Cotswold Way (CW): Chipping Campden to Bath – 29.092014 – 07.10.2014

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.

Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower

Day Two. Tuesday, 30th September, 2014. Stanton to Cleeve Hill. 13.5 miles.

Hailes Abbey
Hailes Abbey

Day Three. Wednesday, 1st October, 2014. Cleeve Hill to Leckhampton. 9.5 miles.

Dry stone wall, Lineover Wood
Dry stone wall, Lineover Wood

Day Four. Thursday, 2nd October, 2014. Leckhampton to Painswick. 14 miles.

Belted Galloways on Crickley Hill
Belted Galloways on Crickley Hill

Day Five. Friday, 3rd October, 2014. Painswick to King’s Stanley. 9.5 miles.

Vineyard above Stonehouse
Vineyard above Stonehouse

Day Six. Saturday, 4th October, 2014. King’s Stanley to North Nibley. 14 miles.

The Market House, Dursley
The Market House, Dursley

Day Seven, Sunday, 5th October, 2014. North Nibley to Hawkesbury Upton. 9.5 miles.

St. Kenelm's Church, Alderley
St. Kenelm’s Church, Alderley

Day Eight. Monday, 6th October, 2014. Hawkesbury Upton to Cold Ashton. 14 miles.

Grey skies at Tormarton
Grey skies at Tormarton

Day Nine. 7th October, 2014. Cold Ashton to Bath. 10 miles.

The end of The Way, Bath Abbey
The end of The Way, Bath Abbey