Hills, History & Healing.
Day 11: Cotswolds Trail – Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton – 19.5 km
After a much-needed rest day, I hit the trail feeling (somewhat) repaired and ready to roll!
No rain today—just a mischievous wind whispering in my ear, sometimes encouraging, sometimes mocking: “Move it, lazybones!”
My notes promised “no major climbs or descents.” A likely story.
But with fresh energy and a renewed sense of adventure, I set off like a seasoned Cotswolds explorer.
The first 7 km flew by. Sure, there were hills (because, of course, there were hills), and the wind was determined to push me back to yesterday’s rest day, but my body had adapted. It’s incredible what a little downtime can do!
Just as I was hitting my stride, the trail gifted me another gem.
An ancient Norman church dating back to the 11th century!
How could I resist? Stepping inside, I was instantly transported to another era.
It reminded me of the small, humble churches along the Camino.
Quiet, intimate, and brimming with an energy that the grand cathedrals just can’t match.
A place where generations had celebrated, mourned, and whispered prayers into the same sacred air.
Wandering among the weathered gravestones, I noticed something curious.
Many of the 17th-century inscriptions marked lives that stretched into their late 80s and 90s!
In an era without modern medicine, that’s practically a miracle.
Maybe the secret to longevity really is a slower pace of life… or maybe just less social media stress.
Back on the trail, rolling green pastures stretched before me, dotted with fluffy sheep who—unlike me—weren’t questioning the meaning of life.
Watching them, I had to wonder: How many of us simply follow the herd, dictated by social media, trends, and expectations?
And how many dare to carve their own path? Deep thoughts for a morning walk.
Next up: Dyrham Park.
A grand baroque mansion surrounded by ancient parkland and home to its own herd of fallow deer.
The gardens sounded spectacular—wildflower orchards, reflecting ponds, perfectly manicured flowerbeds.
But my knee and ankle were beginning to protest, so I snapped a quick photo and trudged on.
With pain creeping in, I desperately needed a break.
And just like that, another peaceful churchyard appeared, offering the perfect excuse to pause and regroup.
A divine intervention? Quite possibly.
Feeling somewhat revived, I tackled the final stretch.
According to my notes (which were beginning to feel personally antagonistic), the last 2.5 km were all downhill.
Sounds great, right? Wrong. Downhill on a country road is absolute knee torture!
I needed a distraction—fast. Enter the magical world of podcasts.
I popped in my earbuds and tuned into an episode about the Longbow’s role in the Hundred Years’ War (don’t ask why, but it was oddly fascinating).
History geekery to the rescue! Before I knew it, I had powered through the agony and reached my B&B: Hill Farm.
Sitting right on the Cotswolds Way, this charming retreat means I can literally step outside tomorrow and begin my final day’s hike.
For now? Ice, rest, and maybe another nerdy podcast. See you tomorrow for the grand finale! 🚶♀️✨
