Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter
Gloucestershire
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- River, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Wide range of cafés and pubs on Bourton-on-the-Water high street; riverside toilets near car park
- Parking
- Bourton Vale Car Park (GL54 2LU); £5/3hrs; Rissington Road (GL54 2BN) pay and display; Station Road (GL54 2EN) pay and display
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter dog friendly?
This is a well-suited walk for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog-friendly rating. The River Windrush provides safe paddling at multiple points along the route, with shallow, clear water over a sandy bed, and the gentle 4.8 km circuit suits dogs of any size or fitness level. Both villages also offer good options for a post-walk refreshment stop, with several dog-welcoming tearooms in Bourton-on-the-Water and the Old Mill tearoom in Lower Slaughter known for welcoming four-legged visitors.
Can dogs be off lead at Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter?
Off-lead opportunities are moderate rather than extensive on this walk. The riverside meadow sections offer some freedom for dogs with reliable recall, but livestock may be present in adjacent fields, so leads should always be carried. The villages themselves are busy and popular with visitors, so keeping dogs on lead through the settlements is sensible.
What should I know before visiting Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter with my dog?
It's worth being aware that livestock can be present in some of the fields along the route, so a lead is essential to have to hand throughout. Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular tourist destination, meaning the village sections can get busy, particularly on weekends and in summer. Parking is available at Bourton Vale Car Park (GL54 2LU) and two pay and display options on Rissington Road and Station Road, and there are public toilets near the car park.
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