Geoff Lampshire

From: Exeter

Started: 20170703

Finished: 20170709

Report to Cotswold Way National Trail – contribution to Exeter campaign for Ataxia UK – June / July 2017

Situation : ataxia awareness campaign, Exeter, summer 2017

Inspiration: Bex Downing (my step-daughter) and friends, confronting and living with the challenges of ataxia

Motivation: spread awareness and raise money for Ataxia UK

Location: Cotswold Way, Chipping Campden to Bath, 102 miles, 7 days

Monday, 3rd July – starting point: Market Hall, Chipping Campden. Heavy rucksack, spare walking shoes, ataxia flyers, donation box; dressed in Ataxia t-shirt, shorts, hiking boots.

Sunday, 9th July – making my way through crowds of tourists near Bath Abbey. Stamp the final box on the Cotswold Way card at the tourist office – mission accomplished: unforgettable!

10 highlights encapsulating this unique experience:

• spectacular panoramas of Gloucestershire and the Severn estuary

• tranquillity of the wheat and linseed fields • sharing time with sheep, cattle and birds

• breezes in the trees and grass • exquisite taste of water melon at the end of a 22-mile Wednesday!

• chats with fellow hikers from all corners of the world

• historical monuments and architecture, from burial chambers to parish churches, battle fields to mill buildings

• steep upward climbs, with frequent stops to enjoy the view (or catch my breath!)

• opportunities to be in the moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future

• the compassion and generosity of those who listened to the facts and donated to Ataxia UK To all our family and friends who encouraged and supported us in our endeavours to raise over £1100 for Ataxia UK – with sincere thanks.