What would you suggest as short walks for two ladies in their 60s. We are old friends who are used to walking at least 3 miles a day. On my previous visits to England (about 20) I've been too busy running from place to place. This time I'd like to devote half of each day enjoying a relaxing country walk.
Rick has suggested some in his book but I'd like to hear which you have enjoyed. We're praying for clear skies in September.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
can't recommend specific walks but worth getting hold of this book when you arrive, which has what you're looking for
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Short-Cotswolds-Collins-Ramblers-Guides/dp/000735942X
September is often a very good month weather wise
Posted by
OP
Orlando
105 posts
I followed your link . What a wonderful book . Will it be available in Chipping Campden ?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33994 posts
Suzanne
You don't say if you are busing or driving - my general advice if you can is to have a car in the Cotswolds because of the lack of trains and imaginative and unusual bus schedules.
A nice walk for me is Upper Slaughter to Lower Slaughter to Bourton on the Water, could be extended to start at Stow-on-the-Wold to Lower Swell to Upper Slaughter and onwards.
In and around Burford.
Up on Cleeve Hill but take an anchor if the wind is blowing. Watch out for golf balls.
Or along the River Coln to the clapper bridges or along the Leach to Eastleach Turville and Eastleach St Martin for its clapper bridge.
In and around Castle Combe (pronounced koom) which in 1962 was proclaimed England's prettiest village - get a walking book - but perhaps avoid race days of you don't want the sound of motorbikes or motorcars racing to disturb your walk.
There are literally dozens more that I haven't yet scratched the surface.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
"Will it be available in Chipping Campden ?"
Hopefully - try the Information Centre
http://www.chippingcampdenonline.org/community/chipping-campden-information-centre.html
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33994 posts
Regarding the book, it or one similar probably will be available in Chipping Campden.
Chipping Campden is a small market town with the TI mentioned above and a couple of small stores which sell some tourist books. If you strike out at the TI you could try the newsagents or one of the other shops in the high street.
If you have a car (don't know if you are busing or driving) just around the corner and up the Edge is Hidcote Manor Garden (National Trust) which has quite a lot of walking books, maps, and other kit. You usually enter the shop there after your visit because the door is supposed to be one way, but you may be able to ask permission to enter the shop without a visit.
Not that I think you should go to Hidcote without visiting - it is one of the top 10 gardens in the World. It is the originator of the "room" where each little room is separate from its neighbors and each one has different colours and feel. The Red Borders is magnificent.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33994 posts
I use two different books (although the Ramblers one mentioned above looks very good and I don't yet have it). Cotswolds Classic Walks by Goldeneye and the AA book 50 Walks in the Cotswolds are my favourites.
Posted by
Paris
10288 posts
You might be more independent and not need this, but London Walks leads a trip to the Cotswolds. Dates in September are the 13th and 27th, if that fits in with your schedule.
In that way, your transport to and within the Cotswolds and back to London is taken care of. I found it a lovely day when I did it in May, something I couldn't have done on my own because I couldn't have afforded a car rental.
(If the link above doesn't work, go to www.walks.com, then click on Schedule, then look on the left-hand side for the link "Stonehenge Oxford Bath The Cotswolds Etc" - then partway down the page (alphabetically) is the listing describing the Cotswolds walk and giving the particulars.)
One thing I'd note is that it takes long enough to get out there that this really is an all-day affair, not a half day. But the walking itself isn't strenuous, it's very pleasant. You have lunch in Chipping Campden on your own (or with nice folks you've met on the walk, as I did! i.e. you're not obligated to all go together to some big place).
I can't recommend it any more highly! Hoping for nice weather for you too, September is often so nice, so hopefully it will work!!
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2805 posts
I would recommend you getting a couple of books....Cotswold Way National Trail (you can a section of the trail you want to walk) and Tea Shop Walks it has 28 different walks. Cotswold Way has such beautiful views.