Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter

The River Windrush connects Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter through some of the most photogenic countryside in the Cotswolds, with honey-coloured stone villages, clear chalk-stream water and green riverside meadows making up a landscape of pastoral perfection. This 4.8 km circular follows the river valley between the two villages, passing through the heart of each settlement before taking to footpaths across open meadow and gentle hillside. The Windrush runs clear over limestone bedrock throughout, and both villages are exceptional examples of Cotswold architecture. The 117 m of climbing comes in gentle rises between the two villages.

This is a dog friendly walk that combines easy terrain with beautiful surroundings. The River Windrush offers perfect water access for dogs, with shallow, clear flow and a sandy bed creating safe paddling conditions at multiple points. Off-lead potential is moderate in the riverside meadow sections for dogs with reliable recall, though livestock may be present in some fields and leads should be carried. The short distance and gentle gradients suit dogs of any size and fitness level. Both villages offer excellent refreshment options: Bourton-on-the-Water has numerous dog-welcoming tearooms, and Lower Slaughter's Old Mill tearoom is well known for its hospitality to four-legged visitors. A civilised walk through some of England's finest countryside.