recommended route
Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water
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/ Lower SlaughterPhoto: Macs Adventure
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
There are some road crossings, always be aware of traffic and be sure to use a pavement/sidewalk where possible, where it isn’t walk on the right-hand side of the road,
Some of the ground can be uneven, with steep descents and muddy/boggy ground. Ensure you have suitable footwear and step cautiously where needed, the mud is especially tricky in wet weather.
A note about farms and animals: Be very aware of closing gates behind you. Remember, animals on a farm are not pets and can be closer to a wild animal than a domestic pet - particularly for dogs. The main risk today is horses as the path often crosses fields with grazing horses.
When crossing the streams, be wary of slippery and loose stones, if you feel unsure bring walking poles for support, and you can always find a more suitable crossing a little up or downstream.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Copse Hill Road
A beautiful road framed by tall trees and grand houses, meandering alongside it is a stone built waterway with impossibly fine little stone bridges crisscrossing the river below. Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter won the Google Street View award after a two-week vote by about 20,000 people. Take a loved one for a walk don this street, itis now an iconic place to propose!
Bourton-on-the-Water
The 'little Venice' of the Cotswolds, with the wide and slow Windrush river flowing directly through the centre of town. A collection of attractive houses, bridges and green grassy areas surround the river as it makes its way south. The town is full of excellent country pubs, with food varying from the hearty to the gourmet. Attractions include Birdland, The Motoring Museum for those who love vintage cars and the intriguing Dragonfly Maze, all within a short walk fo the centre.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km - TURN RIGHT at end of the village square, by Lloyds bank, then TURN LEFT past the church down a small paved alley
0.20 km - TURN RIGHT onto Sheep Street and TURN LEFT onto main road walking on pavement
0.80 km - Cross the road and TURN RIGHT being very careful of traffic, signposted Gloucester Way Footpath
0.90 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON through a metal gate and onto a track with wall to your left
1.20 km - Continue off the track and into a tree plantation, STRAIGHT ON
1.40 km - At bottom of the field pass through a wooden gate, stay to left in the next field and pass through a sequence of four white gates and carry STRAIGHT ON through a farmyard
1.60 km - after passing log cabins/stables to your right, BEAR RIGHT to pass through a gap in the fence, signposted for footpath
1.90 km - Drop down steps and through gate and BEAR LEFT to cross the field
2.10 km - Pass through two white gates and BEAR RIGHT to cross the bridge
2.20 km - Pass through gate and BEAR LEFT, ignore the path to the right, pass through a second wooden gate, follow signs for Lower Slaughter crossing a bridge almost immediately, and the BEAR LEFT across the field
2.40 km - Through the wooden gate and STRAIGHT ON
2.60 km - Through the wooden gate and STRAIGHT ON
2.90 km - Pass through int the next field, then TURN RIGHT immediately into the next field, BEAR LEFT with the farm to your right
3.10 km - BEAR LEFT as you pass the farm, into next field and then head STRAIGHT ON
3.50 km - Pass into next field and head BEAR RIGHT
3.60 km - Pass into next field and STRAIGHT ON
4.10 km - TURN RIGHT through a metal gate and continue until you reach the cricket club, BEAR LEFT and pass through a metal gate behind the club
4.40 km - TURN RIGHT onto a gravelled road
4.50km - TURN LEFT passing the church, you are now in Lower Slaughter. If you like you can stop here as this is where your hotel is located but we recommend continuing to Bourton-on-the-Water
4.6 km - BEAR LEFT on to lower pike lane, then TURN RIGHT, following the river and signs for Bourton-on-the-Water
5.5 km - TURN RIGHT when you reach the main road and then turn left after 30 metres, using the traffic crossing to cross the road and joining Station Road
6.10 km - TURN RIGHT after traffic lights, signposted Wardens Way
6.50 km - TURN LEFT onto the main road, following signs for Wardens Way
6.70 km - You will reach the war memorial on your right hand side, you have finished the days walk
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy waterproof boots as the path can be slippery and wet in parts.
Walking poles for stream crossing and muddy descents if the weather is wet.
Basic Equipment for Hiking
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking socks
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Kit para bolhas
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
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