Where do the walks start and finish?

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with details on where to meet your guide. Most walks are circular, meaning you’ll return to the same starting point. If a different finishing location is required, this will be confirmed in advance.

Are there any age restrictions?

Walkers of all ages are welcome, and there is no upper age limit. However, children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Anyone taking part should be comfortable walking for the duration of their chosen route. If you have any concerns about ability levels, feel free to ask for advice before booking.

How long do the walks last?

Each walk varies in length, ranging from around 3 hours for shorter routes to 6 hours for longer ones. Distances also range from 4.5 to 13 miles, and the terrain can impact walking speed. If you’d like a slower-paced experience, this can be accommodated—just let your guide know.

What fitness level do I need?

A general level of fitness is required, as the terrain can be uneven, hilly, and occasionally muddy. Walks range from easy to strenuous, so there are options for all abilities. If you don’t walk regularly, shorter and flatter routes are recommended. If in doubt, contact us via the adventuro chat below and they'll be happy to advise.

How difficult are the walks?

Walks range from easy to more challenging, with each route graded to help you choose the right one. Easy walks are on well-maintained paths with no steep sections, making them suitable for most fitness levels. Easy to moderate routes may have some gentle inclines and uneven terrain but remain manageable for casual walkers. Moderate walks are better suited to those who walk regularly, with steeper climbs, descents, and rougher ground. The most challenging routes, classed as moderate to strenuous, involve steep uphill and downhill sections, uneven surfaces, and more physically demanding terrain, requiring a good level of fitness.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Walking boots or shoes with good grip are essential, as some sections of the route can be steep or slippery. Waterproofs and extra layers may also be useful, depending on the forecast.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Walks go ahead in most weather conditions, but in cases of extreme weather—such as storms or heavy snowfall—you’ll be contacted to discuss options. If a walk needs to be cancelled for safety reasons, alternative arrangements can be made.

It is highly recommended that all walkers have suitable travel, medical, and cancellation insurance. By booking a walk, you acknowledge that you and anyone you book on behalf of are participating at your own risk. While every effort is made to ensure walks are safe, including conducting risk assessments, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury, loss or damage to belongings, or incidents while travelling to and from the walk. Booking confirms your acceptance of these terms for yourself and your group.

Can we stop for lunch, and are there toilets along the route?

Many walkers choose to bring a packed lunch, giving more flexibility in where to stop and more time to enjoy the countryside. There’s nothing quite like pausing at the top of a quiet valley, taking in the views while you eat. Some routes pass through villages with pubs where you can purchase a drink or snack and use the facilities, and most walks finish near a pub as well.

Guided Walking Tours in the Cotswolds

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Focused on the beautiful southern Cotswolds, these private guided walks offer a chance to explore hidden valleys, historic landmarks, and peaceful countryside. Whether you’re interested in local history, nature, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s a route to suit all abilities. With a knowledgeable guide who has spent years walking these trails, you’ll discover a side of the Cotswolds that few visitors get to see.

Key Details

Duration: 3 to 6 hours (varies by route)
Distance: 4.5 to 13 miles (varies by route)
Difficulty: Easy to strenuous options available
Group Size: Maximum 5 people
Minimum Age: None

Route Options

In the Footsteps of Laurie Lee is a 4.5-mile, 3-hour moderate walk that takes you through the landscapes that inspired Cider with Rosie. Visit the cottage where Laurie Lee grew up, walk through the hidden valley where he and his friends played, and pass historical sites such as the haunted gallows location and the pond where a local tragedy took place. The route also follows ancient lanes where Royalist troops regrouped after battle and ends at the Woolpack, Lee’s favourite pub.
Kingscote and Ozleworth is a 6-mile, 3.5-hour moderate walk featuring rolling countryside, hidden lakes, and unspoiled valleys. This undulating route takes you past remote farms, historic houses, and a wide variety of trees and wildlife. It offers a peaceful escape into lesser-visited parts of the Cotswolds, with an optional pub stop at the end (not included).
Sapperton and Edgeworth is a 9-mile, 4-hour moderate walk through charming villages, ancient woodlands, and historic landmarks. Highlights include traditional cottages, a centuries-old church, sunken paths, and a canal tunnel. This route offers a mix of open landscapes and secluded trails, providing a deeper look into the history and beauty of the area. An optional pub stop is available at the end (not included).
Slad Valley and Beyond is a 13-mile, 6-hour route graded moderate to strenuous, offering a full day of walking through hidden valleys, little-used footpaths, and beech woodlands. With rewarding views and glimpses of local wildlife, this walk combines peaceful countryside with fascinating history and folklore. An optional mid-way pub stop is available (not included).
Hillforts and Hills is a 7-mile, 4-hour moderate walk beginning near Uley. This scenic route crosses meadows, streams, and beech woodlands before ascending to ancient hillforts and burial sites. The windswept hilltops provide far-reaching views, with frequent sightings of birds of prey and wild ponies. There is an optional mid-way pub stop (not included).
Five Peaks is a 13-mile, 6-hour moderate to strenuous walk that begins with a steep climb before levelling out along a scenic ridgeline. With views stretching towards the Severn Estuary and Welsh mountains, this route includes historical monuments, peaceful woodlands, and remote valleys. Featuring climbs, descents, and sections of the Cotswold Way, this is a great choice for those looking to get off the beaten track. An optional mid-way pub stop is available (not included).

Location

These guided walks take place in the southern Cotswolds, away from the busiest tourist spots. This area is full of hidden gems, from peaceful valleys to historic villages and ancient woodlands.

Each route has been carefully chosen to showcase the region’s rich history, wildlife, and landscapes. Detailed meeting points will be provided upon booking.

Prerequisites

Walkers of all ages are welcome, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. The Cotswolds’ terrain varies, with uneven paths, stiles, and occasional steep sections.

Some routes are more challenging than others, so it’s best to choose one that matches your ability. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, shorter and easier routes are available. Walking shoes or boots are essential, and waterproofs are recommended in case of wet weather.

Why Choose Us

With a lifetime of experience exploring trails across the world, your guide brings a deep understanding of both the landscape and history of the Cotswolds. From walking the Appalachian Trail to hiking across Oman’s mountains, their passion for the outdoors is reflected in every route they lead. Having spent decades exploring the lesser-known parts of the Cotswolds, they know the hidden places most visitors never see.

Their knowledge of the area isn’t just from maps—it’s personal. With family roots in the region going back generations, they have an intimate connection to the land and its history. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, each walk is tailored to create an enjoyable and informative experience. These walks aren’t just about seeing the Cotswolds—they’re about truly experiencing them.