Cotswolds

Leaving Stonehenge we passed through the edge of the Cotswolds, known for its sheep, small rolling hills and thatched roofs. The homes are built with the same stone seen in Bath, limestone which has a honey hue due to the iron deposits in it. It is the largest officially designated area of outstanding national beauty in this country. Its name comes from the old English words Coat - stone sheep shelter - and Wake - rolling hill. The mills here process the wool from the sheep in this area and they created the wealth of this nation during the Industrial Age, from exporting cloth to the rest of Europe. There are 20 million sheep in the country, our guide Bill has told us. We also passed through several free range pig farms. Beautiful countryside!