The Cotswold Way Serial Walk is organised by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens every year, and gives walkers the chance to break down the Trail into 12 manageable monthly chunks. Not only does it provide transport to and from the start of each leg, it also develops a real social setting for the walks. This highly popular service gets booked out far in advance, so if you are interested, click here to book your place.
In March of this year, a group of 22 walkers finished the year-long walk of the Cotswold Way. Two members of the group, Rosemary Kaye and Eunice Allen composed excellent poems to be read out at the celebratory lunch at the walk's end:
Reflections on walking the Cotswold Way, Rosemary Kaye
A group of walkers met up last May
To begin to walk the Cotswold Way.
Different wardens led each stage
And for their pains received no wage.
They led us up steep hills and down
Through woods and fields through village and town.
They shared their knowledge then put us in a tizz
By telling us to listen ‘cos there was to be a quiz!
We loved the views, the peace, the sun
The majority of walks were fun
But one or two remain a dud
Mainly due to Cotswold mud
Which made it hard to grip at all
And led to many taking a fall
Some in quite a spectacular way
As Simon showed us one particular day
On a stretch of hill where he always fell
And so did several of our group as well!
Our thanks go to Michael for driving the bus
For safely and efficiently delivering us
To the start of each walk where we all donned our jackets
Took our poles and our gaiters, our coffee and packets
Of snacks and biscuits to see us through
Until we left the pub around 2
Having eaten our fill I think I can say
Each pub lunch helped make the day.
The scenery, the company, the lunches and the chat
Made recent months (despite the mud!) so enjoyable that
If any friends are at a loss at how to spend a day
We’ll have no hesitation saying walk the Cotswold Way!
At the Walk's End, Eunice Allen
When asked to do this little talk
I wondered what to say
First reaction – won’t take long
Seconds – if that, I’d say
But having given it a bit of thought
And decided what to say
The bad news is – ladies and gents
I now can talk all day!!!
Was Wednesday morning the 5th of May
We started walking the Cotswold Way
One person was a bit late –
But, no matter – the weather was great.
The Severn estuary and bridges
We saw from every angle
Or was it that we walked
Around in a triangle?
Beacons, long barrows & monuments
We walked past each day
Just some of the interesting features
Along the Cotswold Way.
The woodlands & escarpment too
Have been among the features
Which has tempted the photographers
To take lots of pictures
Among the wildlife we saw
Were the deer and the boar
However – try as I might
I couldn’t remember anymore!
Minchinhampton Golf Course
Is on the Cotswold Way
It seemed we walked past
Every tee and green that day
The walk down Cooper’s Hill
Was quite scary
And most of us
Were very wary
Devil’s chimney
Was quite a sight
But there was no devil
To give us a fright.
One morning Albi was not around, and
Despite enquires, could not be found
However, as we walked along the Way
There he was – coming the opposite way
Oh! – the Wardens have
All been very clever
They’ve taught us
About flora, fauna and whatever
Jean claimed to be the funghi nerd
Showing us funghi
The like of which –
We’d never heard.
The walkers have all
Been great fun
What an age range –
Thirty to eighty one!
The coach driver – Michael
Too was great
And – do you know?
He has never been late.
With British weather
You just never know
We’ve had sun, wind
Rain and – even snow.
Finally – many thanks to Bob
His organizing has been just the job.
I know I speak for everyone
When I say we’ve had a lot of fun.