Cold Ashton

 

Today we hiked 9.5 miles from Old Sodbury to Cold Ashton with an elevation gain of just under 1,000 feet. We had more rain overnight and a light drizzle in the morning. The sun came out in the afternoon, with a high of 71 for the day. Our waterproof boots kept us dry yesterday in the rain, but we weren't able to properly dry them out overnight so we switched to our dry shoes. Thankfully we only needed water protection in the morning with the wet grass so we put on our emergency booties which worked great.

And as a bonus, they look super cool.

The sun is already coming out - look at those shadows!

A sad little wet woolie

We took a stretch break by this bench where I had a stretching mishap and fell backwards directly into a blackberry and stinging nettle patch. Aside from some scrapes on one arm and tingly forearms all afternoon, I'm totally fine. I found it all pretty hilarious. Perhaps the trail madness has set in deep now.

There have been a lot fewer sheep as the trail goes on and therefore a lot fewer gates. This gate here appears to serve no purpose other than to let those nostalgic for opening and closing gates to get another one in before their journey ends.

Big old horse chestnut tree. I learned from another hiker that unlike sweet chestnuts, horse chestnuts, aka conkers, are poisonous and that British children play a dangerous game where they try to crack them.

A little country cottage

These were the friendlies cows I've ever met. As soon as we approached the gate they came right over to us to see what we were up to. The group on the right is standing directly on the trail. They let us pass despite us not giving them any treats which I suspect is what they were hoping for.

The dankest bench in the deepest wood

Tonight we are staying at this Airbnb with a hot tub - the perfect time for a good soak.

Drying out our shoes in the sun.

A single gas station was our only dinner option in this tiny little town so we bought packaged Indian meals in pouches at the Co-op a couple towns back. I'm not going to lie, it was not the worst meal we've had this trip.

Tomorrow is our last day hiking the Cotswolds Way! We've got 11 miles to go before we reach Bath. As for right now, it's time to get back in that hot tub.