The Cotswolds lie at the centre of England. Golden limestone and thatched cottages form the backdrop to this gentle journey through one of England’s prettiest regions. We set out each day from Chipping Camden, one of the Cotswold’s most charming villages, to walk along historic footpaths, Roman roads and winding country lanes. This area is home to some of England’s greatest gardens such as Hidcote Manor, Kingscliff and the magnificent arboretum of Batsford House. Our walking routes are dotted with atmospheric pubs where we can sample the local ale. We travel on to the south west by way of the lovely Regency city of Bath, which we will spend a day exploring. We continue on to Devon to explore two wonderful National Parks, Exmoor & Dartmoor. While the landscape is more rugged here with great sweeping expanses of moorland there are also more gentle landscapes to explore where we can walk beside meandering streams and through lush meadows to thatched hamlets, stopping for a traditional Devonshire Cream Tea along the way. We walk across the wild uplands of Exmoor and Dartmoor , where we find ancient stone circles, medieval settlements and eagles and buzzards soar high above.
Days 1, 2
Cotswolds: Chipping Camden:
Explore Chipping Camden, one of the most charming and unspoiled Cotswold towns. Walk to Blockley and onto Lord Dulverton's Batsford House, once home to the Mitford sisters. visit the Arboretum and the Birds of Prey Centre.
Stroll through the gently rolling hills to reach the famous Hidcote Manor Gardens and Kingscliff Gardens.
Day 3
Bath
Visit the historic town of Bath and explore the architectural marvels of this Regency spa town with a local guide
Day 4 & 5
Exmoor
Walk through oak woods to cross the heather moorland. a blaze of colour in late summer. Sample a traditional cream tea; freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream in a romantic english garden.. Walk the world famous south west coastal path and enjoy wonderful views out across the Bristol channel to Wales.
Day 6 & 7
Dartmoor
Take a riverside path to Fingles Bridge, visit the splendid Castle Drogo, designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Explore Dartmoor and walk among dramatic rocky outcrops (tors) formed some 280 million years ago. Visit a late iron-age settlement and rest at Hound Tor made famous by the Hound of the Baskervilles.
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Details: 7nights/8days