Due to funding cuts, the Hall of Fame is temporarily closed. Apologies for the delay if you are waiting to see your entry - we hope to start attacking the backlog next month.
Walkers 739: Lynn Jackson
Home: Ontario
Dates: 2012
Comments: The countryside was beautiful. Loved the little villages, the thatched roof cottages and homes. The highlight was the amount of historical sites, churches etc, wonderful. A fabulous hike and Bath was magnificent.
Walkers 737 & 738: Michelle Sweet & Martin Lucas
Home: Wiltshire
Dates: 5 days between January & October 2012
Comments: We walked the Cotswold Way over 5 days this year, experiencing most weather types on our journey! January: Chipping Campden to Winchcombe was dry but blustery. February: Winchcombe to Crickley we experienced deep snow. March: Crickley to Painswick saw blizzards and hailstorms en route! We even finished in bath in October with hail. Lovely to see if over the seasons, some spectacular scenery – Broadway Tower, Leckhampton Hill, views from Cold Ashton were all amazing. Many interesting buildings and archaeological sites to take in too. A varied and rich trail that deserves much time to take it all in.
Walkers 734, 735 & 736: Martin Cox, Gary Mankelow and Michael Payne
Home: Kent
Dates: Various
Comments: Last year we walked the first half of the Cotswold Way. We through enjoyed the experience. We started from the marker in Chipping Campden. En route we particularly enjoyed the countryside around Hales Abbey and ended the first part of the walk in Painswick. This year we walked the second have from Painswick to Bath, again very much enjoying the experience despite the water at the end of April.
Walkers 732 & 733: Dawn & Mike Speke
Home: Churchdown, Gloucester
Dates: August 2011 to August 2012
Comments: Although living in Gloucestershire, the Cotswold Way took us to places that we had never seen before and made us appreciate how lucky we are to live so near to it. It was both a challenge and an enjoyable experience. Being able to pick the days to walk it meant we usually had good weather and beautiful views.
Walker 731: Peter Longman
Home: Ayrshire
Dates: 21st to 28th July 2012
Comments: Four friends and I walked the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath. Eight days of fantastic weather, with blue skies and continuous sun. The temperature was sometimes too high for some of my colleagues: they enjoyed the shaded woodland trails. For me, there was too much time spent in the woods, as I was missing the glorious views, and of course the sun. The picturesque villages, with their pubs providing us with much needed liquid refreshment at lunchtimes and meals at the end of the day. The conclusion of the walk in Bath with its majestic architecture and bustling crowds was such a stark contrast to the previous days where we had been walking through peaceful serene landscapes.
Walkers 729 & 730: Richard & Janet Wiltshire
Home: Cardiff
Dates: October 2012
Comments: A very enjoyable weeks. Thank you very much for the way markers. It was the most clearly marked path we have been on.
Walker 728: Leone Scully
Home: Canada
Dates: September 2012
Comments: Beautiful views, lovely people, quaint marker villages and the surreal historical sites were among my highlights.
Walkers 726 & 727: Noel & Jane Thompson
Home: Welton, East Yorkshire
Dates: September 2012
Comments: Getting soaked on Cleeve common in the worst September storm for 30 years! Autumn sunshine filtering through beech forests. Seeing the Severn Bridge, a speck in the distance but getting nearer. Buzzards & Jays. Finding that the B&B had a bath was a luxury! Stunning views in the clear autumn sun.
Walkers 724 & 725: Dan & Meredith Azark
Home: Illinois, USA
Dates: 20th September to 5th October 2012
Comments: Walking the way in leisurely fashion was mentally exhilarating but not too demanded. The peace and serenity were never undone by muddy trails or rainy skies. Loved it and loved the people.
Walkers 720, 721, 722 & 723:Mrs L Clow, Mrs Kirsten Homer, Mr Steven Homer & Jasper Homer
Home: Solihull
Dates: September 2012
Comments: Fantastic views especially from Cleeve Hill. We were particularly lucky with the weather. A very well signposted walk in glorious countryside.
Walkers 718 & 719: Chris Krelle & Nigel Bunton
Home: Rayleigh, Essex
Dates: Unknown
Comments: None
Walkers 715, 716 & 717: Audrey Easter, Brenda & John Fitzpatrick
Home: Chichester
Dates: 4th to 13th September 2012
Comments: Audrey’s highlights: Ever changing views, beautiful Cotswold stone houses that glowed in the sun. A misty morning with shafts of sunlight coming through the trees. Brenda’s highlights: Perfect weather in a year of rain – the sun was out for 8 of the 9 days. Cleeve Hill – fabulous views. A magical morning of low mists and sparkling cobwebs. John’s highlights: A very attractive route – well signposted. Lots of incredible views. Lovely woodlands to enjoy. Would highly recommend to others!
Walkers 713 & 714: Sarah & Paul Summerbell with Howie the dog
Home: Burnham
Dates: 3rd to 13th September 2012
Comments: The challenging climbs and the descents are completely worthwhile for the stunning views and scenery. The hospitality, food and cream teas were all wonderful too!
Walker 712: Mick Reed
Home: Syston, Leicestershire
Dates: 12th to 18th August 2012
Comments: Despite some inclement weather it was an ingeresting and most invigorating experience, one that I will remember for a longtime. The views alone amde it all worthwhile but the historical sites and the many towns/villages visited along the route added to my enjoyment. I also met some very nice people along the way.
Walkers 710 & 711: Helen & Andrew Russell
Home: Bedford
Dates: 13th to 18th August 2012
Comments: We did the walk in 5 ½ days. A fantastic trip with lots of memorable sights and experiences. The wonderful views from the Cotswold escarpment were a definite highlight.
Walkers 708 & 709 : Arjan & Hetty Reef
Home: The Hague, Netherlands
Dates: 14th to 21st August 2012
Comments: After Scotland, this was our second walk in the UK. The eight day walk was sometimes sunny/warm and sometimes it was very wet. The trail was perfectly marked and we had always a nice B&B or Inn waiting for us. The first part, Chipping Campden to Winchcombe, is our favourite part with unspoilt and beautiful Cotswold villages and views. We also loved the local pubs, their local visitors, the food and the beers & ales! At the end of day eight we reached Bath, a beautiful city and a perfect end of our walk. We stayed one extra day for the two-hour free walking tour of the Roman Baths and also to visit Jamie’s Italian restaurant.
Walkers 706 & 707: Hannes Manzke & Iris Schneidereit
Home: Germany
Dates: 16th to 25th July 2012
Comments: Our walk from Chipping Campden to Bath was most enjoyable, although partly a bit strenuous due to weather conditions that made the footpaths quite muddy and slippery. Outfitted with a pair of newly purchased wellingtons in Winchcombe we continued our way to the next destinations while out luggage was conveniently transferred from one accommodation to the next. We were lucky when the rain stopped on the 3rd day. The weather changed for the better day by day. Eventually we reached Bath in bright sunshine. It was almost too hot to walk. The last 2 walking days we understood the probable effects of the traditional shin kicking discipline of the Cotswold Olympicks through a strain of the shin caused by a downhill slip. During our walk we met nice people, shortly after Chipping Campden we walked in a row with about 800 pupils and their teachers who where doing a short distance walk for charity. In the evenings we enjoyed pub meals and drinks in nice places. We stayed in B&B's or small hotels and enjoyed the hospitality of some very friendly hosts. All in all we had a very relaxing, great holidat and returned home to Germany with the firm plan to walk another National Trail in your beautiful country.
Walkers 704 & 705: Simon Herbert & Thibault Corens
Home: Belgium
Dates: August 2012
Comments: Hello, we loved to walk the Cotswold Way. We slept in tents in the gardens of B&B's and friendly nice people. We love the landscape we walked through and soon we will be walking again on other trails in England. We also made a blog of our travels through the Cotswold Way 'CotswoldWay.blogspot.co.uk' We walked the tour in less than five days, we are very proud of each other and we are just 16 years old, maybe a new age record to mention on the website.
Walker 703: Elvira Botta
Home: Bracknell
Dates: June/July 2012
Comments: Chipping Campden is a real architectural jewel. Other highlights included Snowshill Manor, Dyrham Park and Hailes Abbey. Magnificent views, particularly from Crickley Hill on a rare sunny afternoon, which more than made up for the tough extremely muddy conditions! Orchids, skylarks, deer, sheep and above all serene tranquillity, perfect!
Walker 702: Robert Hansen
Home: Denmark
Dates: 14th July to 22nd July 2012
Comments: Beautiful weather and sites despite the mud!
Walkers 700 & 701: Ralf Bruse & Anche Bottin
Home: Germany
Date: July 2012
Comments: We did this beautiful walk withing 9 days. Some of them were rainy and it was hard going.
Walker 699: Lorna Cullen
Home: Ayr
Date: 21st to 28th July 2012
Comments: After weeks and weeks of rain, we were fortunate to enjoy hot sunny July days with skies of azure blue. My memories are of the panoramic views from the escarpments, the pastoral landscape, the combination of shady beech woods and open pasture land, white fields of linseed and red fields of poppies, walking the narrow paths through the middle of waist high barley and rye, the precision built dry stone walls, the delightful villages with their warm honey coloured Cotswold Stone cottages, and finally the grandeur of Baths majestic architecture as a finale to 8 memorable days of walking.
Walkers 697 & 698: Judith & Will McQuillan
Home: Tonbridge
Date: June 2012
Comments: Will - One day is stopped raining. A well signed path with good climbs giving great views of the mist. Overall a lovely Walk. Judith - Steep climbs rewarded with magnificent views, stretches of peaceful woodland, still traces of the scent of wild garlic! Longbarrows. First view of Bath - pleasure of taking boots off at the end and sense of achievement, especially in the wind and rain during several days of the walk.
Walker 696: Elma McGregor
Home: Turnberry
Date: July 2012
Comments: There were five of us when we started the walk on 21st July. The route was well marked and surrounding countryside quite spectacular. Our longest day and most gruelling was from Painswick to Dursley. We met up with two friends at Nympsfield where we were duly fortified with ice cold drinks. We all loved the walk and entering into Bath was awesome.
Walker 695: Peter Collins
Home: Glossop
Date: 12th to 20th May 2005
Comments: The Heroic FEET was completed in May 2005, when under the influence of Cloudy Cider & Paracetamol, a hardy soul from Glossop completed the 104 mile Cotswolds Way from Chipping Campden to Bath. Good Weather, great scenery and blisters!
Walkers 682 to 694: Ecos Explorers Frome
Home: Frome
Date: 31st March 2012 to 6th April 2012
Comments: The Ecos Explorers who took part in the walk are Max Charlesworth, Dan Charlesworth, Peter Charlesworth, Josh White, Ethan White, Russell Ford, John Fonseka, Oli Smaje, Tom Hooper, Dave Hooper, Jane Bullis, Bryony Evered & Afon Evered. The Ecos Explorers walked the Cotswold Way carrying their own kit, camping every night with a support crew cooking evening meals and breakfast. It was a great week for all - thank you for a great Walk.
Walker 681: Michael Read
Home: Girvan, Scotland
Date: July 2012
Comments: It was sunshine all the way for 8 days walking, temperate was close to 30 degrees so liquid intake was very important - therefore my memories are mainly of the watering holes! Langett Tea Garden has excellent coffee, the house with the fridge on the roadside with cool bottles of water for 50p and of course the pubs! They provided us with great beers and ciders and meals at the end of a hard day. Finally the cafe bar opposite the Roman Baths and a celebratory pint of Pig's Reveller cider!
Walker 680: Jim Shepherd
Home: Ayr, Scotland
Date: July 2012
Comments: The highlights of the walk for me were the magnificent trees and the Cotswold stone in the houses and dry stone walling.
Walker 679: Nancy Renton (left)
Home: Westbrook, USA
Date: 30th June 2012 to 10th July 2012
Comments: Nancys highlights were the best Indian dinner ever in Chipping Campden, the mud!, Medieval wall paintings in Hailes Chursh, rain, bell ringers, ice cream sundae in Cold Ashton but most of all spending 11 days hiking with my sister Jane Elwell (walker 673 below and right on the photo).
Walkers 676, 677 & 678: Annabelle Asher, Adam Asher & Rupert Bear
Home: Oxford
Date: April 2012
Comments: My name is Annabelle Asher, I am nine years old and in April 2012 I walked 102 miles along the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath in 5 1/2 days in aid of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal. This is my diary of the walk - click here
Walkers 674 & 675: Jerry & Jean Aldous
Home: Milton Keynes
Date: July 2012
Comments: For us the delights of the Northern part of route, the classic Cotswolds villages, was preferable to the second half. However the final descent into Bath was fantastic and we would join those who prefer the North to South route as opposed to vice versa.
Walker 673: Jane Elwell
Home: Maine, USA
Date: 30th June to 10th July 2012
Comments: I enjoyed spending the 13 days with my sister, Snowshill, buying a copy of Cider with Rosie in Chipping Campden and reading it as we walked through the setting, stumbling upon a pipe and drum band in Dursley and most of all a beautiful picnic in the sun overlooking Bath.
Walkers 671 & 672: James & Shelley Campbell
Home: Alberta, Canada
Date: 25th June to 4th July 2012
Comments: James - The Cotswold Way was a beautiful walk, reasonably paced over 9 days. The trip was marred by excessive mud throughout due to the inclement weather which also created slippery, wet and ugly paths. A head down walking posture was too often necessitated for safety, rain protection and poop avoidance. Views were limited by the low clouds. We persevered and thoroughly enjoyed the whole mucky experience, I even wore out my walking boots! Shelley - Typically we climb to the highest point of any location that we visit. The route we selected gave us ample opportunity to see the views with my favourite being from Cleeve Hill. We had the sunbeams as we walked whilst the hills beyond stayed misted and rainy. It was a lovely day for us and we met several other walkers along the way. The muddy trail conditions made the trip more challenging, but we made it just the same. We concluded our walk in the lovely city of Bath.
Walkers 669 & 670: Sue Howard & Bill Edwards
Home: Wetherby & Hazlemere
Date: June 2012
Comments: The walk wonderful with stunning views of the Cotswolds. It incorporated ancient barrows, outstanding towers, scenic golf courses and many many hills! The route was well signposted and easy to follow. We did the walk in 8 days so that we had enough time to appreciate the landscape and still arrive in time for a pint and hearty meal each night at the local inn. The final day finished at the door of Bath Abbey and then it was off to Sally Lunns for a well deserved bun with clotted cream and jam!
Walkers 667 & 668: Neil Heather & Csaba Rostagni
Home: Surrey
Date: 25th June to 2nd July 2012
Comments: The walk was planned earlier in the year with the idea of walking 12 to 14 miles a day with overnight accommodation at various points along the route. Overall the walk turned into a bit of a challenge since the weather took a turn for the worse on day 2, mostly wind and rain. On the last day it rained from the time we left to the time we arrived in Bath (8 hours later!). It was a good job our dry kits had arrived so we were able to get dry and celebrate with a double scotch!
Walker 666: Bob Moulsdale
Home: Nottingham
Date: 2nd July to 7th July 2012
Comments: The week was a mix of rain, sun and mud, however even with an untypical July the Cotswold Way is one of the best trails I have hiked. From Chipping Campden to Bath the people we met were very friendly. Although it is believed that there are 99 yew trees in the Painswick Churchyard and 100th will not grow, the children were happy to confirm that there were actually 104! I arrived in North Nibley to find that they were about to stage the 'North Nibley Music Festival'. Of course, I could not travel the Cotswold Way without sampling the tea and scones along the trail.
Walkers 664 & 665: Bryn Jones & Tim Cobben-Clade
Home: Romsey & Paphos
Date: 27th June to 3rd July 2012
Comments: Highlights of their walk included sections with escarpment views, passing through Cotswold Villages, the Engligh landscape and local real ale!
Walkers 662 & 663: Ann & Julian White
Home: Chepstow
Date: June 2012
Comments: This was our third national trail and we completed it within 6 days. We were drowned the first day, blown to death the second day and slightly sunburn the third: we definitely had all the weather thrown at us! The highlights for us were: trying to stand upright in 50 mph winds on Cleeve Hill, the magnificent views from Haresfield Beacon, Crickley Hill and Coaley Peak, the poppies and smell of wild garlic, and the deer in Dyrham Park. The muddy paths made it very strenuous at times, we had a power cut because of the high winds and the appalling weather were the worst bits. Training in the Black Mountains certainly helped with the many ups and downs but it was definitely worth the effort as when we got to the top we had views of the Welsh Mountains, the Malvern Hill's and the River Severn: all of which were spectacular despite the weather! Along with wildlife, hill forts, long barrows, beautiful countryside and woodland, we discovered places we'd seen on the map but never thought of visiting even though they were on our doorstep. We will no doubt revisit them on many day trips in the future.
Walker 661: Wendy Taylor
Home: Calgary, Canada
Date: May 2012
Comments: The whole Cotswold Way was a highlight! From the charming villages, the magnificent views to the rolling hills. I love being able to walk in the beautiful forests, to see the carpets of bluebells and wild garlic, the butterflies and the daisies. In the pastures I saw new lambs. I met kind and hospitable people all the way through my journey. It was a wonderful adventure and I didn't have to worry about cougars or bears!
Walker 659 & 660: Eep & Anita Haalboom
Home: Holland
Date: June 2012
Comments: Last year we read about the Cotswold Way and it immediately got our attention. But before we could attempt this walk we needed to prepare ourselves. The daily distances were not a problem and the weather in the Netherlands is mostly the same but the hills were not easy to train for as we live in a flat country, but we made it! On our way we had some bad weather but when the sun was out there were great views over the Cotswolds. We also met a lot of friendly walkers from Australia, America and England that made the trip even more enjoyable. Finally we would like to thank all who make it possible for us to walk on this beautiful trail.
Walkers 658: Matthew Mabey
Home: Surrey
Dates: March & June 2012
Comments: Matthew walked the Cotswold Way with his mother. His highlights were finding the Devils Chimney when they thought they had missed it, walking out to the topograph just after Hailsfield Beacon in thunder, lightening and hail!, the view from Cold Ashton and the wonderful entrance gate to the manor there.
Walkers 655, 656 & 657: Tom Laycock, Carolyn Laycock & Chris Laycock
Home: Devon
Date: June 2012
Comments: The highlights of Toms journey were the amazing views across the plains to Wales, the beauty of Gods creations ie birds singing, wildflowers and butterflies. Carolyn commented 'the highlight for me was to see the English Countryside at is peak - lovely pastoral fields with wildflowers, butterflies and birds singing. In between the showers the views were special. I also enjoyed the layers of history: iron age to the present'. Chris commented 'Fantastic views from the escarpment between the showers, flora and fauna at this time of year. The interesting people we met along the way'.
Walkers 653 & 654: Bernie Clarke-Lens & Steve Cole
Home: Fareham & Frampton Cotterell
Date: 2nd to 7th June 2012
Comments: Bernie comments 'Steve and I had planned this walk sometime last year and have been preparing by doing various walks whenever we could. The weather was not on our side for this walk and alot of it was done in full waterproofs which made it a bit harder going than expected. We booked the accomodation through Macs Adventures, who did a great job and everything went to plan. The highest ascent on one day ws 1843 ft and the most descent in one day was 2309 ft, so there were quite alot of ups and downs to contend with. We thoroughly enjoyed it and we are now planning another National Trail for next year.'
Walker: 652: Richard Tompsett
Home: Lewes
Dates: May 2012
Comments: The Cotswold Way was a walk in memory of my wife Yvonne who passed away 3 years ago. It was a truly beautiful walk in particular the Birdlip to Stinchcombe Hill section. It was very peaceful as I hardly passed another walker over the 5 days it took to complete the walk. It gave me plenty of time to reflect and remember. I would recommend the walk to others.
Walkers 650 & 651: Brad Shearer & Paul Shearer
Home: USA
Dates: May 2012
Comments: This was our second time completing the Cotswold Way. We had done it previously in 2010. We walked the 102 miles wouth from Chipping Campden to Bath. The weather was remarkable with no rain! Brad is handicapped, he has Autism and does not speak but has no physical limitations, and he loved every minute of it! The trail gives him the opportunity to walk independently away from traffic and to explore the countryside. We both enjoyed the good food and hospitality of the people on and around the trail. The Cotswold Way is a well maintained resource that provides access to English culture, history, people and geography.
Walkers 648 & 649: Daan Stoffer & Clare Counsilman
Home: Netherlands
Dates: 2011
Comments: Highlights of their walk including the impressive Broadway Tower, the view from Cleeve Hill, the kind couple who live by the Dowdeswell reservoir, warm apple pie with custared and nature in all its forms!
Walker 647: Tim Cook
Home: High Wycombe
Dates: May 2012
Comments: I walked the Cotswold Way in May 2012 to mark my early retirement. It gave me the ideal opportunity for time for quiet reflection and to slow down to a more natural rhythum and pace of life. A special bonus was meeting Wendy from Calgary who was doing the walk in the same stages as myself and we walked the last 50 miles together - thank you Wendy for leading on those uphill sections! We arrived in Bath on the same day as the Olympic Torch so the streets were lined with people and the town was in party mode - a suitably celebratory ending for a truly memorable experience.
Walkers 645 & 646: Alan Curtis & Barry Curtis
Home: Bedford
Dates: March 2012
Comments: My brother and I undertake a walking holiday each year to cover a National Trail, this year we chose the Cotswold Way. They give us the perfect time to catch up and reflect on the years of walking that we have undertaken. We had a fantastic trip and would recommend it to other keen walkers, especially those who like hill waking!
Walkers 643 & 644: Jean & John Booth
Home: Manton
Dates: 8th to 18th May 2012
Comments: May I thank all those involved in the design and care of the Cotswold Way. We found it a delightful trail which was very clearly signposted. Passing through field of coswlips - rare in our part of the world - to reach Broadway Tower. Lang haul up Cleeve Hill and the wonderful views from the top, over towards the Malvern Hills and beyond into Wales, with Cheltenham below. Far too many beautiful views, woods and buildings to mention.
Walkers 641 & 642: Mr Paul Davies & Mr M Davies
Home: Bristol
Dates: 14th to 18th May 2012
Comments: Paul said that some of the highlights of the walk were walking through trees all the way from Wotton Under Edge, the moor like appearance near Cleeve and the charming villages in the north Cotswolds, especially Broadway. A really fantastic route!
Walkers 638, 639 & 640: Robert Kennedy, Neil Stewart & Kenny Urquhart
Home: Scotland
Dates: April 2012
Comments: We commenced the walk in brilliant sunshine from Chipping Camden, unsure where the official start was as both guide books that we had indicated differing start/finish loations. We used the large black and white Cotswold Way sign at the side of the markethall as our start point. We carried out the walk in 7 stages taking in and recording the many spectacular scenic views, historic sites and charm of the villages and towns that we passed through. The weather over the week was unpredictable but despite the ever increasing showers this did not affect our enthusiasm or enjoyment of the walk. Big thanks to the many people who we met during our travels, especially the determined lone walker in the yellow jacket who was undertaking her first long distance walk in aid of the Altzheimers society, and to the staff of the post offices and tourist information centres long the route for stamping our card. This was our first long distance walk in England and it proved to be as challenging as any of the other walk that we have undertaken, but its rewards are second to none and a must for all keen walkers to experience and enjoy.
Walkers 636 & 637: Anna & Katie Lillywhite
Home: Cheltenham
Dates: 2011/2012 over 10 months
Comments:Anna and Katie completed this walk over the course of 10 months during 2011/12. Anna was 8 years and 2 months old and Katie was 5 years and 4 months old when they started. They completed the walk by starting off in small stages but by the end they were able to cope with the longer sections, the longest one being almost 12 1/2 miles! It has been a fantastic introduction to walking for them and they have been out in all elements. Many thanks for running this scheme. Anna said ' I loved seeing the horses and the sheep. Sometimes the rivers were frozen. I really liked feeling the squidy mud under my feet'. Katie said 'I liked the streams, trees and mud!'.
Walkers 634 & 635: Denis Stone & Niall Stone
Home: Leicester
Dates: 6th to 11th April 2012
Comments: We completed the 102 mile walk on the Cotswold Way. It was a journey that had some strenous climbs but always worth the scenery at various points during the walk. The previous year we both walked Hadrians Wall and to be honest I felt this walk was more challenging with its climbs or else I am just getting a bit older and feeling the strain maybe. Overall a fantastic journey.
Walkers 632 & 633: Ben & Wera Arnz
Home: Nottingham
Dates: April 2012
Comments: View were brilliant even i npoor weather. The woods were full of bluebells and wild garlic. The lambs were in the fields.
Walker 631: Jane Moore
Comments: Ode to our Cotswold Wardens
It was Simon and Jean who set the scene on that first auspicious day, who introduced us, this motley crew, to the winding Cotswold Way. They inspired and cajoled us to climb each hill, and imparted their knowledge, seemingly at will. Alas all I recall is the first early purple, an orchid quite rare and so very regal.
The June walk was led by Julie and Alan, aka Mike, a quite different pair to lead our hike; they guided us carefully across busy roads the coach always handy to lighten our load. We finished in Sodbury at the end of the lane, by St Adeline's Church, the only one with this name.
By July we had melded quite well as a group, led by Vivienne, 2 V's, 2 I's, 2 N's and 2 E's and Sue, we trekked to Wotton under Edge. We paced through the woods on tricky terrain, the one and only time we got caught in the rain.
Colin and Keith led us to Dursley on a sunny August day, we walked through Westridge Woods and climbed up Stinchcombe Hill where we passed the Tyndale Monument sitting on Nibley Knoll.
In September, John and Peter marched us up the hill, a very rude awakening but none of us were killed; we traipsed to Haresfield Beacon with many splendid views and learnt so many things my mind is over filled!
October saw us heading towards famous Coopers Hill with Pat and Roger demonstrating excellent warden skills; they pointed out cattle and iron age forts and all in all were very good sports.
In November our leaders were Malcolm and Bob, who took us to pastures new; past the Devil's Chimney on Leckhampton Hill, to the source of the Thames with magnificent views.
Stuart and Gordon led us in December in festive mood and Santa Hats, a jolly sight to remember. How thankful we were for mince pies and stollen as our lunch it seemed had been all but forgotten!
Sheila and Rob braved the weather in January on a bright and sunny day, all festive excesses and cobwebs were blown completely away. We headed for Hailes abbey and learned much on the way, but oh how I wish I could remember at least one point to say.
February was dry but bitterly cold, but how warming to be with Simon and Jean our wardens of old. We learnt of Cistercians growing tobacco, and King Alfreds cakes of that I am certain.
As I write this ditty we still have March to do and who will lead us I haven't a clue! Before I finish, and on behalf of us all, a big, big thank you to one and all. To Michael for driving us and to wardens we say; what a splendid time we have had walking the Cotswold Way.
But now after this I'm in quite a tizz, so please don't ask me to take part in a quiz.
Jane Moore, March 2012
Walker 630: Barbra Depledge
Home: Coventry
Dates: February 2012
Comments: I have walked around 30 long distance paths, mostly taking a week or more away from home to tackle the whole distance. Unusually I decided to do the Cotswold Way as a series of day walks from home. I decided to do it mainly because it is a National Trail and I am aiming for the Silver Level of the Long Distance Walkers' Association National Trails' Register!
The Cotswold Way has been a delight and a revelation. My perceptions of the Cotswolds having previously been rather tarnished by taking overseas visitors to the coach clogged "honey pots" of Stow-on-the-Wold etc., I have changed my view substantially. The western edges of the Cotswolds were previously unknown to me and I have been very pleasantly surprised by the long range views, the genuinely lovely villages and the remoteness of several sections. I also found it much more strenuous than I had anticipated!
The standard of waymarking has been second to none in my experience. This has been especially welcome as I have walked most of the route alone. The information about public transport has also been most helpful and I have managed to position my car at one end of a section and use public transport to reach the other end for more than half the walks. I commend the National Trail Officer on his efforts - an exceptionally well managed trail.
Walkers 626 - 629: Kevin Mansell, Pete Stump, Sue Virgo, Paddy Doyle
Homes: Berkeley & Dursley, Glos
Dates: 9th April 2011 - 1st October 2011
Comments: The seeds were sown to walk the Cotswold Way after one of this group had spotted and "I've walked the Cotswold Way" badge back in 2010 and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the group unwittingly signed up to the idea. We started in Chipping Campden in April and completed the walk in seven stages, each in a different month, finishing on 1st October. Very fortunate with the weather as other than a very windy trek across Cleeve Cloud, we had anywhere between good and glorious weather throughout.
Many highlights including Boradway, Belas Knapp, Roman snails, Cooper's Hill, Kev's commentaries and quizzes, the views the "half-way" marker, Sue's geography lessons, getting our completion cards stamped, the hill forts, Paddy's diet tips and the surreal walk through Bath amongst a mass of shoppers and tourists. Only disappointment was touching the Abbey doors and realising that it was all over.
Many thanks to to our support driver Janet who uncomplainingly picked us up each morning, took us to the end point of each stage (where we would leave anoth vehicle) and then would drop us off at the start point for our day's walking.
Walkers 624 & 625: Frank & Jennifer Tonge
Home: Manchester
Comments: Broadway was the loveliest village. The view from Cleeve Hill overlooking Cheltenham was impressive as was the view around Devil's Chimney at Leckhampton.
Walkers 622 & 623: Ellen & Jennifer Lekisch
Home: Seattle, WA
Dates: January 2012
Comments: I loved seeing the beautiful Cotswold stone walls; they are so intricate. We met a lot of interesting people along the trail and it was interesting to learn about life in the villages we walked through. (Ellen)
I loved looking for the acorn signs. The walk was like a modern day treasure hunt. I also loved walking in the pastures and seeing the farm animals especially in the Stanton region. I had never seen a pheasant before. They are so beautiful! (Jennifer)
Walker 621: Paul Willis Patel
Home: Cheltenham
Dates: 12 September 2010 - 4 November 2011
Comments: The walk took me 5 days to do spread out over a year. I started the walk with my brother-in-law on a nice sunny morning in Chipping Campden in September 2010. We set out with rucksacks fully laden with tents, sleeping bags and food, a weight which became too much after the second day at which point we swapped to day packs instead. On the first night in Winchcombe we were able to sleep in a local apple orchard with the owner's permission. Day two saw us starting out on the long hill out of Winchcombe reaching the top of Cleeve Hill in the wind and rain. Unfortunately due to a foot injury on day three, my brother-in-law was unable to continue after reaching Kings Stanley. My father accompanied me on day 4 and I completed the last section of the walk on day 5 walking down into Bath in the rain. My wife was a great help, dropping me off and collecting me at the end of each day. Completing the walk was a great achievement and is well worth doing just to view the beautiful countryside.
Walkers 619 & 620: Sally Morgan & Virginia Martin
Home: Box, Nr Stroud
Dates: 7 July 2011 - 26 Jan 2012
Comments: We loved it all - even if it was a bit hillier than we expected!
Walker 618: Jo Casey and Escha the dog
Home: Bath
Dates: 11 - 17 June 2011
Comments: Reaching the half way and end marker stones felt like a real achievement. But overall meeting all the lovely people along the way made the walk extra special. People were especially fascinated by Escha (the dog) wearing her own rucksack!!
Walkers 614 - 617: Kirsty & Ken Gibbs and Juliet & Mark Suddaby
Home: Charfield, nr Wotton-under-Edge and Saltford near Bath
Dates: 12th June 2010 - 11th June 2011
Comments: We decided to walk the Cotswold Way to celebrate the twelve months during which the four of us all turned fifty. I have just been reading about a young lad who completed the walk (run) in under 24 hours - it took us exactly one year!
As we all have busy lives, and because we live quite close to the trail, we completed it over a number of weekends. The entire length of the trail was extremely easy to follow, thanks to excellent signposting, but we did find a guidebook invaluable for planning and general information. Our favourite stretch was between Coaley Peak and Hawkesbury Upton and we walked this part on a beautiful weekend in late April when the bluebells and wild garlic were at their best.
The walk was a lovely way to catch up and spend time with old friends and we're now considering which long distance patch to tackle next.
Walker 613: Ed Batty
Home: Stinchcombe, Glos
Dates: 22nd December 2011
Comments: Ed set out running from Chipping Campden on 22nd December, 7 days after his 24th birthday. Just 21 hours and 43 minutes later he arrived in Bath! He had flown in from Switzerland a few days before to spend Christmas with his family, but had been planning the run for three months. Unfortunately this record breaking time cannot be ratified as there were no official time keepers, but Ed had the great personal satisfaction of knowing he had broken the record at the worst time of year. Click here or see 'latest news' on the homepage to read full story.
Walkers 611 & 612: Earl & Lois Arnold
Home: Montebello, Virginia, USA
Dates: August 2011
Comments: We walked the trail in August 2011 with Macs Adventures. It was truly wonderful; the scenery was breathtaking and we met many nice folks along the way.
One of the places we stopped to visit was the Langett Tea Garden & it was there that we learnt of the Hall of Fame and the badge offered. Mrs Cox (who served us tea) gave us the completion card.
Walkers 609 & 610: Dan Avery & Erica Reed
Home: Birmingham
Dates: 10 - 17 April 2010
Comments: We walked the Cotswold Way between 10th - 17th April 2010. We were very lucky and had 7 days of good weather and sunshine, which was just as well as had chosen to camp most of the way along the route. We had walked other long distance paths before, but only in northern England. As we live in Birmingham we thought the Cotswold Way would be a good chance to get to know another lovely part of the country a bit closer to home. We enjoyed the walk very much, particularly the sections from Broadway to Winchcombe, Dowdeswell to Birdlip and North Nibley to Tormarton. The final stretch into Bath was also very enjoyable for obvious reasons. Strangely we didn't meet anyone else doing the way until our last day when we were overtaken by a guy walking it in 4 days, and crossed over with a large organised party who had just started South to North. Just before Bath we also met a couple finishing off the walk who had started it several months before but abandoned it due to work committments. All in all, a good week. I'm sure we will re-visit several of our favourite bits in the future on day trips or weekends.
Walkers 607 & 608: James Lees & Stuart Kingston
Home: Warrington & Guildford
Dates: 3 - 9 October 2011
Comments: Having previously attempted a few of the other National Trails we decided to give the Cotswold Way a go. Fortunately we timed it well as the start of October had a sudden resurgence of summer so the weather was comparitively good.
We started in Chipping Campden and had glorious views west every day until the last when low cloud closed in. Even so it stayed dry enough for us to enjoy our descent into Bath before we finally reached the Abbey and went in search of a well earnt pint. A very nice week away all in all.
Walker 606: Gillian Mott
Home: Manchester
Dates: August 2010
Comments: Mostly all of it is fantastic trail! Villages were charming.
Walkers 604 & 605: Dave & Jackie Hobbs
Home: Seattle, USA
Dates: 24 - 31 May 2011
Comments: Beautiful countryside, charming villages, lovely townspeople, cozy pubs, friendly sheep & cows.
Walkers 602 & 603: Reid & Jane Grayson
Home: Shelburne, VT, USA
Dates: 21 - 29 October 2011
Comments: The outstanding views from the escarpment; Cleeve Hill golf course; historical sites; proximity with nature and animals. Quaint small towns and pubs.
Walker 601: Jahene More
Home: Karuah, NSW, Australia
Dates: 20 - 30 September 2011
Comments: The views as we walked along looking out over the edge of the escarpment were wonderful and as an Australian, I do love walking through your woods.
Walkers 599 & 600: Reg Kelly & Patsy Elsbury
Home: Little Stoke, South Glos
Dates: 6 March - 16 August 2011
Comments: A series of "ups & down" which at times felt more like "ups". Well rewarded by the views and the (modestly) triumphant walk into Bath.
Walkers 597 - 598: David & Kathy Howe
Home: Carlisle
Dates: 13th - 23rd October 2011
Comments: We finished the walk last Friday and called by Bath TIC to find a completion card. I am a Volunteer Trail Ranger on Hadrian's Wall and we have a similar Passport scheme. We planned the route for several months using the Nat Trail website. We bought all the OS 2.5" sheets and the guidebook by Mark Richards. It was excellent. A big congratulation goes to your staff and volunteers who waymark the route - I can honestly say (given some initiative) that you could walk the Way without a map and guide - the waymarking is excellent. Underfoot conditions were good with some mud in the south.
The past year has not been a good one for me - I have had bowel cancer. I was fit to start with and made a recovery programme and got into shape again. This paid off last week and we could motor on in places doing 3mph at times. We found the Way nice overall with those sharp uphills to test one! For highlights we say - just to be out in God's countryside in what is typical English countryside. The weather was a highlight as we only had two short showers. The views were great from the tops and the autumn colours were fantastic.
Walker 596: Jake Whitehead
Home: Lynton, Devon
Dates: September 2011
Comments: I really enjoyed walking the Cotswold Way. I decided to go solo and carry all my own equipment, it proved hard to find suitable places to camp but added to the challenge! The hills were tougher than I thought but well worth it when I reached the top to see fine views west.
The highlight for me was the Thursday night when I saw the sunset to the west above the growing glow of the city lights as the moon rose to the east casting silvery light all around and the surprise presence of a barn owl added to the natural beauty of my last night on the way.
I only met Australians on the way, which was a surprise but hugely encouraging as they had travelled all that way to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery our national trails display; their fame extends event that great distance. I can't wait to take on the next great national trail.
Walkers 594 & 595: Joan Davison & friend
Dates: 2nd - 11th October 2011
Home: Claverley, nr Wolverhampton
Comments: The long barrow at Belas Knap and views from the top of Cleeve Hill. Walking through the beautiful English woodlands, reaching halfway and lots more. This walk was harder than expected but the views more than made up for it. The signposting was excellent.
Walkers 591 - 593: Paul, Gill & Veronica Doyle
Home: Ashtead, Surrey
Dates: October 2011
Comments: Paul, Gill & myself (Veronica) completed the last 3 days of walking from 2 October 2011. We started this section at Wotton-under-Edge. We were so lucky with the weather and were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some of the hills were high, but it was worth getting to the top for the fantastic views. We were able to have our picnic lunch in Dyrham Park and enjoyed visiting the house, church and the surrounding park. This to me, was one of the best traisl. And to finish in such a wonderful city as Bath.
Walkers 589 & 590: Pam Hardy & husband
Home: Ludlow, Shropshire
Dates: 5th - 17th October 2011
Comments: Part 1 - Walked from Chipping Campden on 5th October arriving in Painswick on 9th October. The first day was only to Broadway and we used the bus to return to our car. We then booked into a B&B for 4 nights and used buses and a few lifts from our hostess to get as far as Painswick; we then returned home for 3 days as we had other commitments.
Part 2 - We stayed 2 nights in Stroud while we took the bus back to Painswick on 13th returning by bus from Kings Stanley. We bussed it again to King's Stanley the next morning and returned by bus from Wotton. On 15th we drove to Chipping Sodbury and caught the bus back to Wotton walking back to the car via Old Sodbury and driving on to our accommodation at Nimlet. Following another lift to Old Sodbury we walked back to Nimlet via Cold Aston and continued onto Bath on Monday catching the bus back again.
All in all it worked well and my husband was pleaseantly surprised with the walk as a whole. I don't hink he was looking forward to it!! However the weather was very kind to us and it was dry underfoot. I now have 159 photos to remember it by.
Walkers 584 & 585: LeRoy & Barbara Kuehl
Home: New Harmony, UT, USA
Dates: 5th - 16th September 2011
Comments: The Cotswolds offered a variety of scenery. While I enjoyed the villages like Chipping Campden & Broadway, I think the highlight for me were the beautiful beech woods. Every section was unique; the burial mounds like Belas Knap, the rolling hillsides, the views in the distance of the River Severn and of course, the warm & friendly people hosting the B&Bs and those we met in the local pubs at night.
Walkers 582 & 583: Sue & Dick Himes
Home: Lawrence, KS, USA
Dates: 5th - 16th September 2011
Comments: The ancient hill forts and long barrows; being blown over by ferocious winds on the top of Cleeve Common; beautiful, huge, old beech trees in the many woods; bread & cheese picnic in churchyard next to Dyrham Park & on rampart of hill fort; gracious hostess and our own cottage at Little Smith; always being able to find the way markers.
It was more strenuous than we had expected - lots of steep ups and downs. But the challenge of it, the beautiful views, the friendliness of the people and the pubs and B&Bs at the end of the day made it all worth while.
Walkers 515 - 581: Mary, David & Mark Swartz
Home: St Albans, WV, USA
Dates: 29th June - 6th July 2011
Comments:
Walker 514: Gerry Cotterell
Home: Boningale, Shropshire
Dates: 2 - 11 October 2011
Comments: Spectacular scenery all the way. Quiet wooded routes. Interesting monuments and long barrows. Pretty villages. Warm Cotswold stone. Completion of the walk!! Elated and very tired - aged 66!!!
Walkers 510 - 513: Mandy Hamilton, Mark Hamilton, Mark O'Boyle, Debra O'Boyle
Home: Droitwich, Worcs
Dates: April - October 2011
Comments: We started on 9th April with a short walk from Chipping Campden to Stanton and hope to finish into Bath on 22 October having taken 8 days.
Without doubt this is one of the prettiest walks we have ever undertaken. It reveals the best of England with glorious open views of wonderful countryside, amazing historical sites and stunning villages. We so enjoyed it that we are going to complete it again next year with more friends. One other interesting fact is that over the eight days we have had brilliant weather, not one drop of rain.
We have a few distinct memories one including being extremely thankful for the person who put a fridge outside with cold water on sale. This was particularly welcome given the weather at the time. Another is Stanton where at the local pub we sighted Julian Lloyd-Webber having a drink. If you are considering a long distance walk this year, choose this one. It's a truly wonderful experience.
Walkers 507 - 509: David Smith, Paul Smith & Andy Clark
Home: Banbury & Kennington, Oxon
Dates: September 2011
Comments: So many highlights! The views from Broadway Tower & Cleeve Hill, the woodland stretches around Coopers Hill and the final descent into Bath all stand out. Tough to do in 4 days but it was for charity so well worth it raising over £3k for ROSY (Respite for Oxfordshire's Sick Youngsters).
Walkers 505 & 506: Nancy & Jeff La Fountain 
Home: Andover, MA, USA
Dates|: 9 - 20 September 2011
Comments: We completed the 102 mile walk in ten consecutive days. I give the trail high ratings for beauty, access to archaeological sites and ease of use. It is well marked and groomed. We had a blast!
Walker 504: Noah Harrow aged 13
Home: Burleigh, Stroud
Dates: 22 - 30 August 2011
Comments: Noah sent us his completed diary for the whole walk which is fantastic but too long to include so here is short extract from day 1. Congratulations Noah!!
Day 1 - 22nd August 2011: The first stage of the Cotswold Way we split into 2 teams. Me & Ma started in Chipping Campden at the Noel Arms and walked up to the triangulation point at Dovers Hill. It was very hot as we walked down the long straight mile drive (more like 3). We looked out at our route we had to go and had a super view from Broadway Tower. After descending to Broadway we climbed up the hill to Buckland Wood. We stopped for lunch on the long uphill sweep to Shenberrow Hill, met Daddy & Harry at the top and descended into Stanton (apples from the tree at Stanway). The remainder of the walk seemed to go on forever - especially the final 2 3/4 miles into Winchcombe.
Walkers 500 - 503: Clive Jellyman, Anja Krech, Maria Vaeth, Stephan Vaeth
Home: Olton, Solihull
Dates: 23 - 30 August 2011
Comments: Where can I start? It started so well in clear weather but by Broadway it poured buckets!! But it didn't matter. We loved the church in Painswick and the beautiful knee rests. The views looking down into Cheltenham were stunning. The greatest site of all ..... the view into Bath!!
Walkers 497, 8 & 9: Paul Dodd, Simon Rose & Neil Barrett
Home: Bewdley, Worcestershire
Dates: 8 - 10th September 2011 (completed in 3 days)
Comments: It was decided to try and attempt the 103 mile Cotswold Way in just 3 days to raise money for Bristol Children's hospital - heart ward, back in February. However, as the time approached and reading all the comments on the Hall of Fame we thought it couldn't be done! We set off on 8th September from Chipping Campden with the aim of reaching at least Leckhampton so it was going to be a long slog. We bumped into some of the Cotswold Way wardens who gave us loads of encouragement (thanks Don!!) We reached the Air Balloon at 9pm that evening. Next day we had to press onto Wooton-under-Edge if if we were in with a chance to complete in 3 days. The evening walk was very hard - a low point of the walk as it got dark, but we made it - tired, aching & hungry on reaching the camp site. Up early the next day - this was it, Bath was in our sights, again a tough day with sore feet, blisters and tiredness, this part of the walk along had the downside of not such good views either - certainly nothing on the previous 2 days, which didn't help our morale! We could hear the roar from Bath Race Course, but don't be fooled into thinking that you are nearly there! It's a long walk to the Abbey from this point. We made it to the Abbey at 8.30pm on 10th September with cheers and claps from our support team (the dads!) who were fantastic - we couldn't have made it without them!
So all in all 3 long days is possible .... just! We raised over £2,000 for the charity which was fantastic, so thanks to all who supported us.
Tips: Wear good boots/shoes, take plenty of blister plasters, eat and drink a lot, take a map book, but the paths are excellently maintained and very well sign posted. Put your feet in ice baths (or cold water) at the end of each day if you can.
Walkers 494, 5 & 6: Philippa Knight, Lisa Dibble, Dawn Greenwood + 5 dogs
Home: Shorncote, Cirencester
Dates: 19 - 24 September 2011
Comments: 3 walkers + 5 dogs! Combined ages of walkers = 190! The whole walk a highlight. Fabulous scenery, so varied. A terrific walk.
Walkers 492 & 493: Libby & Nick Akerman
Home: Willersey, nr Broadway
Dates: 28 August - 2nd September 2011
Comments: We were blessed with good weather and loved the villages and views in the South Cotswolds not having seen them before. The historical sites were an unexpected pleasant surprise. Lovely summer holiday.
Walker 491: Hugh O'Connnor
Home: Brighton East, Victoria, Australia
Dates: August 2011
Comments: The prehistoric forts along the way and the Devil's Chimney. Also seeing the Cotswolds in a way you cannot see without walking.
Walker 490: Peter Hocking
Home: Burwood, Victoria, Australia
Dates: August 2011
Comments: The attractive larger towns of Broadway and Winchcombe. Charming little villages such as Hillesley. Great atmospheric old pubs selling great food especially the "Dog" at Old Sodbury. Spectacular scenery.
Walkers 488 & 489: Mirielle Boucher & Richard Meilleur
Home: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Dates: 29 July - 7 August 2011
Comments: After visiting London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Galway....it was just great for us to relax in the beautiful English countryside. The Cotswold Way is very picturesque and we were lucky to have good weather most of the time. The people we met (mostly elderly local walkers) were so friendly and willing to talk of their walking as well as their life experiences. Didn't meet many walkers doing the whole Cotswold Way. Enjoyed sharing the fields with our four legged friends, the sheep, cows and horses. The views were often breathtaking and we would just sit there in awe admiring the landscape. Lastly, congratulations on the very clear indications of the paths. We bought the official national trail guide (Anthony Burton) in Chipping Campden and really appreciated it.
Walkers 486 & 487: Danny & Michelle Carroll
Home: Cheltenham, Glos
Dates: 24 - 28 August 2011
Comments: This was effectively our summer holiday so we packed lightly and booked into B&B accommodation along the way. We were very glad of the electric heater at the Plaisterers Arms in Winchcombe on day 1 having been caught in a downpour coming down the hill towards Hailes Abbey. Several downpours were to follow in the following days but nothing sever enough to dampen our spirits and overall the weather was kind to us. We probably go out biggest soaking walking through the sunflower field just outside Tormarton towards the end of day 4, not from the rain just from the shoulder high crops! The Little Smithy was awaiting us and more than made up for our damp condition on arrival. This along with the Garden Flat in Dursley provided great ends to tiring days and made us reluctant to get back on the road the following morning. The strange thing about walking the Cotswold Way with its numerous stunning viewpoints is that you can almost see the weather coming but are never quite sure when it will arrive. We thoroughly enjoyed our first National Trail, so much in fact that we plan to take on another next summer.
Walkers 483 - 485: Eva & Ingrid Holder + Sacha Lynch
Home: Onchan, Isle of Man
Dates:
Comments: This summer my 2 teenage daughters (13 and 14) and walked the Cotswold Way. It took us 6 days and amazingly didn’t fall out. In fact it renewed my faith in the great British holiday.
I was late with the knowledge that you could obtain a badge of the achievement so was unable a lot of the time to obtain stamps for journey, apart from most of visits to civilisation were first thing in the morning. We were lucky with the weather and enjoyed the amazing views after climbing yet another hill. Our highlights included the peak before seven springs,I think it was the steep climb on the “brink of death path” and Tyndale tower outside North Nibley, with all those steps.
Walkers 479 - 482 below forgot to include a forwarding address for their badges - please get in touch if this is you!!
Walkers 479 - 482: Debbie Galloway, Joann Fries, Margie Blue, Linda Dennis
Dates: 21 June - 6 July 2011
Comments: Highlights included Broadway Tower, tour of Sudeley Castle, arriving in Bath. The scenery was awesome!
Walkers 477 & 478: James Maskey and Richard McKenna
Home: London
Dates: 26 - 29 August 2011
Comments: We walked the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Bath. It rained for 24 hours and then we enjoyed the most amazing countryside for 3.5 days! The biggest highlight was Ken's pub in Whiteshill where we watched England beat Ireland in the RWC warm up game - Ken is a legend!
Walkers 470 - 476: Dawn Fletcher + friends
Home: Doncaster
Dates: 21 - 27 May 2011
Comments: A group of 6 started our walk on 21 May at Chipping Campden. Walking over 6 days finishing in Bath on 27 May. Spectacular walk with many highlights - enjoyed the golf course above Cheltenham in high winds! The first night in Winchcombe was remarkable for the sausages!
Walkers 468 & 469: Stuart & Val Bexon
Home: Wotton-under-Edge
Dates: Completed July 29th 2011
Comments: We started walking the way some 5 years ago when we lived in the North Cotswolds at Northleach. As we are keen to limit our car useage we only owned 1 car so linear walking becomes difficult. We often walked 7 miles, turned around and then walked back to the car. Some of the highlights of our walk were the natural 'high spots', Broadway, Hailes, Cleeve, Leckhampton, Haresfield, Hawkesbury Upton tower and the viewpoint just north of Bath at Prospect Stile. Just before this last point we met a German family, who having walked from the park and ride insisted that they were moving towards Bath in the opposite direction. We did try to tell them that if they continued they would end up in Dyrham, not Bath - but failed.
On an overcast day, 29th July 2011, we walked from Cold Ashton to Bath thinking that it was all downhill but found it to be quite challenging. But what a relief and joy to enter Bath city on foot, no car parking charges, no worries, very little expense. Quickly refreshed we caught a bus back to Cold Ashton and then by car to home.
Walkers 464 - 467: Roger Bennett, Jocelyn Bennett, Ian Bennett & Rick Thomas
Home: Redmarley, Glos & Sidcup, Kent
Dates: 8 August - 14 August 2011
Comments: We started our walk at Chipping Campden with 7 walkers, but on day 2 & 3 we lost 3 of them but they became our supporters. The 4 of us endured many hard walking days but during our week we have met some lovely people, seen fabulous views and stayed in wonderful and wierd B&Bs.
Two of the walkers were my children aged 20 & 14; I am so proud they continued the walk even after their sister had to finish due to blisters and tiredness. We as a group supported each other in good days and bad days but we always had a lovely meal and chat at the end of the day; our picture shows our delight at finishing outside Bath Abbey!
Walker 463: Wendy Guest
Home: Manchester
Dates: 28th May - 3rd July 2011
Comments: We had all types of weather from constant rain to boiling heat. Walking into Bath with sun shining and seeing all the people relaxing in the sun is the image I won't forget. Great week! Great company!
Walkers 461 & 462: Linda Brown & Alan Jones
Home: Pevensey, East Sussex & Nottingham
Dates: 25 June - 3 July 2011
Comments: We couldn't have done it without the Cotswold Way Trailblazer book. As members of English Heritage we were going to visit Hailes Abbey and it was a very worthwhile resting place right on the trail.
Having climbed up Coopers Hill we can see why it has been chosen for cheese rolling. The hardest climb was the Cam Hill incline which whilst painful was worth it for a combination of the sense of fulfilment and views from the top. Only towards the end of the week did I get to appreciate the toposcopes which were dotted around the top of the climbs. All the accommodation on the way was a high standard and especially appreciated after a hard day's walking. The weather was wonderful through the week which made it a holiday to remember - bring on the next walk.
Walkers 459 & 460: Pete & Jan Fowler
Home: Newport, Wales
Dates: 1/2 June & 24 - 28 July 2011
Comments: We walked in glorious weather & really enjoyed the Cotswold Way, well worth doing. Met walkers from Germany, Belgium and France & stayed at Winchcombe, Birdlip, Kings Stanley, Wotton & Todmarton. The way was very well signed.
Walkers 456 - 458: Beth Schweitzer, Barbara Salibi & Rick Schweitzer
Home: Missouri, USA
Dates: May 1 - 12 2011
Comments: Barbara - I hiked the with my sister Beth & brother Rick taking the south to north direction. It was a great hike with good weather, pub lunches, open views and lambs. Wish we had something like it in the US.
Beth - Did the entire walk south to north in 10 days of walking with my brother & sister. Enjoyed lots of good ale along the way and stunning scenery. Took many photos. Had one big blister. Ready to do it again! Only one day of rain.
Rick - Began in Bath on May 1 and finished in Chiupping Campden on May 12. Hiked with my 2 sisters, Barbara and Beth. Using GPS I recorded 108 miles with total elevation gain. of 17,001.
Walkers 454 & 455: Matthew Townsend & Katie Beecher
Dates: 31 July - 4 August 2011
Home: Cardiff
Comments: As a born and bred Gloucestershire lad I'd always wanted to do the trail, and as both of us are runners it seemed a good idea to run the route with packs, splitting the trail into five day chunks. Going from South to North we started from Bath on a bright Sunday morning and the weather was the same every day apart from the last. Our shortest day was 17 miles, our longest 27. Particular thanks to Sharon at Millstone B&B in Middleyard (day 2) and Penny at the Old Post Office in Coberley (day 3) who both revived us on those days with much needed recovery tea and cake as we crossed their thresholds. Finishing in the pouring rain in Chipping Campden it seemed a shame that it was all over, so we're both looking to the next National Trail to bag.
Walker 453: Helen Smith
Home: Lancaster
Dates: May 2011
Comments: The highlight was definitely the beautiful villages we walked through on the way. Gorgeous gardens and levly characterful homes.
Walkers 448 - 452: Ingrid, Pedro, Sebastian & Lovisa Lundquist
Home: Sweden
Dates: 9 - 21 July 2011
Comments: Pretty villages, beautiful views, challenging hills, kind and helpful people, masses of fluffy sheep, obedient dogs, welcoming pub - every minute of our walk was a highlight!
Walker 447: Atsushi Furuta
Home: Camden, NW1
Dates: 17 - 20 July 2011
Comments: A weary traveller with his shoes covered in mud and dirt stepped into a pub. The time was around 9.00pm and had a map in his hand. "Excuse me, sir, how can I get to Hillesley? My accommodation is located in the village". Through my trip locals were very kind and warm, while natural elements and the paths showed many different faces as if they were testing my endurance and perserverance. The trip started from Stratford-upon-Avon via Chipping Campden, and reached Bath on day four. 'Banzai!' was the first word I uttered when I found myself standing in front of Bath Abbey at the end of the journey.
Treading through the picturesque sceneries on the Cotswold Way was really enjoyable and full of exciting encounters. I still dream of herds of cows trying to drive me out of their territory with their eyes glaring at me, which was the most frightening moment in the journey.
Walker 446: Michael Davidson
Home: Basingstoke, Hants
Dates: 15th - 22nd July 2011
Comments: Stanton - prettiest 'classic' village street. Views of the Severn and western hills. Seeing Bath from Prospect Stile. Best stained glass windows Bath Abbey and Dursley parish church. The 100s of markers and sign posts. Thanks to many 'angels' - joggers, dog walkers etc who directed me in the absence of signs.
Walkers 444 & 445: Donald & Nan Perkins
Home: Wimberley, TX, USA
Dates: 22 - 28 May 2011
Comments: Incredible vistas, encounters with fellow hikers, staying in B&Bs that are at least 400 years old, birds singing in the trees, wonderful old churches, Rococo Gardens in Painswick.
We also enjoyed seeing dozens of Englishmen & women walking their dogs on the trail.
Walker 443: Doris I Miller
Home: London, Ontario, Canada
Dates: June 2011
Comments: This is the best signed trail I have ever walked. Breath taking views at every turn.
Walker 442: Tony Vincent
Home: Coventry
Dates: April 2011
Comments: This was my first trail. I met a friend in a pub in Coventry who said he was going to Bath the next day. So I decided to hitch a lift and walk the path. I had to buy a map and guide book at the TIC in Bath. I had never walked a long distance before. It was a sharp learning curve. However the experience was wonderful. Attractive countryside, picturesque villages and fine views. I was hooked and have now walked 9 National Trails and numerous other paths. The weather was good apart from Sunday afternoon when the cricket match I went to watch was abandoned due to heavy rain.
Walker 441: Chris Finn
Home: Belair, South Australia
Dates: July 2011
Comments: I walked south to north starting from Bath (back to front you might say!). My favourite moment was arriving at Stanton just after a cleansing shower of rain. Magical! Arrive at St James Church, Chipping Campden just as the church bell tolled 3pm on Thursday 7th July.
Walkers 439 & 440: Mary Corrigan & Elaine Mansell
Home: Coventry & Leamington Spa
Dates: 28th May - 5th June 2011
Comments: We thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful walk and the views were amazing especially being able to see the Severn Estuary for such a long way. The paths were very well signposted and good under foot too. Unfortunately, we got caught out in the rain one day without waterproofs! So the kind people who ran the shop at Hailes Fruit Farm gave us a couple of block bin bags to wear! Wearing these gave cause for lots of giggles and interesting looks from other walkers! Fortunately the day was warm and the rain didn't last very long. A great experience and we raised in excess of £800 for The Home Farm Trust Charity.
Walkers 437 & 438: John & Valerie Beamish
Home: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Dates: September 13th - 22nd 2010
Comments: Highlights? Almost too many to mention but one, in particular, cannot be ignored. The signposting was, with only one exception, brilliantly done. Just when we thought we might have missed a turn or gone wrong for some other reason, there was a signpot confirming where we were and pointing to where we had to go next! And I'm sure you've heard many times before about the warmth of the receptions one gets at the various stops along the way.
Walkers 435 & 436: Betty Williams & Maureen Storey
Home: Fleetwood & Stalmine, Lancs
Dates: 8th - 14th June 2011
Comments: Last year I was watching Countryfile on BBC 1 where Julia Bradbury was doing part of the Cotswold Way and I passed the remark to my friend Maureen stating "I wouldn't mind doing that!" which sort of fell on deaf ears at the time. Time passed but the seed was sown and we decided to go for it. We really enjoyed the walk and we were very impressed with maintenance of the trail and the excellent signage along the way.
Walkers 433 & 434: John & Leslie Toepfer
Home: Colarado, USA
Comments: John - The Belas Knap long barrow was stunning, both historically and articitically. We were impressed by the history, the villages and especially the people we met along the way.
Leslie - We did the way in 9 days which allowed time for looking at all of the historical sites, while also ambling through the pastoral countryside. We enjoyed seeing wild flowers, livestock and an international group of walkers!
Walker 432: Donna Corbett
Home: Barnsley, S Yorks
Dates: 11th - 19th June 2011
Comments: Our first day it was raining heavily for 18 miles. But we managed it! The woodland walks were awesome.
Walker 431: Ian Baldie
Home: Stranraer
Dates: 4th - 9th June
Comments: An arduous but rewarding trek. Stanton was just beautiful and the views were spectacular. I almost tripped over a juvenile badger as it crossed my path one afternoon. My first badger in the flesh! I don't know who was more surprised - it or me.
Walkers 429 & 430: Philip Stefanov & Shaun O'Brien
Home: Romford, Essex & Bretforton, Worcestershire
Dates: Jan 2009 - May 2011
Comments: After completing a few walks around Broadway & Chipping Campden, a very keen walker who lives in Worcestershire, suggested we walk the Cotswold Way National Trail. For many reasons we could not walk it in one journey so we decided to do it in stages each time my wife & I visited from Essex. On the stages close to Broadway, the wives's taxied us and enjoyed many hours of shopping in Cheltenham! In the middle stages, we used 2 cars and at the end of the walk we stayed for 3 nights around the historic town of Bath. As we completed the walk in stages at different times of the year we saw the Cotswolds at its best in all seasons. We met some lovely people en-route and sampled some of the best ales in the area. We are both in full employment and the walk took us longer than we anticipated but we are really proud of our achievement and now we can say 'I have walked the Cotswold Way'. We would recommend the Cotswold Way to anyone, a very long (102 miles) but great walk. Congratulations to the National Trail team for doing a fantastic job up-keeping the Cotswold Way.
Walker 428: Graham Haynes
Home: Long Hanborough, Witney
Dates: 6 - 13 June 2011
Comments: I completed the Cotswold Way walking from Chipping to Bath from 6 - 13 June 2011. I did the walk partly as a personal challenge and to raise money for my local church redvelopment fund and I hope to have raised over £500. The route was so well marked I hardly needed to consult my maps or guide book. The maarker posts became my friends. Sunday 13 June - 17 miles of unrelenting rain!
Walkers 426 & 427: Jane Harrison & Anthony Barlow
Home: Bolton
Dates: May 2011
Comments: The hearty breakfasts that kept us going for 15 miles everyday; the many fantastic forests and the wonderful limestone escarpment.
Walkers 424 & 425: Paul & Joan Easthope
Home: Glossop, Derbyshire
Dates: 14 - 22 May 2011
Comments: We started on 14th May and finished on 22nd May. The weather was very kind to us, the only rain of any note was from Belas Knap to Cleeve Hill, although we had consistent windy weather throughout the 9 days. It was difficult to highlight the best parts of the walk. The whole walk was delightful and would recommend it to anyone wanting to walk a National Trail.
Walkers 422 & 423: Patricia & Anthony Norwood
Home: Alexandria VA, USA
Dates: 14th - 20th April 2011
Comments: Spring was the perfect time for this walk. We passed through fields of baby lambs, bluebells, wild garlic in bloom. Beautiful views throughout. I was so impressed by this treasure of a trail! How fortunate we are to have experienced this walk!
Walker 421: Mrs L M McGraw
Home: Glossop, Derbyshire
Dates: May 2011
Comments: Friendliness of our hosts, beautiful views, pretty villages, excellent waymarking. Will recommend to friends and fellow walkers.
Walkers 419 & 420: Paul & Roma Handley
Home: Southwell, Nottingham
Dates: 13th - 19th May 2011
Comments: Walked 13 - 19 May 2011 with 2 friends. A lovely English walk in perfect May weather. Chipping Campden & Bath are the perfect start and end points.
Walker 418: Anne Martyn
Dates: May 2011
Home: Banwell, North Somerset
Comments: Lovely weather to appreciate the amazing views over Cheltenham. Also first day dipping in and out of lovely Cotswold villages.
Walkers 412 - 417: James Martin & friends
Home: Exmouth
Dates: 28th May - 1st June 2011
Comments: The whole walk was amazing. Six of us completed the walk raising over £1500 for Muscular Dystrophy. At each of our stop overs we raised more money from very generous people including a wedding reception in Birdlip! Donations also recieved from fellow walkers. The weather on Tuesday 31st May was amazing and walking from North Nibley to Tormarton was inspiring!
Walker 411: Jenny Grout
Home: York
Dates: 9th - 15th April
Comments: We started the walk in Chipping Campden late afternoon after a long train ride from York on 9th April. The weather was beautiful for the majority of the walk, with long scenic views over the rolling countryside. We arrived in Bath tired but happy on 15th April. What a wonderful week. Very different from the other long distance paths I have done, but equally enjoyable.
Walkers 403 - 410: Highdown Hillwalking and Mountaineering Club - Michael Merritt, Michele Elderton, Charlie Bell, Jean Brooks, Ian Rowe, Mary Turner, Jim & Irene Jennings.
Home: Lancing, West Sussex + others
Dates: May 2011
Comments: Our first day, Wednesday 11th May, we started in Chipping Campden walking to Broadway, 2nd day onto Winchcombe, 3rd day onto Leckhampton Hill. 4th day we walked to Haresfield Beacon, 5th day to North Nibley, 6th day to Old Sodbury, 7th day Old Sodbury to Granville Monument staying at the YHA Bathwick Hill finishing our 8th day walking from Old Sodbury into Bath.
Walkers 401 & 402: Catherine D'Costa & Pete Colston
Home: Sutton Coldfield
Dates: 9th - 15th May 2011
Comments: The panoramic views were well worth the effort of the climbs. The woodland walks were full of bird song and very tranquil. The highlight was going up the monument to William Tyndale at North Nibley.
Walker 400: James Hayman Joyce
Home: Moreton-in-Marsh
Dates: 7th - 15th May 2011
Comments: First day got very wet in the morning, but dried out by M4! Got lost on several occasions but thoroughly enjoyed the 14mile a day challenge!