Cotswold Chatterblog

A year on from its launch in the summer of 2007, the Cotswold Way National Trail now has a new host body and project team. Natural England has appointed the Cotswolds Conservation Board to host the Cotswold Way, under an initial one year agreement and the trail offices have relocated to the board’s headquarters at Northleach in Gloucestershire.

A new project team has been formed to oversee the trail. James Blockley is the new National Trail Officer and will be working alongside Don Field who has moved across from the old team

Walking along the Cotswold Way National Trail is an ideal way to experience the breathtaking landscape of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The 102 mile (164km) trail follows the Cotswolds escarpment with its stunning views and picturesque villages from the market town of Chipping Campden in the north, to Bath in the south. It has been promoted as a long-distance walking route for over 30 years and after an eight year programme of access improvement work ,funded by Natural England, it became a National Trail in 2007.

Janette Ward, Regional Director for Natural England in the South West welcomed the Cotswold Way’s move to its new home:

“Natural England’s remit to conserve and enhance the natural environment alongside increasing peoples enjoyment and understanding of it was a key factor in inviting the Cotswolds Conservation Board to host the new trail team. This is an excellent opportunity to take forward England’s newest National Trail.”

The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, along with the volunteers that are devoted to the Cotswold Way, gave up their time to help with the improvement works that took place to ensure that the route was up to National Trail standards before its launch last year. They are integral to the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the trail and are always looking for help. If you are interested in doing your bit for the Cotswold Way, contact the team on 01451 826034

For more information on the Cotswold Way, visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk

Source: Cotswold Conservation Board

Tags: cotswolds | walks | conservation | countryside

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