Bourton-on-the-Water to Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter circular

The charm of the sleepy villages and fresh countryside air in the Cotswolds draws us back here time and time again. If you’re heading to the Cotswolds this route takes you through three of its most well-known villages, in one easy loop walk. Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds due to its picturesque bridges over the river that runs through the village, and draws 300,000 visitors each year. If you can, we recommend visiting in the quieter months to enjoy the tranquility and charm of the area with less tourists.

We recommend parking at Rissington Road car park in Bourton-on-the-Water, where this route begins. Fees apply, and there are public toilets here for a small charge. For those with four-legged friends, there are dog waste bins throughout Bourton-on-the-Water but are less frequent through Upper and Lower Slaughter. Be sure to protect the beauty of the area by picking up after your dogs, and carrying bags with you until you reach a bin.

This walk is an easy one that follows mostly pavements and quiet village roads, with some sections across field footpaths. Our route takes you through picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water and through to Lower Slaughter, where you can see quintessential Cotswold stone cottages as well as the famous Old Mill, which dates back to 1086 and is recorded in The Domesday Book. Further along en route you’ll reach Upper Slaughter which is even quieter, and we love spending time admiring the various cottages and manor houses through the village. Depending on the time of year, as you stroll along the countryside footpaths you’ll find hedgerows teeming with sweet berries ripe for picking.

If you’re in need of a food pitstop as you loop back into Bourton-on-the-Water, we highly recommend heading to the independent artisan cafe Bakery on the Water, situated just across one of the picturesque foot bridges on the River Windrush. Here you’ll find goodies such as handmade sausage rolls and hot chocolate, and be taken in by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly-made bread throughout the cafe. Dogs are welcome here too, so your pooch can enjoy a rest as you sip a cuppa.

Head to our blog for more information about visiting the Cotswolds.