A Country Walk: The Cotswolds

                                                                                

In South Central England not far from London lies one of the most beautiful places found anywhere. The Cotswolds, a group of rolling hills across four counties, contain picturesque villages built over and around scenic spots. Many of the villages once were the estates of rich noblemen with surrounding domiciles belonging to their workers. Now affluent people still own the manor homes, but the surrounding homes have been bought about by rich Londoners looking for an escape from the city.

The Cotswolds are hills, not mountains, and they are perfect for walking. In England, you are permitted to walk across private lands as long as you don't harm property. There are special gates for entering a field as walking is a popular activity in the UK.

                                                                            

So the question is, how do you set up a walking tour in the Cotswolds?

The logistics are complex so it is hard to do on one's own. Most people sign on with a company that arranges the logistics and proves transportation to and from the trails. Many trampers use American Companies like Backroads or Vermont Bike Tours (they have walking trips), but I would suggest using a local company. They are less expensive and very competent. We used Cotswolds Walks, which did a great job! Here is how it went.

Andrew Guppy, the founder and head of Cotswold Walksarranged for a car to pick up in London and drive us to Chipping Camden, the first town on our itinerary. We set up our trip so that we wouldn't be moving every night but rather would spend several days in the same location. From our local hotels, we either did circular walks or walked to a site and then were ferried back to our hotel by a cab arranged by the Company. One advantage of Andrew's company is that it will customize your walk and accompanying logistics to your desires.

                                                                                

The first two days we did full hikes of 7-9 miles. Andrew helped us download a map into my phone which had an arrow that was controlled by a GPS. The arrow let you know if you were on the trail. In addition, we had written directions. Even with these aids at times, it was hard to find the way since trails were infrequent. More often we walked across fields and meadows. 

By day three my hip was acting up, and we shortened our hikes to accommodate my injury. This proved easy to do with a few phone calls, and Andrew and his crew of drivers were very helpful.

Our lodging was at local Inns or country Hotels and always included breakfast. The dinners were very good and the settings of the accommodations were serene and bucolic. It was fun to talk with the local help and other walkers from different parts of the world. 

                                                                                

The buildings in the Cotswolds are not surprisingly old. Many of the old estates have been broken up and much of the land has been sold off to affluent Londoners wanting a second home in the country. There still are some grand manor homes. Overall one feels like he or she is walking back through another era.

                                                                                

You might consider a walking trip in the Cotswolds if you want an active vacation in a beautiful setting with good food and nice people. It is easy to arrange and the trip can be made sweeter by spending a few days in London either pre or post-trip.