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Cotswold area footwear

I am a day hiker in USA. I plan to spend 5 days hiking in the Cotswold area. Do I need to bring my heavy hiking boots?

Posted by
32515 posts

what would you wear at home for soft grass, hard grass, wet grass, wet/dry asphalt, wet/dry gravel trail, sheep manure, cow manure, concrete paving stones?

Same in the Cotswolds.

Posted by
51 posts

My husband and I did some hiking there this past September, but not to the extent you are planning. I don't think you need heavy boots. Just something to accommodate all the conditions Nigel mentioned. Unless you are going to wear boots when traveling you really don't want to pack and carry anymore than you have to. I wore sturdy waterproof hiking shoes and did just fine. They did just fine in the Lake District, too. They were light enough for me to wear traveling so I could put lighter weight shoes in my carry on.

Posted by
16893 posts

You'll be hiking a fairly well-trodden path. Will you be carrying a fairly heavy bag or a light daybag? Happy planning!

Posted by
5835 posts

If the Cotswolds are similar to Northern England walking paths, Nigel's characterization is spot on. While you would not need mountaineering boots, hikers with traction, ankle support and water resistance would be appropriate.

We have Goretex lined hiking boots that I treat with Nikwax. An Englishman from Kent who walked Scottish peaks as a lad invented Nikwax. It works. http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-gb/how_nikwax_works/introduction.php

Have a second set of footwear. B&Bs and pubs don't want you walking around inside after you crossed a wet sheep pasture. Watch out for the bulls and close the gates.

A waterproof map case is a good idea and try to pick up relevant Ordnance Survey maps. We like to walk rough paths with trekking poles.

Posted by
2773 posts

You should look into walking all or part of the Cotswold Way trail....a friend and I are going to walk it in September. I think you would really like it.