The Rundown:
A pretty walk through fields and woods, taking in 2 lovely tiny Cotswold villages. Plus a fun little bonus if you fancy something less filling than pub food!
Length: approx 5 ½ miles, 2 ½ – 3 hours depending on your pace
Terrain: some gentle hills, some very muddy areas
All Trails guide link: Longborough and Bourton-on-the Hill Circular, Gloucestershire, England – 224 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
We often go walking in the Cotswolds. This was a beautiful walk on a chilly January day. We started out in Longborough, which is a cute little village very near to Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire. There is street parking all along the village, but arrive early to ensure you will find a space of your own! Take some time to poke around the village: there are some gorgeous homes and cottages, plus a very friendly village shop with all sorts of unexpected niceties!
Longborough:
We made our way out of the village on the Heart of England way towards Bourton on the Hill. The path winds down a lane next to a lovely little duck pond where some joker has placed a fake heron… I watched it for way longer than I should have, certain it had moved several times. Sigh.
Anyway, shortly after leaving the village we passed by Sezincote House. A very unique manor house built in an Indian style by Charles Cockerell, a former employee of the East Indian Company. We stopped for a few photos and then a snack to allow a large group of ramblers past. Beyond Sezincote, there are lovely views, sheep, farmland, and rolling Cotswold hills. And mud. Seriously, wear boots or wellies – it gets thick and deep in places!
Bourton-on-the-Hill
Eventually we emerged from the fields into Bourton on the Hill, another gorgeous little Cotswold village which snakes up a long (but gentle) hill. It is worth walking one end to the other to take in the beautiful cottages and manor houses. There is a small churchyard with a bench to stop for a peaceful sip of water if you so desire. At the top of the village is a large pub, the award-winning Horse and Groom. Stop in if you fancy something more substantial and special to eat!
We walked on a path next to Home Farm, which eventually joins the Monarch’s Way to head back to Longborough. It meandered through woods, over streams, and through a farm yard. Totally worth the few muddy trudges in-between!
And Back Again…
We met many fellow wanderers on the day, all jovial (as walkers often are!), all very quick to warn us of the upcoming muddy patches, and one who was very complimentary of the pub in Longborough – she had obviously enjoyed her time there! Happy days.
A Little Surprise…
Get in your car and drive to the top of Bourton on the Hill… just outside of the village on your left you will find an absolute treasure trove of delightful junk food!!! The wall of brightly coloured fizzy drinks will blow your mind. Visit the Cotswold Service Station/Budgens… you won’t be disappointed.
See the highlights of this walk here:
Have you done this circular route? Or gone walking in the Cotswolds elsewhere? Let me know your experiences in the Comments section below!
If you’re looking for other lovely places to explore or go walking in the Cotswolds, why not check out Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton on the Water, the Slaughters, or Bibury!