Terrain
& Weather
As with
most walking in rural England, you will be crossing
a great variety of terrain. For the most part, the
terrain can be summed up as 'track and field', that
is to say private farmland and farm tracks. Usually
the route makes use of existing 'rights of way',
which are paths that allow walkers and horse riders
to cross private land. These are not necessarily
visible, purpose-built paths but rather routes that
exist on maps and which may be followed using maps,
instructions and way marks. In some cases, new
paths have been opened specifically for the
Cotswold Way. Where the route makes use of roads
for any length of time, the roads will be quiet
country lanes. In the few cases where the route
coincides with busier roads, it is only for short
distances and as time goes on alternative routes
are being added.
The climate in this part of England is generally
mild with warm summers and cool winters that can
sometimes be cold. However, the best time walking
the Cotswold Way is from late April until early
October. With the spring come flowers, fresh grass
and birdsong. The summer is mellow and firm
underfoot, whilst the autumn is clear and golden.
Whilst England is not as wet as legend has it, the
countryside would not be as it is without our
island climate and showers are a feature of English
life. Come prepared for every eventuality, and you
will not be disappointed.
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