Showcasing some of the most breath-taking scenery and the best walking trails, the Cotswolds is world renowned as one the most charming and explorable regions of the UK. Staying at a fantastic 4 star hotel along with two “new” exclusively guided walking days, join your fellow walkers and experience this ever popular Solos walking break.
Extras
Check in at leisure and perhaps enjoy the hotels facilities then meet your fellow Solos guests for the first evening dinner.
Our first walk begins in Winchcombe, often referred to as the capital of ancient Mercia, one of the seven Saxon kingdoms. As you set off, the route takes us through a pastoral valley before transitioning into more exposed agricultural land, where you’ll likely spot the region’s famous sheep grazing in the fields.
Key stops along the way include:
• St Faith’s Church, a historic site dating back to Saxon times.
• Farmcote Herb Garden, where you can enjoy the fragrance and beauty of various herbs.
• Hailes Abbey, founded in 1246, a Cistercian monastery with a rich history.
• Hailes Church, home to stunning medieval wall paintings and stained glass windows.
We will take a break for refreshments at Hayles Fruit Farm, a great spot to enjoy some local produce. The walk concludes back in Winchcombe, where we’ll have time to relax and enjoy a drink at one of the town’s many charming pubs or cafes.
Today’s walk offers a delightful journey through picturesque woodlands and open grasslands, specially managed to preserve habitats for a variety of orchids and the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
As we wander along the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Painswick Valley on one side and the majestic Malvern Hills on the other. If the weather is clear, you’ll catch glimpses of the Severn Estuary, the Forest of Dean, and even the distant Welsh hills.
A refreshing break awaits us at the Edgemoor Inn, where we’ll pause to enjoy some well-earned refreshments before continuing our adventure
Transfer Time 20 mins approx
Walking Distance 6 miles approx
Moderate slopes
Breakfast & Dinner Included
After a leisurely breakfast, check out and say goodbye.
Surrounded by rolling countryside with a backdrop of the Cotswolds hills, this contemporary and well appointed hotel is a superb base for our Cotswold’s walking break.
We can unwind after a days’ walking in the bar before dinner in the restaurant. Further facilities include a health club with indoor swimming pool, gym, spa jacuzzi and treatment rooms (charges apply).
The comfortable bedrooms feature en-suite facilities, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, arm-chair, iron/ironing board, tea & coffee making facilities, small fridge, satellite LCD TV,
The hotel is conveniently located a short distance away from the M4 and M5 motorways. Complimentary car parking is available.
Two guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme requires good physical fitness and you can expect to walk approx 7.5 miles on the first walk and approx 6 miles on the second walk. A coach will be used to transfer you to the starting point of the walks.
Walking notes
Distance: 6.5 to 7.5 miles per day approx
Walking boots: Essential
It is recommended to purchase a snack and drink to take with you before each walk. Linch on both days will be at own cost
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £10. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
---|---|---|
January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”