Stow on the Wold to Bourton on the Water Walk

This linear walk joins these two picturesque Cotswolds village using a series of waymarked footpaths. The route runs for a distance of just over 4 miles, descending from the higher village of Stow on the Wold to the tourist honeypot of Bourton on the Water.
Walk Report October 17th 2026 By Emma Foster:
My husband Ian and I started our walk in Stow-on-the-Wold, leaving the handsome market square behind as we picked up the waymarked footpaths heading south towards Bourton-on-the-Water.... I always enjoy walking between Cotswold villages because you get to appreciate the countryside between them, rather than simply driving from one pretty high street to the next. Stow sits on higher ground, so the route gradually descends through rolling fields and quiet countryside. We followed the Gloucestershire Way and Windrush Way, both of which help make this a straightforward walk to follow, with waymarkers along the route.
Once we were out of the town, the Cotswolds scenery really came into its own. We passed fields divided by hedgerows, gently undulating farmland and attractive stone buildings dotted around the countryside. I was pleased to spot a red kite circling above the fields, its distinctive forked tail making it easy to recognise against the sky. There is a lovely sense of space along this stretch, and I found it a welcome contrast to the busier villages at either end. Although the walk is only just over four miles, there is enough variety in the landscape to make it feel like a proper countryside outing.
One of the highlights is reaching Lower Slaughter, one of those Cotswold villages that looks as though it belongs on a postcard. The River Eye runs through the village beside traditional honey-coloured stone cottages, and the old mill is a particularly attractive feature. I enjoyed stopping here to take in the scene, with the water flowing past the stone buildings and the village lanes winding between them. It is tempting to linger, and I would certainly leave a little time to look around rather than simply passing through. The neighbouring village of Upper Slaughter is also worth visiting if you fancy extending your walk in this part of the Cotswolds.
From Lower Slaughter, we continued towards Bourton-on-the-Water, following the paths through the surrounding countryside before the village gradually came into view. The change in atmosphere is quite noticeable as you arrive: after the quieter fields and lanes, Bourton is lively, with visitors gathering beside the River Windrush and crossing its low stone bridges. The river is the heart of the village, and I loved seeing the water running through the centre beneath the little bridges, with the traditional Cotswold buildings lining the streets. It is easy to understand why Bourton is often called the Venice of the Cotswolds, although on a busy day you will be sharing the views with plenty of other people.
We made time to visit the Model Village, which reproduces Bourton-on-the-Water in miniature at one-ninth scale. I was impressed by the attention to detail in the tiny stone buildings, little gardens and miniature version of the river and bridges. It is not a huge attraction, so you can see it fairly quickly, but that is part of its charm: you can wander around spotting details that you might otherwise overlook in the real village. I particularly liked being able to recognise places we had just walked past and then see them recreated on such a small scale. It is a fun addition to the day, especially if you enjoy looking closely at buildings and the details that make the Cotswolds distinctive.
After exploring the village, we headed to The Den café on the High Street for something to eat. It turned out to be an excellent choice after the walk, with friendly staff and a tempting selection of sandwiches and baguettes. The portions are generous, and the baguettes make a satisfying lunch after a few miles on the footpaths. I was equally pleased to see the lovely cakes on offer, which made it difficult to resist having something sweet as well. It is a welcoming little place to stop, and a much nicer way to round off the walk than rushing straight back to the car.
In Lower Slaughter you could take a short detour from the route and try The Slaughters Walk which takes you between the two neighbouring villages on the River Eye.
Pubs and More Info
The Mousetrap Inn in Bourton is a good choice for some post walk refreshments. The pub does excellent food and also has its own art gallery with landscape paintings in oil by local artist Silvi Schaumloeffel. There's a cosy, attractive interior with a log fire while outside there's a garden area for warmer days. You can find the inn at Lansdowne with a postcode of GL54 2AR for your sat navs. It's also dog friendly if you have your pet with you on the walk.
In Bourton you could pay a visit to the Cotswold Motoring Museum or Birdland. They are two of the most popular attractions in the area and well worth a visit if you have time.
For an example of a circular walk in the area see the video below.

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Nearby Routes

Gloucestershire Way Windrush Way Stow on the Wold Bourton on the Water The Slaughters

Photos

Stow-on-the-Wold

A scene in the center of Bourton-on-the-Water

Lower Slaughter Mill Calm Cotswolds

Hidden Lower Slaughter. Less than 400 yards from the bit of Lower Slaughter that the tourists visit, but in a different world. This is Lower Slaughter cricket pitch with a few Cotswold stone houses behind that in any other village would receive at least a second glance.

On the Macmillan Way. The Macmillan Way climbs up from Lower Slaughter and continues in a south westerly direction on a good bridleway. Going against the grain of the land there are a lot of small climbs and descents; here we are near the crest of one such small ridge.

The Wardens' Way. A view of this path near Lower Slaughter.

On the Gloucestershire Way. The Gloucestershire Way soon leaves Stow town centre on this path on the west side of the A429. It is also a convenient route for Macmillan Way walkers who have diverted to stay in Stow overnight; not strictly on route but avoids a longer section of road walking. When you are halfway between Lincolnshire and Dorset the odd diversion won't make much difference.

Hyde Mill. Situated spanning the River Dikler, the mill is seen from the Macmillan Way long distance path.

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Stow on the Wold to Bourton on the Water Walk.gpx