Last week, I was delighted to be making my way to The Cotswolds to check one of our walks in our Journey Across the Cotswolds and Complete Cotswolds trips.
Armed with my trusty Foot Trails trail guide, I started off in a charming market town dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Making my way past ancient cottages, under trees heavy with blossom, I was soon out in the open countryside. Like so many days this spring, the sun was out and the sky was blue. As I made my way through fields, signs of new life were everywhere—most noticeably in the many lambs that now populated the fields.
As I climbed upwards through the fields, I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the rolling hills stretching out behind me. Following the instructions on my Trail Guide, I continued to a remarkably well-preserved neolithic monument. Taking time to explore, I ducked inside one of the low entrances and sat for a while in the cool. Looking out, it was hard not to wonder how many people in the last 4000 years had rested at this same spot and contemplated the view over the fields. Had it changed much in the intervening millennia?
With the sky starting to cloud over, my route took me through woodland and out across fields. Wonderful views opened up in front of me as I continued my way downhill. In a nearby tree, I spotted a kestrel staring fixedly at the ground, no doubt on the lookout for a bite to eat. While in a neighbouring field, a deer briefly stopped to watch me, but soon lost interest and sprung away.
I descended back down into green fields of sheep, walking past a castle that played a key role in many events through history from the days of Anglo Saxon kings, through the upheavals of the War of the Roses and the reign of the Tudors to the English Civil War. It never ceases to amaze me how much history can be found in the English countryside!
Returning to town, I made a beeline for a local cafe to refuel for the journey home and thoroughly enjoyed the cake and coffee. Once again, the Cotswolds had lived up to its reputation as a great place to walk and hike. I was feeling refreshed and energised after immersing myself in the beautiful countryside of South West England
If you’d like to explore the landscape, history and stories of South West England this summer, visit our website page or send us an email. We’d love to discuss your plans.
