Chasing Castles and Climbing Hills in the Cotswolds.
Day 2 – Cotswolds Trail: Chipping Camden to Stanton – 22km
I kicked off my adventure in Chipping Camden, a charming little medieval gem that could be the definition of a postcard town.
Once a bustling hub for the wool trade, today it’s the tourists who keep things buzzing.
I couldn’t wait to dive into the history and start the day’s hike!
The first challenge? A climb that led me straight to Broadway Tower. And let me tell you, this isn’t your average tower – it’s the creation of a landscaping legend (seriously, his nickname is “Capability” Brown – how cool is that?).
The tower itself looks like a wild mash-up of turrets, gargoyles, and battlements.
Imagine a Disney castle crossed with a medieval fortress, but with better views.
After soaking in the breathtaking panorama, it was the perfect spot to stop for lunch and enjoy the scenery.
Feeling like a triumphant knight (okay, more like a sweaty adventurer), I descended into Broadway, known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.”
The main street, with its horse chestnut trees and ancient buildings, once served as a trading route.
Now it’s filled with adorable shops and cafes, some on the pricey side, but hey, it’s all part of the tourist charm, right?
The rest of the trail? A glorious mix of woodlands, farms, and fields – until the grand finale: a super steep and slippery downhill.
Let’s just say without my trusty hiking sticks, I might have become a human bowling ball on that slope!
They definitely saved my ankles, my balance, and maybe even my pride.
Reaching Stanton was like stepping into a time machine.
This village is practically frozen in time with its honey-colored stone cottages and the 12th-century church.
It’s like a living history book, and I was lucky enough to turn the pages.
Now it’s time for a well-earned shower, a bit of relaxation, and maybe – just maybe – a slice of that fancy, yet hopefully affordable, Cotswolds bread I spotted earlier.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s adventures – who knows what’s next!
