Ian Barnes, Andy Brewin
From: Woodmancote, Teddington
Started: 1st Jun, 2012 — Finished: 1st Aug, 2012
We both walked the Cotswold Way in 2002 as part of Ian's recovery from health issues. The Way is such a beautiful walk with glorious scenery, beautiful villages (and pubs) and a challenging landscape that we agreed to re-walk it ten years later in 2012. Both fighting fit this time we relived the pleasures of the walk with vigour, despite being ten years older!
We would strongly recommend this walk for anyone interested in reconnecting with the unbeatable nature and beauty of the English countryside.
Andrew Parker
From: Holt, Norfolk, UK
Started: 16th Jun, 2012 — Finished: 23rd Jun, 2012
The Cotswold Way was the first long distance walk I had attempted and it many ways it remains my fondest one. It has the ideal mix of hills, shady woods, wide open fields and idyllic towns and villages. The weather was mixed throughout, as it ever seems to be on long distance walks (has anyone ever has perfect weather every day of walking holiday?) but never was the enjoyment of the Way diminished. And in places, such as atop Cleeve Hill looking out towards the Black mountains, the creeping grey clouds indeed added much to the colour and drama of the Way. When the sun did shine, and it did it equal measure, it was impossible not to stop and simply stare, to listen, to hear, absorbing all the beauty the being a part the Way offers. One of my fondest memories is that of lying amongst the grass and daisies by the Roman villa near Cooper's Hills, not quite sleeping, while blues skies scorched and waves of sunshine washed over me, the bees buzzing and birds chattering overhead. I have walked other Ways which have ended in towns or cities and after the peaceful wildness of being amongst nature this can often times be anticlimactic. Not so on the Cotswold Way. Standing atop Prospect Stile and looking down into the golden valley, shining with Bath's sandstone architecture, you feel in some ways that this is the prize, the reward for making it to the end. Or, maybe, that gesture to make up for that slight sadness inside that comes with knowing there is no more walking. For now.
Annabelle Asher, Adam Asher & Rupert Bear
From: Oxford
Started: 1st Apr, 2012 — Finished: 8th Apr, 2012
My name is Annabelle Asher, I am nine years old and in April 2012 I walked 102 miles along the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath in 5 1/2 days in aid of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal
Ed Batty
From: Stinchcombe, Glos
Started: 22nd Dec, 2011 — Finished: 22nd Dec, 2011
Ed set out running from Chipping Campden on 22nd December, 7 days after his 24th birthday. Just 21 hours and 43 minutes later he arrived in Bath! He had flown in from Switzerland a few days before to spend Christmas with his family, but had been planning the run for three months. Unfortunately this record breaking time cannot be ratified as there were no official time keepers, but Ed had the great personal satisfaction of knowing he had broken the record at the worst time of year
Kevin Mansell, Pete Stump, Sue Virgo, Paddy Doyle
From: Berkeley and Dursley, Gloucestershire
Started: 9th Apr, 2011 — Finished: 1st Oct, 2011
Many thanks go to our support driver Janet who uncomplainingly picked us up each morning, took us to the end point of each stage (where we would leave another vehicle) and then would drop us off at the start point for our day's walking.
Sue & Dick Himes
From: Lawrence, KS, USA
Started: 5th Sep, 2011 — Finished: 16th Sep, 2011
The ancient hill forts and long barrows; being blown over by ferocious winds on the top of Cleeve Common; beautiful, huge, old beech trees in the many woods; bread & cheese picnic in churchyard next to Dyrham Park & on rampart of hill fort; gracious hostess and our own cottage at Little Smith; always being able to find the way markers.
It was more strenuous than we had expected - lots of steep ups and downs. But the challenge of it, the beautiful views, the friendliness of the people and the pubs and B&Bs at the end of the day made it all worthwhile.
Cotswold Voluntary Wardens group
From: Cheltenham / Gloucester area
Started: 1st Oct, 2010 — Finished: 1st Mar, 2011
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens each year organise a led walk of the Cotswold Way. There are eleven monthly stages of some ten miles each, except for the last one which is shorter to allow time for a celebratory lunch. A small coach took our party of 22 from Winchcombe to the start of each walk, met us for coffee at mid morning, took us to the lunch venue which was invariably a lovely Cotswold pub and brough us back to Winchcombe at the end of the day.
The walk started from Bath, rather than the traditional start from Chipping Campden so that the longer coach journeys could be made during the summer. We were the eighteenth year walking group and it was pleasing that we did most of the walk in 2010, the 40th anniversary of the Cotswold Way. The whole walk was a great experience, with superb views of the Cotswold escarpment ahead and behind, the Severn Valley below and even as far as the Black Mountains in Wales, seeing lovely villages, interesting historical monuments and sites and ancient woods, fields and meadows worked by man for centuries. It was good to see the Cotswolds over the seasons, luckily it was dry on most days, with the walk up from Bath in May being very hot and in December on Cleeve Hill snowing and cold but most exhilarating. Finally, many thanks to all the wardens who led the various individual stages and for the efficient way the whole walk was organised. Paul Kaye
Tara, Nikki & Lauren Pepperell & Claire Birch
From: Chalford Hill, Stroud UK
Started: 1st Oct, 2010 — Finished: 7th Oct, 2010
We left Chipping Campden on Friday 1st October in torrential rain which didn't ease up until the evening. From then on (with the exception of Sunday morning) we had wonderful weather. It was an amazing experience which we'll never forget and we raised over £1300 for the British Heart Foundation. Highlights were coming into Cheltenham from Cleeve Common and coming into Dursley from Uley. Views were incredible and we loved every bit of it!
Venerable Manapo
From: Warwick, UK
Started: 18th Jul, 2010 — Finished: 24th Jul, 2010
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.
Raymon Fauerbach & Marcia Stein
From: Kirkland, Washington, USA
Started: 17th Jun, 2010 — Finished: 26th Jun, 2010
1: The weather was fabulous - even hot! The trail was so well marked, we hardly needed a trail guide. A few of our accommodations were truly outstanding. Shenberrow Hill and Skyrack come to mind immediately. Loved Winchcombe, Stanton and Painswick. And of course, Bath....the hot stone massage.... Yes!
2: The trail was very well signed. The guide book was informative but not necessary to follow the trail. The weather was clear and hot every day. Stanton was very nice. Also enjoyed Painswick and Winchcombe. This was a wonderful experience. I look forward to walking other National Trails in England.
John Pinnington and Neil Medland
From: Horsley, UK
Started: 19th Aug, 2009 — Finished: 26th Feb, 2010
John and Neil walked the Cotswold Way in sections. A truly memorable walk with the most stunning views in mostly good weather. The trail is well way marked and plenty of evidence of hard work by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens. Enjoyed it so much we may do it the other way (from Bath to Chipping Campden).
Carl and Debbie Berkowitz
From: Richland, Washington, USA
Started: 1st Sep, 2009 — Finished: 9th Sep, 2009
Our trip began in Chipping Campden on September 1st and ended 9 days later at Bath Abbey with one rest day in the middle . Our shortest day of walking was 10 miles and the longest (upon our arrival in Bath) was 18 miles. We were pleasantly surprised to have rain for only two afternoons. The trail offered considerable variety, with escarpment walking presenting dramatic views down to surrounding towns, farms and cities; many paths through beech woodland and enjoyable transits through lovely villages. Everywhere along the trail and in the B&Bs, we met delightfully friendly people. During our layover day in Painswick we learned about change-ringing of the bells in St Mary's and later were able to restock our supplies at the centuries old marketplace in Dursley. With both a guide book and a good map, route finding was generally straightforward although the change in trail markers coming into Bath did throw us (the distinctive acorn on the trail post dwindles to a three inch sticker that's easily overlooked on lamp posts and traffice markers in town). It was a marvellous trip and one to be highly recommended to other walkers.
John Greenwood, Ian Gill & Simon Fisher
From: Chippenham, UK
Started: 20th Oct, 2007 — Finished: 28th Dec, 2008
The aim of our journey was to accompany my father-in-law John Greenwood whilst he aimed to complete the walk in his 75th year. Due to his age and ability, we restricted our stages to around 8 miles each time, culminating where possible in a late pub lunch!! Each stage was walked by a minimum of 4, with the final leg being walked by 10 of us on the last Sunday of 2008. Each stage was achieved by the use of at least 2 cars, always leaving one at the end before we started! Pubs were selected using online guides for a) the availability of a late(!) lunch, subject to our progress and b) the availability of real ale! We were often joined for lunch by non walking members of the group. In general, the weather was very good for walking throughout the year, with only a couple of spells necessitating full waterproofs, though gloves and hats were a regular need. Members of the group completing every stage were: John Greenwood (he achieved his ambition), Ian Gill and Simon Fisher (who insisted on having his photo taken on top of EVERY trig point we passed!)
Richard Marshall
From: Bishop’s Cleeve, UK
Started: 12th Oct, 2008 — Finished: 23rd Nov, 2008
This was my first experience of walking a long distance path. For some time I had been wondering what it would be like and eventually I had to find out. I picked a glorious and uncharacteristcally warm weekend in October to do the first leg from Chipping Campden to Cleeve Hill. The walking was super, the villages were even more special for being reached by foot rather than by car. The nights were drawing in for the next leg of the walk towards Cranham, Painswick, Dursley and beyond. I would have liked to explore Wotton-under-Edge and the other villages on the route but I had to content myself with taking lots of photos and that was a good plan as I'm forever looking at them. My arrival in Bath in glorious sunshine was in stark contrast to an earlier overnight sleet storm whilst in my tent! It's a very strange feeling finishing the walk - there is no one to say "well done" but that's not what it's about anyway. For me, it's about the planning, it's the people you meet along the route, it's the wonderful English countryside and it's the sense of achievement you get from such an adventure.
Conradus Jager
From: Anchorage, Alaska
Started: 6th Feb, 2005 — Finished: 6th Feb, 2006
Walker number one in the Cotswold Way Hall of Fame came all the way from Alaska, and completed it in four sections over a year. So, why did the Alaskan walk the Cotswold Way? It started around 1998 when a back injury took some other sports away and walking was recommended as the ultimate way to stay fit and avoid surgery. The April 2005 issue of "Realm" had an article on walking a stretch of the Cotswold Way which really caught me somehow, and I decided to walk the Way in full. I had to split the walk over a few separate periods, which made for seeing the CW in different seasons, during autumn, early spring and winter: as I well know now, walking the CW can be done year-round. Coming from overseas, I had no car or people to drop me off, so I depended on trains, buses and the occasional and sometimes hard to find taxi on Sundays when buses don't run, as I found out the hard way before getting wise and taking along a printed copy of your webguide. I stayed in some wonderful B&Bs and hotels along the Way, making the overnights (and their English breakfasts) a cherished part of the long-distance experience. Inspired by the Cotswold Way I even joined the Ramblers and always look forward to "Walk" magazine, feeding the addiction of yours truly who's likely their only Alaskan member!