Cotswolds or Bath in March

Will weather be a factor for hiking in the Cotswolds in March: Probably. Although no one really knows. Bring layers and rain gear. I see Nigel is on the site right now. Maybe he can address the probable weather in more detail.

Neither location will be overrun with tourists in March. You might wait to decide until you are in the country and have a chance to check the weather forecast. It might easily be sunny in Bath and soggy in the Cotswolds, or vice versa. If there's bad weather everywhere, I think I'd opt for Bath because it's a city with more opportunities to duck in some place out of the rain. In any case, absent a big storm, March weather in the UK will probably be much like summer weather can be in San Francisco: fickle.

Evenin' All, I'm not putting my head on the block to say where in England will have good weather and where bad in March; certainly not in a geographic area so small. Where Bath ends the southern part of the Cotswold Hills begins. Remember that the Cotswolds are named for hills, and where there is water at the top of hills it also collects at the bottom of hills, so there are lots of watercourses through. One advantage that the Cotswold hills have over the areas around where I live (where the soil is heavy and remains waterlogged) is that the chalk soil drains very well. If doing proper hiking on the Cotswold hills proper hiking gear, especially boots, is really needed. Even if there has been little rain - way rare - the grass and trails will retain some surface water, and the paths are not all level and smooth. You will also be climbing stiles and sometimes gates. All good fun, but no good in trainers. Lots of sheep graze these hills, leaving unmistakable evidence all about, another excellent reason for the right footware. March is the start of the lambing season throughout England. You may find some areas out of bounds to protect the lambs. None of this is to dissuade you - rather the contrary. You'll certainly have the place to yourself. Have you thought about hiking over the South Downs or Sussex coast from London? Or the fens of Cambridgeshire or going to Norfolk - both good hiking areas near Cambridge. I'm just thinking that you will have excellent areas on your doorstep without traipsing halfway across the country....

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses and suggestions. I know we will have a wonderful time.