Your private guide will meet you in London Heathrow Airport and transfer you to the charming village of Broadway in the Cotswolds (approx. 140km, 2hrs). 

Broadway Tower Hike

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. 

Hiking The Cotswolds Way

Setting out directly from your hotel entrance, hike up onto the escarpment and head south enjoying the elevated views. We soon pass Beckbury Camp, an iron age fort dating back to 2000 BC. 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 (additional costs apply). 

Classic Cotswold Villages Hike

Transfer 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, wending 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. 

Stratford-Upon-Avon – Royal Shakespeare Theatre Behind The Scenes Tour (Optional – Additional costs apply)

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. 

Leaving the Cotswolds this morning, we transfer north-west into Wales. 

Llangollen Visit

Stop in 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. 

Offa’s Dyke Path Hike

Hike one of the best stages of the famous Offa’s Dyke Path. The trial 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 a short transfer to your hotel, located on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

Snowdonia National Park Hike – Cwm Idwal

Explore the beautiful 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 it.

Llanberis Visit

Explore the mountain town of Llanberis, nestled at the foot of Snowdon and has always been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. 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. 

Anglesey Island Hike

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 its 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, with plenty of scope for that, or visit a local producer of Anglesey salt. Alternatively, cross the bridge back to the mainland and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Caernarfon Castle, an imposing fortress with a fascinating history. 

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will take you east back to Manchester Airport (approx. 155km, 2 hours) in time for your onward travel. Alternatively, continue your adventure on our Lake District extension.

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the lush landscapes of the Lake District (approx. 300km, 3.5 – 4hrs), a nature lover’s paradise filled with English charm.

Beatrix Potter’s England 

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 inventing stories for Peter Rabbit and other characters.

Transfer to your hotel nestled on the banks of Ullswater.

Ullswater Cruise & Hike

Take a unique trip 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! 

Lake District Hike

Spend the day hiking in the Helvellyn Range. 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 rock. 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 William Wordsworth and stock up on the town’s famous gingerbread! 

 After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Manchester (approx. 180km, 2hrs) for your onward journey.