The Great Cotswold Ramble
A walking tour between the villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, with an optional extension to Bourton-on-the-Water, is one of the most memorable in England. Between the Slaughters, it's about 1.6km (1 mile) each way, or 4km (2 1/2 miles) from Upper Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water; the walk can take 2 to 4 hours.
A well-worn footpath known as Warden's Way meanders beside the edge of the swift-moving River Eye. From its well-marked beginning in Upper Slaughter's central car park, the path passes sheep grazing in meadows, antique houses crafted from local honey-colored stone, stately trees arching over ancient millponds, and footbridges that have endured centuries of foot traffic and rain.
The rushing river powers a historic mill on the northwestern edge of Lower Slaughter. In quiet eddies, you'll see ample numbers of waterfowl and birds, such as wild ducks, gray wagtails, mute swans, coots, and Canada geese.
Most visitors turn around at Lower Slaughter, but Warden's Way continues another 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) to Bourton-on-the-Water by following the Fosse Way, route of an ancient Roman footpath. Most of it, from Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water, is covered by tarmac; it's closed to cars but ideal for walking or biking. You're legally required to close each of the several gates that stretch across the footpath.
Warden's Way will introduce you to Bourton-on-the-Water through the hamlet's northern edges. The first landmark you'll see will be the tower of St. Lawrence's Anglican Church. From the base of the church, walk south along the Avenue (one of the hamlet's main streets) and end your Cotswold ramble on the Village Green, directly in front of the War Memorial.
You can follow this route in reverse, but parking is more plentiful in Upper Slaughter than in Lower Slaughter.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
