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Cotswold Adventurer

@gus_and_chloe

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🏠 The Cotswolds
🚶🏼‍♀️hiking & adventuring with #bobrossmints
🥾FOLLOW: All Trails - COTSWOLDS HIKER
🐾 Chloe 2020-2026 🌈
🐾 Gus 2005-2021 🌈

POSTS STORIES REELS

Chloe 🐾
11.12.2010 - 24.03.2026 🌈
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I thought we had a bit more time - one more walk, one more second breakfast, one more bowl of popcorn. And then we didn’t. But you waited for me.
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I feel rudderless. Utterly bereft. I’ve lost my shadow. My girl. Gone. And now my heart is in a billion pieces.
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I am grateful and honoured that you found your way into my life, you kooky little Dubai dingbat.
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So for you, dearest, darling Chloe. For you.
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I love you, I love you, I love you.
Like never before. by @gus_and_chloe

On January 1st 2025, we went for a walk and did what one invariably does on a New Year’s Day: talked about resolutions, wild aspirations, and the goals of self-improvement that feel entirely plausible (while one is still full of mince pies and cheese).

In a moment of reckless optimism, I decided that I would attempt 52 @alltrails hikes over the course of the year—one per week. A modest ambition. Very sensible. Perfectly reasonable.

What I didn’t account for was the combination of the gloriously obliging spring and summer weather, and the rather dangerous discovery that hiking is not merely enjoyable but faintly addictive. And before long, one walk led to another and another, as these things do.

I have now seen almost every inch of the Cotswolds and stumbled, fumbled, and occasionally bounced my way through hundreds of kilometres. I’ve walked in Scotland, Wales, New York, Long Island, and points beyond. I’ve climbed mountains, wandered through castles and ancient churches, become delightfully lost in woods, visited World Heritage Sites, National Trust mansions, and even New York skyscrapers.

I’ve marched through blazing sunshine, three official storms, piercing sleet, torrential rain, and mud of such adhesive that it has almost claimed my boots. I’ve been chased by cows (never dignified), cuddled by horses (much better), and have been enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of splendid dogs, who clearly understood what the whole enterprise was really about. And time and again time, I’ve stopped, quite alone, to audibly gasp at views so staggeringly beautiful, it quite literally took my breath away.

I’ve walked with my fellow Hexen, old friends, and family—but mostly on my own. I’ve fallen in love with peace. The headspace. And I’ve discovered that solitude, far from being lonely, can be a very generous companion. It offers a deeper perspective, and the gentle thrill of noticing the world properly.

And so those 52 carefully planned hikes quietly multiplied and the result is 105 glorious walks and 1,205 adventurous kilometres.

So initial goal sort of failed …. But one I intend to repeat again at the earliest possible opportunity 🌿🥾 by @gus_and_chloe

Gus, 01.08.2005-15.09.2021.
Our hearts are broken.
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The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this - the last battle- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close - we four - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears. by @gus_and_chloe

Not sure how it happened, but we’re Monday-ing again, folks …. by @gus_and_chloe

Colourful canopies, cows on the common and wonderful waterways (love a bit of alliteration!)
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A walk of delightful contrasts 🍂🍁
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15km - Rodborough Common - Stroud Canal - Toadsmoor Valley by @gus_and_chloe

My favourite valley at my favourite time of year 🍂🍁🪾
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It was literally a Bob Ross painting (plenty of happy trees …).
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14km Painswick - Slad Valley by @gus_and_chloe

Too cute to spook … 👻👻 by @gus_and_chloe

Blep 👅 #tongueouttuesday by @gus_and_chloe

Feeling like I need 3 more Sundays … by @gus_and_chloe

The calm after the storm (ish) … Blustery blue skies over the Malvern Hills.
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And finished off with a quick stop off at @austinandco (top notch gifting!!) by @gus_and_chloe

Batten down those hatches (and ears) for #stormausten AND #stormboleo 💨🌬️🌧️💦☔️ by @gus_and_chloe

Hello, my little pumpkin 🎃 by @gus_and_chloe