Hiking day 3 to Birdlip

I was concerned about today’s hike because it was going to be the longest day of the hike, we were still recovering from yesterday’s long day and last night’s sleep wasn’t good. I’m happy to say it was a great day to hike, fabulous temperature, nice overcast and bonus stops. (although I am still very happy to have it behind me.)

After delicious breakfast we got on the trail at 8:15… with an immediate uphill warm-up under a beautiful blanket of clouds. 

The gorgeous hillside was not only shared by sheep and hikers, but also golfers. 

We happen upon these two retired gentlemen, that are still practicing the art of dry stack, limestone walls. It was great chatting with them and Ed even practiced his knowledge to place a limestone rock in the wall and etch his initials in it!

Today we had many fewer gates, but here are a couple of them. Actually, these are stiles.

Upon recommendations from other hikers, we visited Dunkertons, an organic cider place. We shared a flight plus one extra, (a fantastic rhubarb cider) and a ploughmans platter (specialized charcuterie)

Back on trail… “onward and pub-ward”. 

We happen upon this cute roadside mini hut on a very quiet road. It was obviously catering to the Cotswald Way hikers. It had a wonderful array of baked goods. Surprisingly, it also had a card reader so we could just tap our card and pay for our delicious brownies.

Another hill climb rewarded with beautiful views.

About 3 miles from our destination, there is  some major highway work that diverted the Cotswald Way walkers significantly out of the way.  Other hikers that we met along the way shared that they took a Uber to get around all that, and the ones that hiked it said they wish they hadn’t. With that in mind, we called an Uber and ended our hike… finishing with 13 miles instead of the scheduled 16. 

I was very ready for a great night sleep at 8pm after our delicious dinner at tonight’s accommodation the Royal George in Birdlip. 

Gate count: 22

Miles hiked: 13 

Elevation gained: 1820’

Hiking day 2 to Cleeve Hill

Last night’s overnight stay will be remembered fondly for the stories we can tell, but not for the comfort and convenience.  😊

The acorn and circular sign on each post is seen all along the Cotswald Way. 

We had the  warning that we would be in the bowl paddock,  but he must’ve been hiding from us. 

It’s common to see these Cotswald limestone walls, but it’s still so spectacular. 

Lots of gates today. This one is a kissing gate! And there’s the  proof!

Grounding opportunity!  Lots of huge beech trees here. 

Lion Inn in Winchcombe was a great pub that had a great beer garden. Our lunch was delivered and the waitress took photos, thinking it was worthy of their Instagram!

Belas Knap Long Barrow is a Neolithic chambered burial ground on Cleeve Hill.  It dates roughly 3800 BC and is one of the best known prehistoric monuments on the Cotswald Way!

Just before we arrived at our overnight destination we found ourselves at an intersection of Cleeve Hill  Golf Club, Cleeve Hills Commons, a large protected, open access countryside and  the Cotswold Way. Here we enjoyed an ice cream to celebrate the end of a long day. 

Gates - 58 !! 

Miles hiked  14.5 miles

Elevation gained- 1850’

Hiking Day 1 to Stanton

After our lovely  breakfast, we gathered our luggage/belongings and made our way back to the Moreton-in-Marsh train station to meet Active England representative. Alfie informed us that we would need to wait an additional hour for wait for the shuttle to arrive. We decided to hire a taxi to drive us the 8 miles to the start of the hike.  The starting point of the Cotswold Way in Chipping Campden is marked by a circular limestone plaque infront of the Market Hall. 

The first 6 miles is mostly agricultural land and open hill. 

Dover’s Hill is the first high point on the journey and the location of the annual Cotswold Olympik Games dating back over 400 years. Unfortunately it is held in May so we missed the festivities.. including the shin kicking competition. 

Broadway tower built in 1799 is the second highest point in along the Cotswold Way. 

We descended a popular, well traveled trail between the town of Broadway and Broadway Tower. 

In the town of Broadway, we had a reservation for a Sunday Roast at the Horse Hound hound pub (thanks to the foresight of our Trusted House Sitter Beth who suggested we might enjoy it). Not only did we enjoy the Sunday roast. We also enjoyed the beer and opportunity to sit and relax for a while.

Very full bellies and ready to carry on. 

We decided we would have a daily count of the gates that we passed through on the Cotswold Way.  Gate varieties: 

*Kissing gates..  you walk into the enclosure, swing the gate across, and walk out the other side. 

*Simple pedestrian gate

*Field gate 

*Stile- technically, not a gate. It’s a structure you climb over a wall or fence usually with two steps. 

Today we passed through 34 

We stayed at the Vine B&B in Stanton, a 17th century home built of  Cotswold limestone with a stone slate roof. 

It seemed everything in there was extremely old; The furniture, the furnishings and the mattresses. Ed and Michelle stayed in the attic I have an attached tub, toilet and sink. Tim and I were in a small room that had a shower within and sink, but we had a shared toilet with the other rooms on our floor.

The sleepy town of Stanton is extra quiet on Sundays. There was no place to go for dinner and we were told that the Stanton Village Club would open at 7PM if we wanted a beer.  So we pulled out our beef sticks, energy bars and nuts that we packed …. and ate that for “dinner” in the fancy sitting room.

We did venture to the Stanton Village Club enjoyed a beer and some crisps (Potato chips) while chatting with the locals and watching The World Champion Dart Tournament on the big screen TV. 

Gates- 34

Miles- 11.5 mile

Elevation gain - 1450’