Walking the Cotswold Way

WALK UPDATE - first, my huge appreciation for all who have encouraged me with sponsorship and offering lifts. Amazing!

TUESDAY: As for progress, I have reached Crickley Park, and enjoyed today walking around Cheltenham from each of the hills and their amazing hilltop vantage points. The rain and wind were fierce at times and the paths were pretty boggy. But another day is in the bag, and my surprise that it’s possible to walk so far in 8 hours!

THURSDAY: The day ended in Wotton-under-Edge. Feeling tired, but motivated to try and complete the last 2 days by the weekend. At eye level, the views were beautiful; at feet level, the word ‘squelchy’ was an apt description of plodding through the mud!

SATURDAY: After 6.5 days, I arrived at Bath Abbey. Walk complete! Such a good experience which has pushed me physically and spiritually. So much to thank God for, and increased determination to use my life in the service of Jesus. With appreciation for all the kind encouragement along the way. Over and out! Tim

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I spend most of my life inside, sitting at a desk or in a car; so it’s about time I went out for a walk!

So in April I have blocked out 10 days, to walk the Cotswold Way, a total of 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath Abbey. Given I am so unfit, this will be a challenge at every level.

Starting on 8th April, my aim is to walk 10-15 miles a day (confession: I’ll head back home to sleep in my own bed each night). As I walk, I plan to use the walk to reflect and pray about some of the important themes that have played such a vital part in my life over the years. I have linked each of these to five charities, hoping they can be the beneficiaries of my efforts:

1. Youth for Christ Gloucestershire - celebrating their 50th anniversary working with young people and schools in Cheltenham & Gloucester.
2. YMCA Cheltenham and Family Space - I was privileged to serve as a trustee for FS, delighted they are now part of our amazing YMCA working to support families and the homeless locally.
3. MDS UK - a charity offering support to those impacted by MDS, a rare blood cancer. This is in memory of my dear cousin Brenda, who was taken from us far too early, and is deeply missed.
4. CAP UK - Christians against Poverty transforming lives caught in the spiral of debt, and working to end poverty.
5. Bible Society - based in my home town Swindon, creatively making the Bible available and accessible around the world.

If 15 year old Mary Jones trekked the 26 miles (bare foot) to purchase a Bible in Bala which led to the founding of Bible Society in the year 1800, then that inspires me to try my 102 miles in 2024, with time to think and pray for the work of all these amazing organisations trying to meet the complex needs of today.

Any encouragement for this walk will be appreciated! If you are able to join my support team with a donation, all gifts will be split 5 ways between the 5 charities listed above. Also, if anyone would like to join me at any point on the walk for a day or a few hours, you will be very welcome. And finally, a practical request - if any friends are able to help with one of my drop-offs or pick-ups on any of the days, I’d love to hear from you. I can use buses at some points, but a lift will be the bonus, and I will cover your petrol.

Hopefully, I will add some updates about my progress along the way. Now to start some belated training! …