After a hiatus of over a year, during which Julia and I were blessed with two wonderful grandsons, we returned to longer distance walking on the Cotswold Way (CW). Why the Cotswold Way? We subscribe to Country Walking, and of late, several articles have raved about the CW itself, and the area in general. On discussing these, Julia and I realised that it was an area about which we knew next to nothing. Our travels often took us around the Cotswolds, or occasionally through it; but to our shame we had never stayed for even the briefest of glimpses. We agreed that we could make amends by walking the CW!
So on the last Sunday in September, 2014, we travelled south from Stoke-on-Trent by public transport, catching the Bournemouth train, alighting at Oxford to switch to the train from Paddington bound for Great Malvern. Moreton-in-Marsh was our destination, and it boasts a quaint, rural railway station.
We stayed just around the corner at Acacia Guesthouse – bright and clean if a little cramped. Most importantly, it was half the price of the inns and hotels on Moreton’s High Street! We meandered down the High Street, blowing our cheeks out at the windows of the estate agents, and wandered into the Redesdale Arms. We fancied a light snack, having eaten substantially at lunch. We sat in the comfortable bar, and ordered a couple of fish-finger sandwiches. Although these were delicious, and came with a well-dressed green salad, they really went way beyond being a light snack. At least we would have the chance to walk off our excesses in the days ahead. I also felt obliged to have a pint of their Cotswold Way ale (Wickwar Brewing Company).
Day One. Monday, 29th September, 2014. Chipping Campden to Stanton. 10.5 miles.
Day Two. Tuesday, 30th September, 2014. Stanton to Cleeve Hill. 13.5 miles.
Day Three. Wednesday, 1st October, 2014. Cleeve Hill to Leckhampton. 9.5 miles.
Day Four. Thursday, 2nd October, 2014. Leckhampton to Painswick. 14 miles.
Day Five. Friday, 3rd October, 2014. Painswick to King’s Stanley. 9.5 miles.
Day Six. Saturday, 4th October, 2014. King’s Stanley to North Nibley. 14 miles.
Day Seven, Sunday, 5th October, 2014. North Nibley to Hawkesbury Upton. 9.5 miles.
Day Eight. Monday, 6th October, 2014. Hawkesbury Upton to Cold Ashton. 14 miles.
Day Nine. 7th October, 2014. Cold Ashton to Bath. 10 miles.