What a perfect last day for a walk!

During my trip planning, I’ve been looking at this particular walk … a lot.  Knowing that I’d be “under foot” from time to time, I told John that at some point, he could drop me off at Broadway Tower and I’d make my way down the hill into Broadway itself and spend some time there.  That would get me out of their hair for a few hours, and I would get to enjoy an English country walk on one of the most famous walking trails – The Cotswold Way!

I’ve visited Broadway Tower many times over the years – I’ve previously gathered together my experiences and written about those visits here: Broadway Tower: A Cotswolds Folly

But what I’ve never done is take advantage of the amazing walking path from the top of Beacon Hill, where the Tower resides, down to Broadway itself.  Since this is the second highest point in the Cotswolds, I’m looking forward to this adventure!

To date on this trip, we’ve either been too busy with other planned (and amazing) activities, or the weather hasn’t cooperated.  So, when John and I sat on the back patio at Oakleigh House and he mentioned that he had a couple of workmen coming by to sort a few items, it was the PERFECT opportunity for me to check this off of my Cotswolds Bucket List.

Fortunately, Broadway Tower is only about 20 minutes or so from them, so I didn’t have to feel too bad about using the “Edwards Taxi” service for this.

Arriving at the car park, I can already tell the day is going to be wonderful.  Blue skies and light cloud cover provide a nice contrast to the clear views of the valley below.  With camera and fully-charged phone at the ready, I wave to John and head off.

As has been the case on other visits, walking up to the Tower is always a fun experience.  Knowing the story of how the Earl of Coventry built this for his wife in 1798 makes the sighting of a beacon stand bring a slight chuckle.  I would love to see not only this beacon fire lit from close up, but from other locations with line-of-sight to this hill today!

A slightly more somber memorial to the crew of an RAF bomber that crashed here in 1943 does require a small pause and remembrance.After getting a few requisite shots of the Tower and taking in some of the top-of-the-hill views, it’s time to start!  With one last look back at the folly itself, I start down the well taken care of path that is known as the Cotswold Way.  Starting in Chipping Campden, this series of footpaths, trails, gates, and field accesses runs the length of the Cotswolds down to Bath, England.  I had been on a portion of it just a few days prior on Dover’s Hill, but this was going to be the first time I would get to walk any portion of it.

The great thing about walking in England is that access is not only guaranteed – it’s relished and respected.  Numerous gates along this portion of the Way allowed for easy passage from one trail or field to the next.  Each time, the gates were well-maintained and closed!  There was never a single piece of refuse or anything messed up that would take away from the experience of a grand English countryside walk.

I was fascinated, too, by the gates themselves.  There were several that had both very solid wood gates and latches and also still had the old “step-over” stone access points.  Those were used prior to the gate installations but were left intact – love it.

Signposts along the walking paths, adorned with the acorn logo of the Cotswold Way, kept me heading in the right direction.  It was an easy walk, almost all downhill, with so many amazing views to take in.

One of my favorite points was about half-way down or so.  The trees had opened up into a fairly sloped hillside, but a few benches had been placed for weary travelers as they made their way *up* the hill.  Since I was smart and walking *down* the hill, I didn’t need the bench for rest as much as I wanted to just sit and take in the views.

Like most of this walk, I had been by myself – occasionally passing a fellow traveler with a smile and “hello” or “good morning”.  Sitting on this bench was no different… and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  Like my solo adventure to Ebrington at the beginning of this trip, wrapping it up with this solo experience was absolutely perfect.

The weather was absolutely glorious – mid 70s (F) with a gentle breeze and that aforementioned blue partly cloudy sky.  Taking in the scenery laid out before me, listening to the gentle breeze through the trees, and hearing the occasional sheep calls on the wind… it was everything I had hoped it would be and brought a nice smile and total relaxation.

At some point though, I would have to keep going.  So, with one last deep breath and reflective moment, I start back down the hill.

Passing a dry stack stone wall under construction, I have to stop and take a few photos – as I’ve always loved this look of these dividers and it’s fascinating to see how they are made and maintained.

Continuing on, through fields and gates, I’m getting closer and closer to my destination.  But, before I actually arrive – there’s a field full of sheep to traverse.  It’s really fun trying to walk through them without causing a disturbance.  I walk slowly and try not to make sudden moves.  A few, of course, are nervous and walk away, but I do get within a close distance of a couple of them.  It’s a really nice experience and perfect to end my meandering walk down the hill.

I’ve arrived now in Broadway itself.  As with the Tower, I’ve been in the village multiple times over the years for food, refreshments, shopping, and general sightseeing.  This time is no different as I walk down a section of High Street that I’ve not been through before.  These are all private residences and holiday rental homes, so there hadn’t been a reason to make it this far.

Once I reach the Horse and Hound pub, though, I instantly know where I am!  Passing the famous Lygon Arms hotel and moving into the bustling shopping and touristy area, that sense of comforting familiarity flows over me once again.  I do stop at a few shops for some final gifts (including lovely stuffed Cotswold hares for my granddaughters, Shiloh and Madi) before the smell of a local bakery lures me inside for a post-walk treat.  A bacon roll is exactly what Dr. Balettie ordered, so sitting on a bench in front of the requisite red phone boxes, I enjoy my snack and reflect on my morning’s adventures.

A local Broadway mystery continues to puzzle me every time I see it … whatever could have happened here?

A little more shopping/finalizing treats for the families back home, and it’s time to go have a pint and wait for my taxi service to arrive.  And what a pint it was!

At The Swan, I have one of my favorite pints to date.  Now, to be honest, it could very well have been the result of the long walk I just had, knowing that today was my “last day” for this round of English adventures, or it could also have just been a really nice pint.  Whatever… “Lammie” and I had a great time sitting and enjoying it together.

When John arrives, we head back to Oakleigh House.  I have to pack my bags for the early departure to London in the morning (boo!), so between that and a post-hike shower, I’m definitely ready when it’s time for us to meet Mark, Jess, and Henry for a nice farewell dinner.

Tonight’s location is The Lion in Tredington.  This is another cool little village that I hadn’t previously been to (although I’d seen the name on several sign markers, ha!).  The 400-year-old pub went through a refurbishment last September, and it looks absolutely grand.  The inside still retains the old charm of a village pub, the outside looks immaculate, and our last night together is wonderful.

Yes – I had another pint or two (are you surprised?) and it was so so good!  The baked brie starter and the “trio of beef” main were super tasty.  It was the “Knickerbocker Glory” dessert that was the perfect cap to this meal, though.  I’d never heard of this before, but when you start reading the description of “white chocolate chunks, raspberry coulis, fresh berries, meringue, and white chocolate and raspberry ice cream”, what can you do but say “yes please!”

As with all good things, this trip has come to a conclusion.  Farewells and hugs were made with Mark, Jess, and Henry as they left … and we made our way back to Oakleigh House for brandy and conversation.  It’s always tough to end our times together.  Our families have become so very close and we treasure every time that we can share moments like these.  This trip was extra special, as I was really a part of the family and all of the events that happened along the way – from the wedding to time with Henry to just “being here”.  These are the things that mean even more than the amazing sights that I’ve seen, the venues I’ve explored, and the history that I’ve experienced.

It was such an amazing time to be here – and my memories, like the others, will live with me forever through these journals and photos.  I hope you’ve enjoyed them – drop me a line sometime if you’ve experienced what I have or want to know more about anything I’ve done!

Until my next return to my beloved Cotswolds and my “friends who are family”… it’s not good bye, it’s “see you next time”.