Shoes for the Cotswolds
 

Just curious what shoes you have worn for walking the paths in the Cotswolds. I'm going there in June and hope to get in a few walks and am debating over what shoes to bring...regular Nikes, a sturdier hiking shoe, or Teva sandals.

Thanks.

It seems to me that it's always cold there even in August if it rains....We're from the south US... So no on the Tevas. I would consider the mud in your decision.Don't forget your slicker.

I feel uncomfortable after more than two or three miles if I haven't got pretty firm ankle support. I don't think I've ever felt a real need for walking sandals round here as early as June, though it can get uncomfortably hot in walking boots by July and August. But I'll probably be in walking sandals about half the time in an average June.

Mud's unpredictable, even at short notice. It's very possible by June to have weeks of completely dry paths. But, except in a serioius drought (and I've not known one develop that early), any walk you're not familiar with is always liable to throw up some muddy stretches.

Except when doing serious, 15+ mile walks in real downpours, I've never seen the point of spats round here. This isn't Tasmania. Just tuck your trousers into long socks if it's muddy and have a spare pair of walking trousers. Or, by most Junes, walk in shorts.

If I had to compress what's in our lobby into a few things for a suitcase? Trousers and shorts. Boots. Walking sandals. Lightweight, easily packable waterproof top (it can get really unpleasantly muggy walking in an anorak on a hottish June day. And even nastier without one when it rains). Similar hat.

Did fine in my regular tourist white sneakers:D We were lucky with no rain late August-early Sept. And don't forget your camera, you will see some of the best "true" English gardens.

Wear what you would at home. I don't think you are talking mountain climbing or cliff climbing. You are just walking the level trails, right?

There can be muck, there can be sheepdip, there can be all sorts of little "diversions" you suddenly decide to take.

Whatever it is, make it comfortable and the word "sandal" concerns me a little.

Thanks, everyone, for your recommendations. I think I'll leave the Tevas at home....would hate to have sheepdip in my toes!

I have a pair of New Balance waterproof "off trail" shoes that I used for Cotswold walks as well as walks in other locales. Mud and "sheepdip" come off easily and they are super in rainy weather -- somewhat bulky to pack but fairly light weight. I've worn them in quite warm weather but wasn't bothered by them feeling too hot. They go on all my travels.

From another bag lady

The newish "all terrain" type trainers are a god send. In the days of old you were stuck with either tennis shores (the American tourist look), jogging shoes (after a 20 yard walk in the Lakes you may as well bin them) or hiking boots (very heavy and look like Chris Bonnington when shopping in town).

I bought a pair of timberland mountain athlete trainers last year. They have been "round the world and back" - even survived a summer in the muddy Lakes. Also gave them a salt water hammering on Elba.

They still look two days old and very good value in a sale - $30 from Vancouver.

As I say on every post regarding UK clothing - if you are here go to a Rohan shop - the best (without any question) travel wear company in the world. (if anyone has any other offers please educate - would to think there is better out there).

it ain't the sheep-dip you need to worry about ( I don't think you'll be dunked in a vat of pesticide) - it is the <b>sheep sh*t</b> . . . . .

Hi baglady --

If you decide to go with sandals, I'd be sure they aren't open toe. I did this recently and was surprised at how it hadn't occurred to me that I would literally be on the same path as sheep, horses, etc. Let's just say that I had to dodge a lot of little presents they had left along the way...

Enjoy!

hlocke1 - last night I read your trip report and looked at your fabulous photos. I noticed your shoes and then you made mention of the &quot;presents' along the paths. Had to chuckle as it had never occurred to me either - don't know why, seeing as how there are always sheep in Cotswold pictures. I'm still trying to figure out how you packed your great clothing assortment in a carryon. As much as I have travelled, I still haven't mastered that!

By the way, I'm from Spokane!

Hi again, baglady --

Oh cool! You're just over the mountains. We're pretty new to the PNW, so I still haven't even been over there.

Thanks for the nice comments on the trip report. I hope it was helpful. I'm sure you'll have a great trip. Good luck with the packing. It sure is tricky!

Heather.