Walk 6 hrs (22km) 
Total Ascent 251 m 
Highest Point 214 m Welcome to this Signature Hike
This hike can be completed in 6 hours, meaning it can be done at any time of year, provided you don’t start too late in Winter. The paths tend to be muddy in wet weather, so bring appropriate footwear. There is plenty of flora and fauna interest throughout the seasons.
Read the information below to learn more about your walk before you head off.
Ready to walk?
Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.
Before you start
Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:
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Save This Guide
Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).
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Download OS Map App
This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.
Click here for Apple
Click here for Android
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Battery
Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.
The Curator Caro Jacobs
Meet the Curator
After escaping the hustle and bustle of life as a PR executive in London more than 20 years ago, Caro settled with her family in the Cotswolds. She immediately became an enthusiastic walker and hasn’t stopped exploring since!
“My advice to all aspiring Vespucci adventurers is to keep your head up and your eyes open on this hike so that you don’t miss any of the spectacular countryside and lovely architecture in this very special Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There is so much to see along the way, including some Cotswold-stone houses and hard-to-miss Nic Fiddian-Green horse head sculptures! Be sure to leave lots of time for exploring and pit stops.”
Adventure Summary
Cotswolds, Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire
At 22 kilometres, this is a long day-hike, but the hills are gentle and the landscape is certainly enough to keep you going. The views are outstanding, punctuated by stunning country houses, quaint villages and picturesque churches. As would be expected, there is a wonderful variety of excellent coffee and pub stops along the way – it’s hard not to stop at them all! Our personal favourite is the King’s Head Inn in Bledington. This circular route starts from Kingham station – Kingham was once voted “England’s favourite village” by Country Life magazine!
Hike Highlights
Panoramic view of Cotswolds
Quintessential English countrysideviews of rolling hills, charming villages, and lush, patchwork fields.
Chastleton House
A magnificent Jacobean mansion, renowned for its well-preserved interiors and tranquil, atmospheric gardens.
Kings Head, Bledington
What hike would be complete without a a rewarding pub stop? This one is a particular Vespucci favourite.
Train
This hike is easily accessible by train from Paddington station to Kingham station, with a journey time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. Trains are direct and run regularly.
By Car
There is plenty of parking at Kingham station (OX7 6UP). It costs up to £4.30 per day, via a cashless meter. Alternatively, you can park at the King’s Head Inn at Bledington (OX7 6XQ) and begin your circular route at this point, which would cut out 1.7km each way.
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.
We highly recommend stopping off at the Bledington Community Shop and Café, not only to buy your picnic but to enjoy a coffee. It’s run by the community, is very friendly and welcoming and is reached after about 20 minutes walking from the station.
Points of interest
Places to enjoy along the route
The insiders guide to
The Shires
📍 DO
Batsford Arboretum
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Visit Stow on Wold
Spa Day at Bamford Wellness Centre
🛏️ SLEEP
The King’s Head Inn
The Fox at Oddington
Check Air bnb for quaint cottages and Shepherds huts
🍺 DRINK
The King’s Head Inn
The Fox at Oddington
The Kingham Plough
🍽️ EAT
Dalesford Farm Shop
The King’s Head Inn
The Wild Rabbit
🚶♂️MORE WALKS
Corner of the Cotswolds
The Heart of England
What’s Next?
Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!