‘In Europe, the best wool is English and in England the best wool is Cotswold’
(12th century saying)
The Cotswolds needs no introduction. Famed for its rolling green countryside, beautiful villages, vibrant market towns and golden Cotswolds stone cottages. It’s the quintessential view of England.
But the reason both the landscapes and the buildings look the way they do can be largely traced back to an industry that has been at the heart of this region since time immemorial: Wool
The wool industry in the Cotswolds boomed in the Middle Ages. At this time, wool was the single most important industry in England, and the Cotswolds was one of the most important wool trading centres. This status brought with it a lot of wealth. Rich local merchants spent huge sums on lavish town and country houses. They also made large donations to the church, resulting in the magnificent wool churches we see up and down the region in ancient wool towns like Chipping Campden, Northleach and Cirencester (all highlights on our Cotswolds tours, naturally 🙂).
But it’s not just the grand buildings that owe their existence to wool. More humble structures like weavers cottages and mills were also originally built to serve the industry. Many of the picturesque villages can also trace their roots back to sheep and wool.
Wool is everywhere you look in the Cotswolds. Which is why we weave it into our trips and trails. The walks we curate for this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape) showcase what we feel is the best and most beautiful of the Cotswolds. Treading quiet, idyllic paths, far from the crowds, to explore the most beautiful landscapes, views and vistas. Wandering past honey-coloured stone cottages, admiring the pretty gardens, standing in centuries old market halls almost sensing the hustle and barter of trade in years gone by. All the while staying in authentic, cosy Cotswolds inns that provide the perfect rest and relaxation after a good day’s walking. It’s the perfect way to experience rural England.
If you’d like to hike the Cotswolds and explore this unique landscape, simply visit our website or send us an email.
