Carla Hartley and Danielle Plecash
From: Austin, Texas, USA
Started: 24th Aug, 2021 — Finished: 30th Aug, 2021
We had a wonderful time! We chose to use a service that booked us rooms along the way and moved our luggage. A few places the signage is not great but we made it with very few detours. It helped that we used Alltrails with GPS to follow a recorded hike. I decided when there are multiple trails to choose from and you aren't sure... the one that looks the hardest or most steep is always the Cotswolds Way!
Ian, Zoe, Tom (14), Max (11)
From: Bucks
Started: 29th Aug, 2020 — Finished: 29th Aug, 2021
This was our second National Trail as a family (the Ridgeway our first). We walked it over 8 days over 5 weekends finishing a year from the day we started in Chipping Campden. Shortest day 10.85 miles, longest 17.76. We loved it. Even our younger son, Max, had to admit that he quite enjoyed the experience - helped by staying in hotels and the odd airbnb and eating in local restaurants. There are too many highlights to mention - each day brought fine views and lovely villages to wonder through. But I'd cite here Belas Knap, scaling Cleeve Hill on a cold early April morning, picking wild garlic in Dowdeswell Wood, the views from Hartley Hill and Coaley Peak, the lovely village of Painswick (great restaurants), Cam Long Down, Dyrham Park and the dramatic finale in Bath as you begin to get excited about the end - nothing can prepare you for turning the last corner and seeing the Abbey. The only bit we didn't enjoy was trying to cross the A436 at the roundabout with the Air Balloon pub (near Cold Slad). It verged on the dangerous and I had to step out to stop the traffic as the only way to cross a dual carriageway safely. But that was a blip. Beyond the sense of achievement of walking over 100 miles through fantastic countryside was the 50 odd hours we spent together. We didn't talk the whole way of course but in an age of mobile phones and game consoles walking was guaranteed family time. Next up in 2022, The Thames Path. Thanks to those who keep the path in excellent condition with superb signage. We are so lucky to have so many great routes to walk.
Eric P. Strauss
From: Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Started: 23rd Aug, 2021 — Finished: 28th Aug, 2021
Wow! What a trip! I completed walking the 102-mile Cotswold Way over six days, ending at Bath Abbey, on Saturday evening, 28 August. The weather was unbeatable, with nary a drop of rain the entire way and temperatures ranging from the low 50s °F to the low 70s °F. First and foremost I want to acknowledge my Mom, who sadly past away last month. Today would have been my parents 51st anniversary. I first visited the Cotswolds with my parents in 1993. I began planning this trip when my Mom was alive. Were she alive, she would have been my biggest cheerleader along the way, and so proud of my accomplishment. Second, I want to recognize and publicly thank my wife, for allowing me this time and for managing everything on the home front while I am frolicking around the English Countryside. It means the world to me. I love you, Laura. Third, a shout out to my Dad who first brought us to England (and Europe) during high school to see the country and in particular Bournemouth, where he was born. It was in large part that trip that whet my appetite to spend my junior year abroad at Oxford. Later, in my mid-20s, my Dad and I hiked 60 miles along the Southwest Coast Path, an experience which instilled in me a love for walking and for the English countryside and seaside. My visit to the UK to celebrate my 50th birthday has been an awesome trip of a lifetime — and it’s not over yet!
Amy Heath, Paul Brunton & Harry Eccles
From: Sandbach & Isle if Wight
Started: 9th Aug, 2021 — Finished: 13th Aug, 2021
A five Day Hike up and down those Hills, and overcoming our fear of cows. Lovely stops at Bath, Chipping Sodbury, Broadway, and even a little detour to The Cotswold Farm Park. Favourite spot? a wild camp on the Ridge (Cam Long Down) overlooking Dursley. you can check our experience of the CWW and other national trails out here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPe5MsmhoF2PU7uIZpXNiXQ If your out hiking the CWW ensure you donate to the volunteers who keep it walkable.
Reina, Stuart and Mark Squires
From: Cheltenham
Started: 24th Oct, 2020 — Finished: 11th Aug, 2021
We started this walk as a family challenge during half term in October, we have been walking during lockdown and we decided to start this long walk after everything going on during the pandemic. We did this for all those people that are not with us, every time we started the walk in different sections we gave a little prayer for those people watching us from heaven. Was very emotional the last 30 miles, now we have finally finished and enjoyed every single mile we walk in any weather even in the snow, rain, and mod. We started from chipping Camden and finish in Bath. The hills and countryside were amazing.
Reina, Stuart and Mark Squires
From: Cheltenham
Started: 24th Oct, 2020 — Finished: 11th Aug, 2021
We started this walk as a family challenge during half term in October, we have been walking during lockdown and we decided to start this long walk after everything going on during the pandemic. We did this for all those people that are not with us, every time we started the walk in different sections we gave a little prayer for those people watching us from heaven. Was very emotional the last 30 miles, now we have finally finished and enjoyed every single mile we walk in any weather even in the snow, rain, and mod. We started from chipping Camden and finish in Bath. The hills and countryside were amazing.
Simon & Jacqueline Brown
From: Tenterden Kent
Started: 30th May, 2009 — Finished: 31st Jul, 2021
Started on a whim whilst at The Olympick Games; progressed through four house moves across the breadth of southern England and finally completed in this “real” Olympic year. Enjoyed many weekends away; particular shout outs to Court House Manor and The Wayfarer Café, both at Painswick.
Dianne T
From: Norwich
Started: 25th Jul, 2021 — Finished: 30th Jul, 2021
Lots of ups and downs during 6 days of beautiful countryside. All weathers encountered so glad I was prepared with waterproofs and sun cream. The trail was easy to follow and well marked but my phone apps consistently measured the distances walked as being more than the guide books alleged mileage, leaving me somewhat exhausted on the long days. The odd steep hill at the end of a day, especially in Bath towards the end tests one’s patience as well as walking skill, but makes it all the more rewarding. To do it in 6 days is challenging, so those wanting something more akin to a holiday should take longer. An enjoyable hilly walk.
Tracy Woods
From: Norwich
Started: 25th Jul, 2021 — Finished: 30th Jul, 2021
Wonderful, hilly, varied scenery and so much history
James Naylon. Rachael Naylon. Rob Atkinson. Helen Atkinson
From: Stonesfield West Oxfordshire
Started: 28th Jan, 2018 — Finished: 30th Jul, 2021
We finally completed our pandemic interrupted project last Friday when after a blustery and rainy last leg from Cold Ashton, we strolled to the abbey frontage in Bath and then enjoyed tea and cakes at the Nordic cafe. Averaging around ten miles on each of our ten visits, We enjoyed every step of the way delighting in the nature of the countryside and the views afforded. We would want to return to some areas and explore further and take the opportunity of revisiting some of the lovely cafes we found! (Hopefully photos to follow)
Sarah Thorneycroft & Victoria Jenkins
From: Cornwall & Carmarthen
Started: 13th Jul, 2021 — Finished: 20th Jul, 2021
Did the full route over 8 days - self guided so relied on good signage as well as detailed maps. Generally easy to follow signs although did get confusing when there was lots of them all together and they often changed colour - would have been good if the Cotswold Way signs were distinguishable from other public footpaths in the area. More challenging than we thought it would be but managed it in a good time despite the last four days being in a heatwave.
Caroline Barnard & Roger Chubb
From: Bristol, England
Started: 10th Jul, 2021 — Finished: 18th Jul, 2021
We are both in our mid 60s; during lockdowns over the last 12 months we decided to get out into the countryside around Bristol and do some walking. Most of the walks were 8 - 12 miles, circular walks that in several cases included sections of the Cotswold Way. And there began the basis for the inspiration to walk the trail. Caroline had a yoga trip to Greece in late July cancelled which followed Roger's scuba diving trip to Indonesia in May which was also cancelled. So what are we going to do for a holiday, walk the Cotswold Way of course! It was pretty much a last minute decision! We arrived in Chipping Camden by train from Bristol to Moreton-in-Marsh and bus; having used a company to book our accommodation. This company would also transport our overnight bags; all we had to do was walk! Which we did through a spell of very hot weather, arriving in Bath nine days later and catching the train back home to Bristol. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, we met some lovely people both at B&Bs and on the route
Jonathan Dowe
From: Lymington, Hampshire
Started: 28th Jun, 2021 — Finished: 2nd Jul, 2021
It was the best walk of my life, challenging and varied. Great people too, would recommend joining the Facebook group, more great people
Simon Throssell and Dan Thompson
From: London and Cambridge via Leighton Buzzard
Started: 29th May, 2021 — Finished: 4th Jun, 2021
Watch our film, IN THEIR COTSWOLDIAN FOOTSTEPS: https://youtu.be/nJeFJUQfeno On the day after film-maker Simon Throssell's parents married, his grandparents walked 102 miles along The Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to Bath in Somerset. After recently discovering his Grandpa's old diaries, Simon and his best friend Dan Thompson attempt the same journey 30 years later as they follow in their Cotswoldian footsteps.
Vanessa Cruwys, Richard French, Pete and Kate White, Mark Lavenstein
From: Tunbridge Wells
Started: 28th May, 2021 — Finished: 3rd Jun, 2021
Beautiful scenery and very favourable weather. More climbing than we had assumed! Some great vistas on the hills with 360 degree views. Limited cafes and pubs en route for lunch stops. Decent accommodation options. Best accommodation was Forthay Guest House in North Nibley and Bell Inn in Selsley Common near Stroud.