Andy dropped me off at the top of the High Street at about 8:30 am. A friend of my host Lisa’s, Andy is a stone mason and is rebuilding a stone wall for the National Trust in the traditional way…no mortar or concrete. He’ll be working in the area all month and has graciously offered to drop me off anywhere between Cheltenham and Chipping Camden. Today I’ve chosen Broadway.
It was quiet as I made my way toward the start of the walk up to Broadway Tower. This was my first cross-country attempt in the Cotswolds, and I was feeling a little apprehensive given that Google isn’t much help off-road (or otherwise, but that’s another story). It wasn’t long before I hit my first obstacle….a large field with no way markers and filled with sheep. Normally, farm animals don’t bother me. But ever since those cow attacks in India and the head-butting goat incident in Kathmandu, I find myself a little less enthusiastic about herds.
Some ignored me. 
Others did not.
Luckily, Ann and Paul happened along and agreed to let me tag along. This couple was quite obviously out for a workout, and they all but sprinted up what turned out to be a fairly steep hill. I managed to keep up, but just barely, and I was soaking wet and panting by the time we reached the top. It was well worth the effort though, with the rolling hills stretched out for miles and tiny villages nestled in the hollows. We said our goodbyes, and they headed back down, while I did a bit of exploring around the tower. They were right about the sheep by the way…the scariest thing about them is the amount of poop they leave in their wake.
Broadway…charming. Full of that golden Cotswold stone…every home as neat as a pin and looking like a postcard. It was also filled with walkers, people doing day walks as well as others who appear to be tackling longer distances along the Cotswold Way.
The bus ride back to Cheltenham was as entertaining as the walk! The bus drivers must all be retired stunt car drivers to manoeuvre the vehicles on those winding country roads where we met huge trucks, skittish horses and everything in between. And around every corner, another whimsical English village to be explored.
Very breathtaking and you did it so bravo to you.
Just love these posts!