Our first day on our recent trip with Road Scholar set the tone for the next two weeks, that’s for sure!
The days of hiking were a blast; but the first couple of days were a real challenge! A red eye from Boston to London, a drive out to Mickleton left little time in the afternoon before the first dinner together as a group. A small walk around and nap was in order upon our arrival at the Three Ways Hotel (home of the Pudding Club – but that’s another post!). The town is so picturesque!
A row of “cottages” in Mickleton
The Three Ways Hotel…just lovely
First of all, apparently the heat of New England followed us across that big pond – London had record setting temperatures for our first two days. It hit 85 degrees, and although we were a couple of hours outside of London, we’re pretty certain it was at least the low 80s! We were so glad that we had taken our zipoff hiking pants!
The last hill and we’ll be there!
The Broadway Tower! The vista is gorgeous – worth the climb. You can go inside the tower.
First rule of hiking in the Cotswolds…
Another important part of the hiking – kissing gates. Since you are hiking straight through sheep/animal enclosures, these are important.
Some of the trail was straight across a crop field. Harvested since it was September – must be interesting to do it when it’s growing!
Our first day was a hike from Broadway up to the Broadway Tower, then onto Chipping Camden (about 8 miles I think). Broadway Tower is the second highest location in the Cotwolds, so remember it’s in the low 80s, and we are jet lagged and hiking. Get the jist yet?!!
One of the thatched roof homes along our hikes..
Finally, we arrive in Chipping Camden! It’s hot out!
Part of the churchyard in Chipping Camden.
In the afternoon, we visited Hart Gold and Silversmiths, getting the opportunity to talk to the founder’s grandson, and see some of the work they are doing.
Look at this wall of tools! They have been in constant use since the 1930s!
After lunch on our own, we took a group tour of Chipping Camden. Hubby did the whole tour, but I was really hot and quite tired, and went back to the old MarketPlace to rest. I’m not a pretty picture at the end of our first day of two weeks of hiking, but I’d had fun, learned, and met new folks. Did I pick a wrong tour for us? I did wonder, but was enjoying the challenge!
Exhausted, but not defeated!
If you want to see more of the Broadway Tower, be sure to see Father Brown in “The Tower of Lost Souls” (Season 8 Episode 10)
Greetings- just saw your website mentioning the road scholar hiking tour of the Cotswolds- we’re strongly considering this tour- worth it? Accommodations ok? Did u get a lot of rain and what dates did you go? Thank you!