Looking for Moreton-in-Marsh walks? This beautiful circular route offers stunning countryside, quaint villages and two cosy pub stops.
I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve visited the Cotswolds. With its honey-coloured limestone buildings, charming villages, sweeping countryside and cosy feel, it’s one of our favourite parts of England. We’ve explored far and wide – from Chipping Camden in the north, to Tetbury in the south.
For our most recent trip, we based ourselves into the charming village of Longborough. A stone’s throw from Moreton-in-Marsh, it was a great location for exploring the region. We ventured to nearby attractions including Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village and Fairytale Farm, visited bougie farm shop Daylesford, feasted at cosy pubs, and mooched around characterful towns and villages. If you’re looking for tips for your trip, don’t miss my guide to planning a family holiday in the Cotswolds.
One of our favourite things to do on a Cotswolds holiday, is a country walk. There are lots of great routes in this part of England, from village loops to longer strolls, such as the 100 mile Cotswold Way National Trail and the 65 mile Diamond Way.
On this trip, we were travelling with our 20-month-old son, who was a toddling, chatty bundle of joy. His walking style? Rather slow, and easily distracted! So, we popped him in the backpack carrier and let him take in the views from up there!
If you’re looking for walks near Moreton-in-Marsh, the Longborough to Bourton-on-the-Hill circular walk is a great option. You’ll complete it in around two hours, and enjoy all the quintessential views of the region.
In this guide, I’ll share step-by-step instructions so you can literally follow in our footsteps.
Contents:
The Longborough To Bourton-on-the-Hill Circular Walk
Where is Longborough?
This walk starts and finishes in the village of Longborough. This is 3 miles from Moreton-in-Marsh (under ten minutes by car). There is on-street parking available in the village. Just be considerate of residents, and don’t block driveways. If you need any facilities pre or post walk, there’s a village shop and café, as well as The Coach and Horses pub.
How long does the Longborough circular walk take?
In total, this circular walking route from Longborough to Bourton-on-the-Hill is about 5 miles (8.2 km). Most people will complete it in 2-2.5 hours. We enjoyed a pitstop at the pub in Bourton-on-the-Hill, so it took us a little longer.
We found our pace slowed a little because of the muddy terrain. There had been a downpour overnight, so we had to navigate some squelchy puddles and paths! Added to that, we had the 10kg weight of a toddler, so we weren’t our speediest!
Highlights of the Longborough to Bourton-on-the-Hill walk
While you could walk on the road between these two villages, you’d be missing out on stunning views and interesting sights. Also, many of the roads are narrow and windy, and cars drive at speed. You should definitely take the footpaths across the fields.
A lot of the route is easy to follow, but there are a few moments you’ll want to be sure of the directions. I’ve included lots of instructions, as well as photos, so you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Section 1: Exploring Longborough
Longborough is a lesser-known Cotswold village. It is quiet and full of charm – a bit of a hidden gem. Before you set off on the walk, take some time to look around the village.
Highlights include St James’ Church which dates back to the 12th century. It has a pretty clock on the tower, dating back to the 1800s.
If it’s open, stop by Longborough Village Shop and Cafe. This community-run store is very charming. Inside you’ll find a range of items, including some delicious local produce (cheese, meats, bread etc). Half of the building is a café, with a cosy vibe and log fire. It’s a great place to grab a cuppa and a slice of cake before or after your walk (or both!)
There’s also The Coach and Horses pub. This is another option for food and drink. This Cotswold stone pub is super cosy inside, again with a log fire and small dining area. We thought the drinks were incredibly reasonable too! I’d suggest stopping here at the end of your walk.
This walk starts from the pub. With the pub in front of you and the war memorial behind you, turn to the right and walk along the road. Soon, you’ll be at the entrance marked ‘Goldborough House’, with a sign under reading ‘private road public footpath’. Continue along this path, with allotments on your left and the graveyard to your right.
Pass through the gate marked Heart of England Way and follow the path. You’ll have gorgeous sweeping countryside vistas to your right here. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy them!
When you reach a crossroads, go straight over, following the sign to Bourton-on-the-Hill. Enter the field on the right and follow along, keeping the fence on your left.
Section 2: Sezincote House to Bourton-on-the-Hill
As you walk across the fields, you’ll spot Sezincote House on your left in the distance. This impressive 19th-century estate blends Mughal Indian and English architecture. Think – the Taj Mahal in England! It’s a true fusion of east-meets-west. You’ll see its pretty onion dome and exotic gardens as you continue this section of the walk.
We loved seeing the pond here, which has a waterfall cascading down. You’ll pass through a series of gates here, and then emerge into a large field. There were sheep grazing here on our trip.
Section 3: Bourton-on-the-Hill
It won’t be long before you see picturesque Cotswold stone buildings coming into view. Of all the views on this walk, this was my favourite. You’ve now arrived in Bourton-on-the-Hill, another idyllic Cotswolds stone village. There’s not a huge amount to visit here, but I’d recommend doing a quick lap of the village. There’s St. Lawrence Church, a 12th century masterpiece, as well as a scattering of country cottages and terraces.
Our recommendation once you reach this village, is to turn left up the hill, and visit the Horse and Groom pub. This traditional pub is the perfect spot for a light bite, a drink or something warming on a cold day! We rested our tired legs here, and warmed up with some cups of hot chocolate by the log fire. We were around half way through the walk, so it was definitely time to refuel!
After our drinks, we set off back down the hill, taking a look at the church on the way back. You need to get back on the same footpath you came into the village on (marked the Heart of England Way).
Section 4: Returning to Longborough
Back on the track, once you reach the second gate, take a left turn (rather than going straight on – the way you came in). Eventually you’ll turn right onto a narrow path that weaves between two big fields.
Then you’ll need to climb over a stile, and follow the path around to the left.
Eventually, when you reach a road, cross over another stile and then follow the path over a skinny bridge. You’ll then be into a lovely woodland section of the walk, with a stream to your left and trees to your right.
The next part involves several stiles, then a cattle grid where you’ll turn right, following the road up towards some farm buildings. Pass the barn, keeping it on your left, then eventually take the path to the left around a small wooded area.
Soon, you’ll see a signpost in the field, with Longborough signed to your right. Follow in this direction across the fields, back to the village. You might see cattle grazing, depending on the time of year you visit.
Eventually the village will come back into view and you can wander up the hill back towards the Coach and Horses pub. How convenient! You’ve definitely earned a drink now!
Where To Stay In Longborough
If you’re looking for Cotswolds holiday cottages for your stay, I’ve got a great recommendation. We booked the 3-bed Bank Cottage (available via Classic Cottages). It’s in an amazing location in the heart of Longborough, just across from the pub where this walk begins!
Set over three floors, it has a cosy lounge and dining area, modern kitchen and three large double bedrooms. The loft room is spectacular, with a vaulted ceiling, beams and floral feature wall.
If you’re planning a summer visit, it has a sweet front garden area with a table and chairs, plus a BBQ area on the back patio.
It’s a great option if you’re visiting this part of the Cotswolds as a family, particularly as it has a travel cot and high chair included. It’s also dog-friendly, if you’re travelling with your pooch!
There’s a full review of Bank Cottage, with plenty more photos, over on An Adventurous World.
I hope you enjoy this walk, and have a great trip to the Cotswolds. If you’re looking for more recommendations, don’t miss these guides: