Bourton-on-the-Water

Recommended by
Our view
"A very pleasant undemanding walk from Bourton-on-the-Water to one of the region’s most picturesque villages, bisected by one of its prettiest rivers"
Walk directions

Facing the road, leave the car park by turning right and following the broad path signposted to the village. Cut between stone walls to emerge in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water. Cross the stone bridge over the River Windrush, turn right to The Old Manse Hotel, then immediately left, passing the Duke of Wellington pub. Shortly the road divides; take the path on the right (the Windrush Way) and follow the twisting path to a meadow. Take the riverside path, crossing the river at one point to reach the road.

Turn left and walk to the junction with the A429. Cross over the A429 and continue on the Windrush Way, keeping to the right of the river. Pass through meadows to a gate, and in the next field keep to its left boundary, all the way to a gate beside trees in the corner. Follow the path along a brief stretch of the former Cheltenham–Chipping Norton railway, and when it forks, keep right on the bridleway.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Tracks, paths, some road walking
  Landscape  - Pleasant walking by the Rivers Windrush and Eye, with good Cotswold views from higher ground
  Dog friendliness  - Lead required in and close to Bourton and Lower Slaughter
  Parking  - Pay-and-display car park on Station Road
  Toilets en route  - At car park
About the walk
The spectacle of a tall redbrick chimney rising above a delightful river and a waterwheel adjacent to picturesque houses and cottages gladdens the eye at the northernmost point of this walk, but it might also come as something of a surprise. The idea of using flowing water to turn machinery has, of...
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About the area
Gloucestershire is home to a variety of landscapes, including the Cotswolds, a region of gentle hills, valleys and gem-like villages that roll through the county. To their west is the Severn Plain, watered by Britain’s longest river and characterised by orchards and farms marked out by hedgerows that blaze with mayflower in the spring; beyond the Severn are the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.
Area image

Bourton-on-the-Water

Recommended by
Our view
"A very pleasant undemanding walk from Bourton-on-the-Water to one of the region’s most picturesque villages, bisected by one of its prettiest rivers"
Dog friendly
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Tracks, paths, some road walking
  Landscape - Pleasant walking by the Rivers Windrush and Eye, with good Cotswold views from higher ground
  Dog friendliness - Lead required in and close to Bourton and Lower Slaughter
  Parking - Pay-and-display car park on Station Road
  Toilets en route - At car park
About the walk
The spectacle of a tall redbrick chimney rising above a delightful river and a waterwheel adjacent to picturesque houses and cottages gladdens the eye at the northernmost point of this walk, but it might also come as something of a surprise. The idea of using flowing water to turn machinery has, of...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is home to a variety of landscapes, including the Cotswolds, a region of gentle hills, valleys and gem-like villages that roll through the county. To their west is the Severn Plain, watered by Britain’s longest river and characterised by orchards and farms marked out by hedgerows that blaze with mayflower in the spring; beyond the Severn are the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.