The appeal of the Cotswolds
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When I worked in West Oxfordshire for 4 years, I fell in love with the north eastern part of the Cotswolds.
I managed properties in Burford, the Wychwoods, across to Chipping Norton. I stayed weekdays, on lighter evenings walking footpaths along the River Windrush, and around its associated lakes. I had the pleasure of stopping for tea at Bibury, Tetbury or Cirencester on my Friday commute home.
My most lasting memory was driving through Bibury in the snow several times, which lied 12 inches deep along the A40 between Stow and Cheltenham for a month. I learned about a National Trail, The Cotswold Way, but periods working in London and Wales took me away from the area, and made that walk a future goal.
Walking out of lockdown with a purpose
In July 2020, I started my preparations to walk the Cotswold Way. I walked as much as I could rather than driving, and for recreation, as lockdown rules allowed. This was for my own wellbeing initially, helping to grieve for my Dad, and release worries about my family due to Covid. I also wanted to get fit enough for fundraising challenges to support charities important to me.
I sought out seldom used or less busy footpaths to keep socially distanced. These were also away from main roads to keep my lungs healthy. I lost two stone in weight and no longer needed medication for mild asthma. The only downside was getting wet feet at times.
A regular route for me was the Frome Valley Walkway, an 18-mile-long river walk. This is an excellent gateway from Bristol to the Cotswolds boundary at Old Sodbury. The River Fromes' source is within Cotswolds at Doddington Park, and its waters feed some magnificent woods, one which has been used for TV and Film productions of Robin Hood.
In May 2021 I achieved my ambition of walking the 102-mile Cotswold Way, as part of Captain Toms 100 challenge, with over £500 in donations going to a local NHS Charity. I started at Bath Abbey and finished at Chipping Campden 5 days later.
I spent many miles totally on my own, with only a handful of other walkers, or talkative locals encountered each day. This allowed me to reflect on loved ones lost, life, and release deep seated grief and stress. Together with the amazing sights, scenery, and picturesque villages, it was a deeply emotional experience. I often stopped just to reflect, held back tears several times, but was soon overcome with the joy of what was around me. Walking for 2 miles behind a Muntjac Deer on the ascent from Dowdeswell Reservoir was a memorable highlight. I lost another stone in weight, and the experience motivated me to apply for Virgins Virtual London Marathon.
Creating memories for Mum's wellbeing
Having fallen in love with this new part of the Cotswolds, and noted car parks at some locations, I realised I must take Mum, who is 81, to these beautiful places. She had been isolated during lockdown and had only visited Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe previously.
Due to a lung condition, Mum cannot walk far, but there were opportunities for 3-4 short walks per day, and to have lunches together and talk about old and new times. We have visited 12 locations on the Cotswold Way, and several other popular Cotswolds places along the A429 which follows the Roman Fosse Way.
Through posting our trips on the Cotswolds Facebook Group she has become known as Miss Marple. Researching the places we have visited keeps her mind active, and expands her discussion with friends. We have followed Facebook groups members suggestions too, with a wonderful visit to a hidden gem that is Cold Aston. The magnificent Oak Tree pictured above dominates the Village Green at Cold Aston. There is a 600-year-old Yew Tree in the grounds of the Church of St Andrew too.
Royal history of the Cotswolds
We learned that Sudeley Castle has 1000 years of Royal history, and was the home of King Henry VIII sixth wife, Queen Catherine Parr. That she was his widow and lies in peace in St Mary's Church within the Castles grounds.
We found out that Queen Mary stayed at Badminton House during world war two, and Kings and other royals have visited the house. It is home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, and the world-famous Badminton Horse Trials.
Another discovery is that the Monarchs Way, which is around 600 miles long, passes through the Cotswolds. It is the route taken by King Charles II to escape defeat by Cromwell at Worcester in the final battle of the Civil Wars in 1651.
Supporting the Alzheimers' Society
Preserving mental health, and assisting with memory, are key therapies in helping those suffering from Alzheimers Disease and other forms of dementia. My Nan suffered for 8 years with Vascular Dementia, sadly passing away aged 99. She was expertly cared for at home by Mum and Dad, with huge impact on their lives. I am therefore running in the Virgin Virtual London Marathon on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society. Going full circle I plan to run the 26.2 miles on the Frome Valley Walkway / Cotswold Way. Here is their statement:
Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. They provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.
Locally in the Cotswolds they have a team of Dementia Advisors providing one to one personalised support to people diagnosed with dementia: giving access to information, guidance, and support services.
They also run two support groups locally including Singing for the Brain - a music based social activity, and a Memory Café - where people can get access to information, support and meet others. Due to the pandemic both are currently being ran virtually.
If you need local support, please call 01452 525222 or email [email protected]
You can also call the National Dementia Connect Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
To support the Alzheimer's Society, please consider donating through my Just Giving page
Last updated: 23 August 2023 - Please note: This blog was first written over a year old and things may have changed since the blog was written.
