The Cotswold Way 2022 - Itinerary, Planning & Preparation
Itinerary
When we were originally planning this walk we encountered problems with accommodation providers during the latter stages. Whilst there are plenty of B&Bs in the area we were faced with problems booking these due in the main to having a dog and also trying to keep the daily walk distance manageable. This meant that on some days we would be having to use public transport such as Taxis and Buses between our accommodation which is not ideal. In the end this problem went away as nearing the departure date it was clear that Angie had not recovered sufficiently enough from a knee injury which would mean that she would not be able to cover the daily mileage. Therefore we would now be able to be a bit more independent with regard to public transport as Angie would have the car and would be able to walk out to meet me on most days. With all this in mind we subsequently decided on a 10 day itinerary and would travel from north to south.
When we were originally planning this walk we encountered problems with accommodation providers during the latter stages. Whilst there are plenty of B&Bs in the area we were faced with problems booking these due in the main to having a dog and also trying to keep the daily walk distance manageable. This meant that on some days we would be having to use public transport such as Taxis and Buses between our accommodation which is not ideal. In the end this problem went away as nearing the departure date it was clear that Angie had not recovered sufficiently enough from a knee injury which would mean that she would not be able to cover the daily mileage. Therefore we would now be able to be a bit more independent with regard to public transport as Angie would have the car and would be able to walk out to meet me on most days. With all this in mind we subsequently decided on a 10 day itinerary and would travel from north to south.
Planning & Preparation
The following notes are pretty generic to most long distance walking therefore are similar in text to other walks we have undertaken and have simply been altered as and when for each different walk.
We first started planning the walk roughly 8 months before start date therefore in October 2021 we started e-mailing suitable B&Bs to gauge costs and availability. As stated earlier, dog friendly B&Bs over the last third of the walk were pretty spread out therefore it made for problematic logistics and thankfully we were spared very long days due to having a car to ferry me between the days finishing points and our accommodation.
After a bit of toing and froing our itinerary was finally firmed up and would be as follows:
After a bit of toing and froing our itinerary was finally firmed up and would be as follows:
Accommodation
See "Research" below.
Fitness
Anyone undertaking a long distance walk should not underestimate how hard it really is. To prepare it is recommended that in the preceding months you get used to walking with weight on your shoulders (particularly if wild camping or you are not using baggage transfer) and for a significant distance. We also made sure we did plenty of cardio vascular exercise in the lead up to the walk. Additionally, it does help to stretch out the hamstring, calf, groin and quads before, during and after each days walking.
Feet
The most important aspect of any long distance walk is how you look after your feet. We have a regime for any walk we do and that is on a daily basis tape up any areas of your feet which have suffered blisters/rubbing in the past. Use a micro porous tape to protect each area. Additionally, once taped up, smear vaseline around the sole of the feet and in between the toes - it really does make a difference. During the walk it is important to air your feet and let them breathe out of the boots - you may also wish to change your socks, particularly on the longer days. On the days we did this then we applied a soothing foot spray also. In the evening and after a bath/shower you can also apply some Peppermint Foot Lotion which will soothe aching feet.
Kit
In addition to standard kit (foul weather gear, warm layers, map, compass etc), we have found the following kit worthy of mention:
See "Research" below.
Fitness
Anyone undertaking a long distance walk should not underestimate how hard it really is. To prepare it is recommended that in the preceding months you get used to walking with weight on your shoulders (particularly if wild camping or you are not using baggage transfer) and for a significant distance. We also made sure we did plenty of cardio vascular exercise in the lead up to the walk. Additionally, it does help to stretch out the hamstring, calf, groin and quads before, during and after each days walking.
Feet
The most important aspect of any long distance walk is how you look after your feet. We have a regime for any walk we do and that is on a daily basis tape up any areas of your feet which have suffered blisters/rubbing in the past. Use a micro porous tape to protect each area. Additionally, once taped up, smear vaseline around the sole of the feet and in between the toes - it really does make a difference. During the walk it is important to air your feet and let them breathe out of the boots - you may also wish to change your socks, particularly on the longer days. On the days we did this then we applied a soothing foot spray also. In the evening and after a bath/shower you can also apply some Peppermint Foot Lotion which will soothe aching feet.
Kit
In addition to standard kit (foul weather gear, warm layers, map, compass etc), we have found the following kit worthy of mention:
Rucksacks
I utilised my Osprey 36L Rucksack throughout the walk - an excellent piece of kit which I use for everyday hiking. Plenty of room in the main compartment with a separate area for foul weather/dirty kit and zipped pockets on the waist strap. The rucksack is also fitted with a rain hood. We have both used Osprey Rucksacks for many years now and they are certainly built to last. Whilst they are expensive, if properly looked after they can last you years.
I utilised my Osprey 36L Rucksack throughout the walk - an excellent piece of kit which I use for everyday hiking. Plenty of room in the main compartment with a separate area for foul weather/dirty kit and zipped pockets on the waist strap. The rucksack is also fitted with a rain hood. We have both used Osprey Rucksacks for many years now and they are certainly built to last. Whilst they are expensive, if properly looked after they can last you years.
Osprey Stratos 36 (Mens)
Osprey Sirrus 36 (Womens)
Boots
We both use 3 season Scarpa Leather boots and there is no doubt that whilst they may be slightly heavier, what they lose in weight they more than make up for in comfort and reliability. Our boots were well worn in before we commenced the walk. Depending upon space in your rucksack, you may wish to consider taking a pair of trail shoes for the flatter sections of the route. I can heartily recommend the Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260 which I used for the first time on sections of the Coast to Coast in 2020.
We both use 3 season Scarpa Leather boots and there is no doubt that whilst they may be slightly heavier, what they lose in weight they more than make up for in comfort and reliability. Our boots were well worn in before we commenced the walk. Depending upon space in your rucksack, you may wish to consider taking a pair of trail shoes for the flatter sections of the route. I can heartily recommend the Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260 which I used for the first time on sections of the Coast to Coast in 2020.
Scarpa Terra GTX
Scarpa Delta GTX
Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260
Daily Wear
Normally we both wear light walking trousers and a cool max t-shirt although when the wind does blow and on the occasions of light rain then we wear our featherlite pull on jackets. The one below is the Montane version - we had the Rab (Dave) and a Paramo (Angie) version. The jacket rolls up to nothing and weighs virtually the same. A fantastic piece of kit.
Normally we both wear light walking trousers and a cool max t-shirt although when the wind does blow and on the occasions of light rain then we wear our featherlite pull on jackets. The one below is the Montane version - we had the Rab (Dave) and a Paramo (Angie) version. The jacket rolls up to nothing and weighs virtually the same. A fantastic piece of kit.
Mapping
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I utilised a combination of 5 methods of navigation during this walk. Firstly the relevant OS Maps & our compass, secondly I used my own pre planned routes downloaded to our trusty Satmap Active 20 GPS and thirdly the plentiful Cotswold Way signposts and waymarks. Fourthly, I also used the excellent Trailblazer Guide and laminated the relevant daily route pages therefore if it rained instead of a soggy book, the pages would stay dry. Finally, I had OS Locate installed on my phone and carried a back up power pack for both the phone and the GPS. I had no navigational mishaps and the signs are plentiful - just remember to add common sense into your navigation, know how to use a map & compass and ensure you have a back up power supply. Common sense is not rocket science!
Research
There is a plethora of guidance and information out there. I simply did what I always do before undertaking a long distance walk - researched other people's experiences from blogs and journals on the internet. It pays dividends to have an idea of the terrain prior to commencing the walk.
With regard to accommodation we stayed in a different B&B each night with some better than others. The stand out stay was our night in Cheltenham at The George Hotel - lovely room, Fudge well catered for and a sumptuous breakfast. The remaining B&Bs were very good apart from a couple which were just about average.
With regard to accommodation we stayed in a different B&B each night with some better than others. The stand out stay was our night in Cheltenham at The George Hotel - lovely room, Fudge well catered for and a sumptuous breakfast. The remaining B&Bs were very good apart from a couple which were just about average.
Our Charity
As with most of our long distance walks, we intended to try and raise as much money as we could for Spaniel Aid. This wonderful Charity is run completely by volunteers who own Spaniels themselves. They aim to advise owners of the dangers with advertising dogs on internet selling sites and to take into their care any dogs whose welfare concerns them. They have become increasingly concerned by the number of these wonderful dogs being offered for sale – or worse. Spaniel Aid place dogs into foster care and then assess them for rehoming to suitable “forever” homes thus giving many dogs a second chance. They need every penny they can get in order to provide this wonderful service.
As with most of our long distance walks, we intended to try and raise as much money as we could for Spaniel Aid. This wonderful Charity is run completely by volunteers who own Spaniels themselves. They aim to advise owners of the dangers with advertising dogs on internet selling sites and to take into their care any dogs whose welfare concerns them. They have become increasingly concerned by the number of these wonderful dogs being offered for sale – or worse. Spaniel Aid place dogs into foster care and then assess them for rehoming to suitable “forever” homes thus giving many dogs a second chance. They need every penny they can get in order to provide this wonderful service.
With the planning all done we were ready to take on The Cotswold Way - read on to see how we got on.