Day 64: Dowdeswell to Painswick
📍 Distance: 15.77 miles (25.38 km)
🌦️ Weather: Heavy rain in the morning; overcast with sunny spells in the afternoon
🕣 Start Time: 08:34 | Finish Time: 15:15
Today was a game of two halves—testing, wet, and steep in the morning, followed by a more forgiving, even enjoyable afternoon.
The day began with heavy rain, the kind that soaks through everything no matter how waterproof you think you are. The first climb through Lineover Wood near Dowdeswell was a tough one—muddy underfoot and steep, and slippery made worse by the persistent downpour. From there, things eased a bit on the approach to Upper Coberley, with gentler terrain offering a welcome breather.
However, any hopes of a easy route were dashed when I reached Cowley. Navigating the roadworks at the Air Balloon roundabout road improvement scheme was almost impossible, with unexpected footpath closure signs. A frustrating detour followed, that added to the distance but once through I reached Hawcote Hill where I enjoyed lunch in the dry.
Thankfully, the afternoon brought drier walking and even the odd sunny spell. Given the morning’s slippery struggles, I opted for minor roads instead of venturing back onto sodden woodland paths. It proved to be a good decision, allowing for steady progress through to Painswick.
The final stretch took me across Painswick Golf Course—the first golf course I’ve crossed since I was in Scotland, which feels like a lifetime ago now.
Despite the rough start, today ended on a much more positive note. Every day out here is different, and today’s reminded me that sometimes you just have to push through the hard bits to get to the good part.
Tomorrow I’ll be joined by Rebecca, the daughter of my friend Kay, for a shorter day—just 12 miles from Painswick to Uley. Looking forward to the company and what promises to be easier section.
Onward!
