Westward to the Cotswolds

An early rise to catch the train out of Oxford to Chipping Campden, the start of our Cotswold Way walk. The cityscape turned very quickly into rural England with rolling hills, those cute black-faced sheep and stone walls dotting the countryside. We were picked up by our host for the evening, Deenie Gibson, Park Road Bed and Breakfast and she has been very accommodating, even driving us up to Hidcote, Lawrence Johnston's garden. We spent most of the afternoon wandering around this estate smelling the roses and soaking in the beauty of this century-old garden noted for its importance in the evolution of landscape design. Another check off Andrew's bucket list. We then walked "home", about 3 miles (5 km) on very narrow roads without sidewalks. In every direction, it was continual lush green rolling hills. I imagine the pictures might be rather boring from here on in, but we will keep you posted on our progress through the Cotswolds!

 Arriving on the Great Western Railway to Moreton-in-Marsh, just a short drive to Chipping Campden and the beginning of our journey.

 Only 100 miles (165 km) to Bath! Yikes!!

The centre of Chipping Camden, the market square built in 1627. Chipping is from an old English word meaning 'marketplace'.

 The inside of the market square - they haven't levelled the floor in many years.

 Another gateway into a little secret garden. Behind this wall, is a garden to commemorate Ernest Henry Wilson, a famous plant explorer who was born in Chipping Campden in 1876.

A lovely rose garden outside a home - gotta love the well kept English garden.

 Hidcote - absolutely beautiful.

 A cedar of Lebanon - located just inside the entrance - so impressive.

 "Hattie's Pincushion"

 Admiring a tree peony. He is so in his element here.

  He's reflecting on the craftmanship required to thatch a roof.

These sheep are ready for summer - hopefully we'll see some with their coats still on.