“Why do you keep coming back to the Cotswolds?”
This is a question I frequently receive when asked about the Women’s Walking Retreats I host deep in the heart of the English countryside.
It’s a question I love to answer, as I am truly passionate about what these retreats, and the Cotswolds, have to offer the women who join me as guests.
The short answer to this question, is that I’m a big fan of tweaking something until it’s refined, learning more about an area I love, and providing a quality experience for the retreat attendees.
However, if you wanted the longer answer, the one that draws on the deeper reasons for why I gravitate to the Cotswolds when it comes to creating a time of restoration and inspiration, well then you’ve come to right place.
The Cotswolds are comprised of gentle hills and lush valleys, unfurling across 6 counties and their sheep-speckled farms, and honey-hued villages, just 2 hours (yet a world away) from the the intensity of London. This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) features countless miles of public footpaths, providing walkers with the opportunity to criss-cross the tranquil landscape in an intimate style and at a leisurely pace.
Along these ancient paths, I have sat amidst a flock of curious sheep at sunset, enjoyed a break from the sun’s rays while exploring stone churches with medieval origins, and stood ankle-deep in the cool waters of the quietly meandering River Windrush. Every corner turned and each hill crested offers a feast for the senses without over-stimulating the body and the brain.
As one veers off of a country lane and onto a well-marked footpath, the sounds of modern traffic evaporates and are replaced by birdsong and babbling brooks, wind in the literal willows, and church bells tolling in tiny villages. Pubs lack the city sounds of stereo speakers and sports commentary. Instead the murmur of camaraderie and friendship provides a soundtrack for the cozy setting. As the noise of modern life recedes into the distance, it becomes easier to hear the voice of God speak through Creation or the intuitive nudges whisper to our souls.
Every walker tracing the Cotswolds on foot is bound to enjoy views of undulating hills dotted with sleek thoroughbreds and shaggy sheep, minding their business under skies of ever-evolving cloud shapes and all manner of meteorology. These painterly landscapes invite the viewer to gaze up and out at nature’s artistry instead of downwards at a device, to gain clarity and perspective beyond everyday routines and ruts. The Cotswolds feature a distinctive harmony between nature and architecture, offering inspiration for those who appreciate the seamless blend between natural beauty and handcrafted design. The visual feast is endless without overwhelming the senses.
As one navigates gravel footpaths and clambers over stone stiles, swings open wooden gates and shuts tight heavy timber church doors, texture and touch become integral to the Cotswolds walking experience. The feel of lush green grass underfoot, the coarse sensation of brushing up against a dry-limestone wall, the silky smoothness of a rose petal between the fingers, all ignite the walker’s connection to the natural world and a sense of wholeness at being immersed in a tranquil setting quite unlike anywhere else.
While walking in the Cotswolds, aromas waft through valleys and villages that trigger past memories and inspire new ones. The scent of woodsmoke curling out from a chimney or a hayfield freshly cut combines with the perfume of lilacs and lavender in bloom. The scent of dewy fields, wet fleece, and dry cow pies mingle to create an earthy cologne. Nature’s perfumery is layered, complex, and intoxicating.
To explore the Cotswolds is to whet the appetite for fresh and local cuisine. The cows one passes in verdant fields offer up the most sumptuous butters, cheeses, creams, and yogurts. Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs infuse dishes with sweet and savoury flavours. Locally-raised beef, lamb, pork and chicken are roasted, minced, and stewed, then turned into classic pot pies, traditional roast dinners, and hearty breakfasts. Eggs are farm fresh and fabulous. Desserts like fruit crumbles, Eton mess, and sticky toffee pudding, along with drinks like ciders and ales punctuate the meals with indulgent and celebratory notes. To walk the Cotswolds is to taste nature’s provision and appreciate the seasons for their specific offerings.
Why do I return to the Cotswolds again and again? Because whenever I do, the cacophony and pace of the modern world are replaced with the peacefulness of a pastoral landscape and timeless setting. Because my guests are able to enter into a space where they can process the past, dream for the future, and be exquisitely present, all without distraction and interruption. Because the combination of luxurious accommodations, fantastic cuisine, and serene settings invite guests to slow down and experience deep, restorative rest. Whenever I spend time in the Cotswolds, I am able to linger in the sublime, and when I return home, the Cotswolds linger within me.
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