake | Lake District. (B)

Day 9 – Hiking the Lake District

We’ll finish on a high by spending the day hiking in the Helvellyn mountain range, accessible by simply stepping out of the hotel door. Take on a full-day hike with your guide to one of the high summits, or enjoy a more leisurely full or half-day hike through the valleys, perhaps to Grisedale Tarn and the Brother’s Parting Stone. If you’re finished hiking by early afternoon, you might want to visit the nearby village of Grasmere, where you can visit the home of romantic ‘Lakes’ poet William Wordsworth and stock up on the town’s famous gingerbread.

Overnight: 4 star | Inn on the Lake | Glenridding. (B)

Day 10 – Return to Manchester

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer south 2 hours back to Manchester Airport in time for your onward travel. Note that a transfer to London Heathrow would be 6-7 hours. (B)