Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water Walk - Why Go?
This linear walk takes you between two of Cotswold’s most picturesque towns. Stow-on-the-Wold is a pretty town with a vibrant market square and a selection of quirky independent shops to browse. There are tea rooms, cafes and pubs for a bite to eat too. The walk itself is easy going, over mainly flat paths and this gentle amble allows time for stops if you’re only out for a half day. The finish point of the walk, Bourton-on-the-Water, is one of the most picturesque towns in the Cotswolds with the River Windrush gently flowing through the town, offering plenty of scope for walking and resting on the banks.
Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water Walk - What to Expect
This is an easy walk along mostly flat terrain through fields and some areas of woodland. In winter, as with any off-road path, it can get muddy so be sure to wear waterproof walking boots outside of the summer months. Punctuated by beguiling Cotswold market towns at either end this walk is as much about exploring the towns of the Cotswolds as it is about the countryside.
Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water Walk - The Route, Part 1
6.7km / 2 hours
Starting in Stow-on-the-Wold you head briefly down the A429 before turning right down a marked path through a field and two small areas of woodland. After passing through some buildings cross over the River Dikler and take the left fork with the River Dikler on your left. This takes you through grazing fields and then onto a farm track heading South towards Slaughter Coppice woodland on your right.
Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water Walk - The Route, Part 2
Just beyond the woodland the village of Lower Slaughter will come into view with it’s pretty Cotswold stone streets and River Eye gently meandering through. The Slaughter’s Country Inn has a tempting beer garden that overlooks the river making it a fine place for a pitstop. From here you head south back out into the fields following a track past Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre briefly joining a small ‘B’ road before heading off left across a level field. Cross over the A429 Fosse Way and navigate the path alongside the River Windrush into Bourton-on-the-Water with its low bridges and traditional Cotswold stone houses.
For more walking routes, check out our full rundown of the best walks in the Cotswolds.
