From: Warwick, UK
Started: 20100718
Finished: 20100724
I walked the Cotswold Way in six days and because I am a Buddhist monk I had to do it carrying neither money nor food. At the start of each day I’d be sure I’d go hungry, but each day I was proved wrong – such was the kindness I encountered on my journey. The walk itself was stunning: wind-swept austere hills (I didn’t realise the Cotswolds were so hilly!), deep beech forests, sleepy old stone villages and a constant supply of staggering views. I thought that as I neared Bath the terrain would become more tame, but even as you are standing over the city with cows flanking your sides you can look away from it and still be forgiven for thinking you are miles from anywhere.
Were there any negatives? If I was being picky I’d say there aren’t a huge number of spots ideally suited to wild camping, and I did get lost a couple of times owing to hidden markers – but considering the path is 102 miles long the marking was on the whole superb. I am deeply grateful to all the people who work and have worked to provide this beautiful path. It seems almost too good to be true to be able to walk such a long way through such diverse countryside without hindrance. Because I found the experience so moving I wrote all about it. If you are interested you can read my story here.