A Hearth in the Cotswolds: My First Night at The Volunteer Inn

The Cotswolds evening was soft with golden light, and bird song was dying down when my taxi pulled up to The Volunteer Inn in Chipping Campden. My hiking boots were clean, my feet itching to get started. 

The next day, I’d start hiking. That night, I’d rest, recharge, and soak up my very first taste of the Cotswolds. 

First Impressions 

Stepping inside had that comforting, familiar feeling - the hum of friendly chatter from locals enjoying a post-work pint. The low beams, fireplace (I imagined it lit in winter) and smiley bar staff greeted me. 

The Volunteer Inn was a 17th-century building that doubled as a pub, B&B, and even had an Indian restaurant attached. It sat at the start of the Cotswold Way, making it a natural choice for hikers like me. The aromas wafting from the kitchen were inviting, and I kicked myself for having already reserved a table at Michael’s just down the road - an intimate spot with a menu inspired by the golden coasts of the Mediterranean. But that turned out to be a delicious dining experience too, so my belly was still happy. 

I checked in easily and was shown to my room - simple yet comfortable. I heard local rumors that weekends could bring live music, so rooms farther from the bar were said to be quieter. 

The Secret to Effortless Hiking & Biking: Luggage Transfers 

I learned that the Volunteer Inn was a jack of all trades - they don’t just offer rooms and hearty meals - they also run a luggage transfer service for hikers and bikers. 

That meant while I was out on the trail, soaking in the rolling hills and charming stone villages, they were taking care of my bags - collecting them from the inn and delivering them safely to my next stop along the route. 

For long-distance hikers and bikers, that peace of mind was priceless. No lugging heavy rucksacks over hilltops, no worrying about logistics - just pure joy. It was all in the details, and this thoughtful service transformed the whole experience. 

A Perfect Evening 

Later that night, I joined a few fellow hikers in the pub downstairs. We traded plans for the days ahead over local ale and laughter.  

There was something comforting about being surrounded by people who were also about to set off on their own Cotswolds adventure. It felt like the calm before the storm - in the best possible way. 

When I finally went up to my room, the sounds of the pub faded into a soft murmur below. I laid out my walking gear for the morning, checked my route on the Macs app, and took one last look at my suitcase, ready for its own little adventure in the back of the Volunteer Inn’s luggage van. 

The Best Beginning 

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains. I went downstairs to find my breakfast waiting, and I noticed other walkers’ bags already tagged for transfer. 

As I stepped outside and looked up the street where the Cotswold Way officially began, I couldn’t help but smile. I felt prepared, rested, and looked after - all thanks to The Volunteer Inn. 

It hadn't just been a bed for the night - it was the first chapter of my journey, the kind of beginning that made the whole story better. If that was a sign of what was to come, the Cotswold Way was going to be epic! 

So if you’re walking the Cotswold Way with Macs Adventure, I’d say: do yourself a favor. Start here. Let The Volunteer Inn feed you, comfort you, and carry your bags so you can carry only what really matters: the joy of the walk ahead. 

Want to Escape to the Cotswolds? 

Words can only go so far - watch the video to experience the warmth and Cotswolds charm of the Volunteer Inn. 

Click below to watch the video and start dreaming of your next Cotswolds escape.