Slaughters Loop Walk (via Naunton)
A circular walk through the rural tranquillity of the Cotswold countryside visiting three iconic villages and picturesque Bourton on the Water.
Leaving the village of Lower Slaughter the route follows the Monarch’s Way to the delightful town of Bourton on the Water. From here you head into the countryside along the Windrush Valley to the village of Naunton and its interesting medieval dovecote. From Naunton the walk continues through fields to the village of Upper Slaughter and the valley of the River Eye which you follow back to Lower Slaughter.
IMPORTANT: It should also be noted that our pathfinder wrote the below turn-by-turns starting/ending in Lower Slaughter. If you happen to be overnighting in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds in Comfort tour (instead of Lower slaughter) you can still do this walk starting/ending in Bourton - just ensure you disregard the written turn-by-turn directions below and follow the tracks on the Macs App only.
Note de l'auteur
A must-see attraction in Bourton in the Water is "The Model Village" which is essentially a mini version of itself that you can walk around! Visit: https://theoldnewinn.co.uk/model-village for more information.

Type de chemin
Afficher le profil altimétriqueLieux où se restaurer
Slaughters Country Inn Pub & RestaurantSlaughters Manor House Restaurant
The Den
The Model Village
Rose Tree Restaurant
The Black Horse Inn
Lords of the Manor
Consignes de sécurité
Route
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, particularly near Bourton on the Water which can be busy at peak times. Care is needed crossing the A429 (Fosse Way) which you do twice, both entering and leaving Bourton on the Water.
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 wild animals than domestic pets - particularly dogs.
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.
Conseils et recommandations supplémentaires
Points of Interest
Please see the interactive map for notable points of interest along the walk, including recommended pubs/restaurants and cafe stops. Simply click the icons on the map for more information as you walk.
Food and Drink
A pub lunch is recommended at The Black Horse Inn in Naunton (around the halfway point) - It's essential to book ahead in advance to ensure they are open and can take you. Alternatively, you could get some supplies for a picnic in Bourton-in-the-Water!
Recommended Local Taxi Services
AA Cotswold Taxi 4u (Stow-on-the-Wold): +44 (0) 7565 521 833
Départ
Arrivée
Itinéraire
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided basic navigational aid to guide you on Slaughters Loop Walk via Naunton. Whilst, the Cotswolds are waymarked (it is normally for the Cotswold Way, but local towns and villages are usually also signposted). At sections, the trail can be featureless and off the beaten path so we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
DISCLAIMER: Please note, the distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).
IMPORTANT: It should also be noted that our pathfinder wrote the below turn-by-turns starting/ending in Lower Slaughter. If you happen to be overnighting in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds in Comfort or Short Break tour (instead of Lower slaughter) you can still do this walk starting/ending in Bourton - just ensure you disregard the written turn-by-turn directions below and follow the tracks on the Macs App only.
0.00 km – Standing with your back to St Mary’s Church, TURN LEFT along the footpath with the stream on your right. In 100 metres BEAR RIGHT at the signpost to Bourton on the Water. Go STRAIGHT ON along the path beside the stream until you reach an open gateway. (Ignore all turnings off on the left).
0.40 km – At the gateway, BEAR RIGHT off the main path and onto a grassy path signed Monarch’s Way. Go STRAIGHT ON uphill to reach a minor road.
0.90 km – Arriving at the tarmac road TURN LEFT and go STRAIGHT ON for approx 250 metres to a signed footpath.
1.20 km – At the signpost for the Monarch’s Way, BEAR LEFT through the wooden gate and go STRAIGHT ON across the field, over the style and footbridge to reach the main road.
1.70 km – At the main road, cross over with care and go through the wooden gate marked Cotswold School. Go STRAIGHT ON across the field and over the disused railway embankment. BEAR LEFT along the urban footpath at the back of the houses past the school on your left.
2.30 km – At the cycle path TURN RIGHT and go STRAIGHT ON past St Lawrence’s Church to the main street (Lansdowne). TURN LEFT and walk towards the centre of the village.
IF YOU ARE STAYING IN BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER YOUR ROUTE NOTES START FROM HERE.
2.50 km – At the cross roads by the war memorial, TURN RIGHT onto Sherbourne Street and go STRAIGHT ON over the river and past the Motor Museum to reach a Y shaped junction by Harrington House.
2.70 km – At the junction, TURN RIGHT onto the narrow path opposite Harrington House, signposted Windrush Way. Go STRAIGHT ON between the buildings, then out along the valley with the river on your right. Cross the stone bridge by the Mill House to reach the road. (Lansdowne)
3.10 km – At the road TURN LEFT and go STRAIGHT ON to reach the main A429 (Fosse Way). Cross the main road with care and go STRAIGHT ON through the gate onto the path signposted the Windrush Way for approx 1 km.
4.60 km – Emerging from some woods, TURN LEFT at the track junction downhill past some buildings to reach the end of the road.
4.90 km- At the junction TURN RIGHT towards the farm, signposted Windrush Way. Just before the farm follow the signed diversion on the left around the farmyard and go STRAIGHT ON across the fields with the hedgerow on the left. Go on through the woods climbing steadily with the river below on the right.
6.40 km – At a metal gate and track junction, TURN LEFT downhill and go STRAIGHT ON across the fields with the river on the right for approx 1km to reach a small tarmac road.
7.60 km – At the road TURN LEFT uphill for 50 metres then BEAR RIGHT through a gate signposted Windrush Way. Descend downhill and go STRAIGHT ON with the stream on your right for approx 1 km.
8.60 km – Arriving at a metal gate, cross the stream and BEAR RIGHT uphill to the marker post. Go through the wooden gate and go STRAIGHT ON over the golf course to a road.
9.20 km- Cross the road and go STRAIGHT ON through a metal gate and downhill keeping the hedge and fence line close on your right. Cross the river by the Dovecote and BEAR LEFT up the tarmac road to reach the village of Naunton.
9.60 km – At the road junction TURN RIGHT, down through the village to a small crossroads just before the pub. TURN LEFT at the crossroads and go STRAIGHT ON uphill for 100 metres.
10.0 km – At a signpost for the Warden’s Way TURN RIGHT through the gates. BEAR LEFT diagonally uphill through the trees and go STRAIGHT ON across several fields following the marker posts and through the woods
10.9 km – Arriving at a gravel track, go STRAIGHT ON up Hill Barn Farm Lane following the sign for the Warden’s Way, to the end of the lane.
11.2 km – At the end of the lane, just before the road, TURN RIGHT through the wooden gate still signed Warden’s Way. Go STRAIGHT ON over several fields for approx 1km with the road on your left.
12.1 km – At the end of the fields TURN LEFT through the wooden gate, and go STRAIGHT ON over the road and down the track opposite, signed Warden’s Way.
12.4 km – Arriving at a small barn TURN RIGHT and go STRAIGHT ON along the path for approx 1.2 kms.
13.7 km – On reaching a road by some cottages TURN LEFT and follow the small path on the right hand side.
14.1 km -Just past a house on the left, TURN RIGHT onto a track signposted Warden’s Way and go STRAIGHT ON for approx 1km to the village of Upper Slaughter, with the River Eye on the left.
15.3 km – At the road junction in the village TURN RIGHT past the red phone box and at the next junction BEAR LEFT past the hotel and around the bend.
15.5 km – At the signpost for the Warden’s Way TURN RIGHT onto the path and over a small bridge. BEAR RIGHT up the bank and go STRAIGHT ON over fields for approx 1km to arrive in Lower Slaughter by the river.
16.5 km – At the road TURN RIGHT towards the mill then BEAR LEFT on the path alongside the river and past the cottages towards the church and pub.
16.8 km – Arriving back at St Mary’s Church you have reached the end of your walk.
*** This is the end of our Slaughter Loop walk via Naunton route. ***
Coordonnées
S'équiper
Good comfortable boots or walking shoes are recommended. The ground can be quite soft and the paths are well-used by walkers and riders. Whilst the terrain is not particularly difficult it can be muddy with some waterlogged stretches after heavy rain. Walking poles are an option if preferred. The British weather is changeable so waterproofs should also be carried just in case.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike/or if you have an older phone, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank as a backup.
There are opportunities on today's walk to buy food and drink, however, ensure you bring enough snacks and fluids with you.
Statistiques
- 10 Points d’intérêt
- 10 Points d’intérêt
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