Cotswold Outdoor Ltd (formerly Cotswold Camping and Cotswold Essential Outdoors) is primarily an adventure recreation retailer. Founded in 1974, the company originated in the Cotswolds, from which the founders sold a range of basic camping accessories. Cotswold Outdoor is the recommended retailer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Now with 47 stores nationwide, Cotswold Outdoor has a mail order service selling outdoor clothing, camping and climbing equipment, travel and active clothing, hiking boots, adventure racing gear and much more.