The Cotswold Way is one of the most famous and popular hiking trails in England. But what can you expect when hiking The Cotswold Way?
Peace and Tranquility
The Cotswold Way is very typically British. Nestled in the British countryside, you will pass beautiful quaint villages and ancient historical sites. There’s a peace and tranquility about walking in the British countryside, and the Cotswold captures this perfectly. Old woodlands and wild meadows also dot the way, and altogether it makes up for a peaceful and quintessentially British hike through nature.
Quaint British Villages
At 164km in total length, the Cotswold connects many small and quaint British villages, as well as some very picturesque and pleasant towns. Not only is it a beautiful hike through nature, but it’s also quite difficult to get lost on it. This is because it was designated a National Trail in just 2007, meaning it is incredibly well-maintained and way-marked.
Rolling Hills
The route is mainly amongst the rolling British hills, with the Cotswold escarpment providing fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and area.
Historic Sites on the Cotswold Way
Belas Knap Long Barrow
In 1863 and 1865, Belas Knap Barrow was excavated and the bodies of 31 people were found. The barrow is a neolithic burial site and provides with great detail and information about the area during that period. Since the discovery and excavation, the barrow has been restored to what it used to be.
Various chambers were found in the barrow, with the entry points being from the side. The grand, impressive entrance at the front was found to be a false entryway. It was suggested this was either to deter grave robbers, or to let spirits come and go as they please.
Nympsfield Long Barrow
Nympsfield barrow was excavated 3 times of a period of 100 years, from 1862 to 1974. In total 23 bodies were found there, many having mouth sores, ulcers and abcesses. Nympsfield barrow is situated on the edge of a forest, and is a great place to stop and have a picnic.
Great Witcombe Roman Villa
Very close to the Cotswold Way lie the ruins of a grand Roman manor at Great Witcombe Roman Villa. This house had many rooms and a bathing complex and is situated in a very peaceful, tranquil and picturesque setting. It is presumed to have belonged to very wealthy people during the Roman times
Nowadays you can visit the ruins for free, between the hours of 10am and 6pm April-October, or 10am and 4pm November-March.
If you’re interested in history and want to see how people lived in the Roman days, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Roman Baths
Roman hot springs, Georgian architecture and a rich selection of culture and natural beauty make Bath an ideal travel destination. It is not without good reason that this is the only city in Great Britain that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out this post for more tips on visiting Bath.
