Joan & Sam
From: Arundel, Maine (USA)
Started: 24th Jun, 2015 — Finished: 6th Jul, 2015
We flew into Heathrow on a sunny Tuesday morning and took a train and then a bus to Chipping Campden, where we spent a couple of days day resting up and getting our walking legs going. Loved Chipping Campden and the wonderful old St. James church and gardens, and exploring the great pubs & inns on High St. We stayed at a fantastic B & B - The Chance - just out of downtown and they gave us a good start. We walked up onto Dover Hill and had our first experience with sheep - lots of sheep! - and walking some eight miles through fields of barley and rapeseed into Broadway, where we spent the night. Of course we stopped just out of town at the Broadway Tower for a "cuppa" tea and a scone. Dinner at the Crown & Trumpet pub, where we stayed for a group of local musicians who played great trad jazz. Walking back to our B & B afterwards, we happened upon a Morris dance (and drinking) group hard at practice outside the Swan on the main street. Our plans took us to Hailes, just outside of Winchcombe, where we spent a couple of nights at Ireley Farm, a real working farm within easy walking range of downtown. Don't miss the ruins of the Hailes Abbey on the way in. Cromwell's men left there mark all over this area in the Civil War. The walk out of Winchecomb on a misty Sunday morning, church bells pealing as we left, through fields of cows and sheep, past the cricket pitch and up onto the fields on the Cotswold escarpment was wonderful. We we alone most of the way too, and stopping at Belas Knapp for lunch felt special. Finally we got to Cleeve Hill -a windswept gold course and the highest elevation on the Way - and spent the night at the Cleeve Hill Hotel. Then on to Birdlip and next night to Painswick. Great old town, wonderful St, Andrews church grounds to explore. Ask about the 99 yews too. Just out of Painswick is the half-way marker, which made us feel good that we could make it. Spent the next night at the Black Dog Inn in North Nibley and then into Wooten-under Edge. A lovely stretch from there into Old Sodbury, where Joan - the owner of the Dog Inn - took extra good care of us on our Independence Day- July 4th - with American flags in the pub and even Budweiser beer! Local ales are best though, On the next to last stage into Cold Ashton, we picked up a Norwegian walker in Dyrham Park and shared life-stories for miles. That's the very best part of walking like this -we met such wonderful people! There actually were not many people on the trail until we got close to Bath. Bath was a highlight and lived up to our hopes. the Abbey at the end of the Way is so impressive and goes back well over a 1000 years. We stayed at the Henry House and arriving soaked after walking several hours in pouring rain - our first real taste of "English Weather" in our fortnight of walking - our hosts made us feel at home with hot tea and home-made bread. All in all, this was a wonderful experience. We've walked a good chunk of the Camino in Spain too and the Cotswold Way was equal to (different of course) that life-changing experience. The path is extremely well marked and the people we met along the way made us feel welcome and at home. We plan on doing this again!
Dr Sharon Laubach & Andrew Mishkin
From: Altadena, California, USA
Started: 12th Jun, 2015 — Finished: 21st Jun, 2015
We thoroughly enjoyed our Cotswold Way adventure! Starting from the Market Hall in Chipping Campden, we soon found ourselves laughing delightedly at twin sets of lambs eagerly waggling their tails on either side of mom as they breakfasted on Dover Hill. We were rained on the first two days, but the weather for the remainder of the walk was perfect: cool, with skies filled with dramatic clouds casting shadows on verdant panoramic landscapes. Each day brought something new: changes in the colours of the Cotswold stone buildings, different wildflowers, varying terrains (meadows, fields, pastures, woods, villages)... Despite my feet not being quite prepared for the long-distance walk (blisters, ouch!), every morning I awoke eager to get back on the Way and see what new sights awaited us. And, each evening we toasted the day's walk by sampling the local ale (be sure to try the Uley Bitter!). Arriving at the foot of Bath Abbey, we were simultaneously pleased with our accomplishment, and a bit wistful that our adventure was done. Upon returning home, we've been sharing tales of our time on the Cotswold Way...so we may be returning with a set of friends with whom to share this beautiful trail.
From:
Started: 6th Jun, 2015 — Finished: 13th Jun, 2015
Seven days of wonderful countryside walking from Chipping Campden to Bath. Trail was brilliantly signposted, did not need map or GPS, in fact the only time we missed a sign a friendly farmer shouted to us and pointed we needed to go left. Weather was sunny and dry which was a bonus. Although cool it was great walking weather. Stanton and Broadway were standout villages although wherever we stayed it was home from home. All accommodations were excellent. Good Beds, great breakfast's and wonderful host's. Belas Knap was favourite point of interest. I now have the bug and will be doing part of the SW coast Path next year.
Bill Griffiths
From: Pickering, North Yorks
Started: 5th Jun, 2015 — Finished: 11th Jun, 2015
Seven days walking and glorious weather, staying (mainly) in pubs and small hotels.
Iain and Lisa
From: Chesterfield
Started: 30th May, 2015 — Finished: 10th Jun, 2015
A great walk
Helen and Philip Beevers
From: Aldershot
Started: 24th May, 2015 — Finished: 2nd Jun, 2015
We started from Chipping Campden, and soon discovered the Cotswold Way has more hills than we'd bargained for. But it was very beautiful, with many Cotswold sheep and blissfully little rain. Particular highlights were Belas Knap, the teenagers playing their first gig at Dursley, and of course, the Shepherd's Hut in Cold Ashton. We enjoyed the sunshine and the many Canadian visitors we encountered along the way, and had just the one totally rainy day. As we finished up in Bath.
The Webbs walk for Parkinsons UK
From: Andoversford near Cheltenham
Started: 3rd Apr, 2015 — Finished: 28th May, 2015
Ollie (9), Jake (7), their Mum Clare and Elsie the dog decided to take on the challenge of walking the Cotswold Way to raise money for Parkinson's UK - the boy's granny suffers from the illness. We started on 3rd April 2015 (our only rainy day) from Chipping Campden and finished the trail over 9.5 days averaging 2.6 miles an hour - not bad for little legs! We think that Jake might be the youngest recorded person to complete the trail! A few things that will remind us of our challenge - dried apple, being chased by a swarm of bees near Dursley, snack stops every 2 miles, climbing the Tindale Monument (Jake not sure about that one half way up), my poor friend Vicky twisting her ankle, being joined by fab friends who made our walk even more enjoyable, seeing so many incredible views from the escarpment, poor Yamba dog being bitten by an Adder on Cleeve Common and our first view of Bath from Lansdown. At writing our sponsorship stands at £1900!! An amazing achievement - thank you to our generous sponsors.
Michael Gentner
From: Surbiton
Started: 18th May, 2015 — Finished: 25th May, 2015
I've done this great walk solo in 7 1/2 days. I loved the great variety both of the way itself and what you see along the way. The weather was good most of the time, so I had the opportunity to enjoy these great views. The way is markered very well and kept in good condition. I only missed a turn 2-3 times but always quickly noticed and got back to the right path quickly. I fully recommend the experience!
Jagadish
From: Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
Started: 15th May, 2015 — Finished: 23rd May, 2015
I will never forget the astonishing landscapes and the people I met on the trail.
Vernon
From: Nantwich, UK
Started: 11th May, 2015 — Finished: 19th May, 2015
Walked with my good friend Geoff, and decided to start in Bath and end in Chipping Campden. As it turned out - an excellent decision. Wind on our backs and sun behind us. Accommodation and transport organised by Hikes & Bikes - absolutely superb. Being two not so young gentlemen, we took 9 days to complete the route, staying in well appointed B & B's and smart Inns and hotels. If I had to single out one hotel it would be The Lion at Winchcombe, who looked after us extremely well. Thankfully the weather was kind with only one day when rain lashed down. The walk exceeded all expectations. Easy to follow, fabulous views,many places of interest to explore, glorious countryside; but the highlight for me were the magnificent ancient woodlands that were full of bluebells and wild garlic. Thanks to all those who maintain and care for The Cotswolds Way.
Mich Passman
From: Thornaby-On-Tees
Started: 20th Apr, 2015 — Finished: 24th Apr, 2015
Melanie Stafford and Kelly Smith
From: Oxford
Started: 3rd Apr, 2015 — Finished: 10th Apr, 2015
Completed in 8 days carrying own kit
Corringham and Stanford-Le-hope Scouts
From: Corringham Essex
Started: 28th Mar, 2015 — Finished: 10th Apr, 2015
10 days of hiking with 24 scouts and explorer scouts. The challenge of a lifetime for some, for others there third such expedition. Watching the young people grow was amazing. Can't wait to do it again. Thanks go to the large number of adults who worked hard to support the group and made it possible.
Ben de Leysin
From: Cheltenham
Started: 1st Feb, 2014 — Finished: 31st Mar, 2015
I started walking the Cotswolds Way from Chipping Campden intending to cover just a short part of it in stages. However after each section there was an urge to go further and so I eventually reached Bath after just over a year. The route was well marked, but a map was essential. The views were spectacular and countryside idyllic. There were so many places of interest such as Dover's Hill, Cromwell's Seat, Neolithic tombs, extensive woodlands, Stanway House, the monument to William Tyndale, the view from Haresfield Beacon, and of course Chipping Campden and Bath Abbey. Thank you to everyone who cares for and maintains the Way. It is very much appreciated.
Chris Sims
From: Warmley, Bristol
Started: 27th Oct, 2014 — Finished: 26th Mar, 2015