Day 6, our last day of hiking on the guided Story of the Cotswolds, arrived with bright blue skies and golden autumn sunshine. Temperatures were cooler so we dressed warmly with gloves and hats, but it was perfect walking weather.
We set out from the doors of our country inn and were soon tracking up towards a beautiful Cotswolds village. Its pretty church tower peering out on the hilltop. On our way up the hill we caught sight of a kestrel hovering with great skill above the ground.
Leaving the village, we hiked towards the next. Another stunning location, with picture perfect cottages made of Cotswolds stone and a wonderful little church. Here we all sat on the church wall and enjoyed a boiled sweet and tales of the villages past!
We saw lots of sheep! And soon we found ourselves in a wonderfully secluded and peaceful open valley. A glorious spot where many Red Kites (as in the birds!) swooped and flew below us in the valley. They made a wonderful sight and we all stood and watched for some time. Golden sunshine filled the valley floor. It felt like a very special spot.
We paused every now and then to photograph and admire the view, or to enjoy a boiled sweet! But we made great progress and following the long, straight estate road, we eventually arrived at the site of Chedworth Roman Villa.
The villa has a secluded spot, miles from anywhere, but was first built here because of its water spring. Originally a farmstead, the Romans developed the location into a villa in the second century, eventually transforming it into a luxurious villa in the 4th century, complete with hot and cold bath houses. Here the Romans would have socialised, bathed and even done business!
Tiled mosaic floors from this period remain today! We admired them and imagined the socially elite visitors who would have been dined and entertained here. We also admired the underfloor heating system, created by the Romans, who hated the British weather! We also saw the site of the former kitchen and loos.
We enjoyed hot soup and fresh bread at the villa before our transport met us to return to the country inn for our final farewell dinner. What a wonderful week it has been. Everyone said how incredible it had been to explore off the beaten path, and without crowds, and what a wonderful week of memories they had.
David and I look forward to doing it again next year.
Alison
Foot Trails will host two founder-led guided hiking trips with Alison and David Howell next year in 2027. Look out for details coming soon in the coming weeks!
