P.S. Gratitude
We did not travel alone as we walked 110.5 miles along the 102 mile Cotswold Way (a 3+ mile mistake and some purposeful extra detours).
Our adventure was infinitely better thanks to the ongoing commitment of a dedicated group - the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, and government.
According to the web, more than 400 volunteers will help keep the paths clear and gates in good repair in 2025.
We saw plaques acknowledging recent projects by the group as well as tributes to individual wardens who have passed.
Have to look closely at the top piece of wood to see Stewart Burgess’ name.
We aren’t just grateful to the wardens.
The weather gods shone down on us, literally. In just about every town, people were either celebrating the sunshine (most people) or bemoaning it (gardeners). The most common comment, “Well you’re certainly getting fantastic weather. This is definitely not normal!”
We put on our rain jackets just once, for 20 minutes, early on. Otherwise, 💯 blue sky, cirrus clouds, or overcast. So… glad to have remembered sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat.
We were often asked if it was too hot for us to walk. As Nashvilians, we almost didn’t understand the question. Temperatures that ranged from high 50’s to mid 60 Fahrenheit is just perfect.
Other contributors to our glorious time, in no particular order:
The only time we didn’t consult the AllTrails app was when we stood next to a busy highway trying to get to Birdlip and took a right, straight downhill, instead of crossing with the traffic light and taking a left.
Also, major thanks to the woman who saved our butts, legs, and feet by driving us up the hill that we would have had to climb. And we don’t even have a photo of her.
Our hiking poles and hiking boots. Imperative. The poles saved our knees, and sneakers would not have been enough to protect us from the rocky trail and unstable paths.
The people we met and spoke with, whether for hours or minutes, brought the Cotswold Way to life. Thank you to them, and to all of the big and little elements of success, many that we may not even have noticed, for making 10 days of walking a memory we’ll always treasure.
