The Best Walks and Hikes Around Bourton-on-the-Water
There’s a lot to do in and around Bourton-on-the-Water, like the famous model village and the much-loved Birdland. However, one of the best things to do in and around Bourton-on-the-Water is to pull on your boots, grab your backpack, and head out for a walk in the countryside.
There are lots of lovely walks in this part of the Cotswolds. Whether you’re after a leisurely, post-lunch stroll with your family or fancy something a bit more challenging, you’ll find the right path at Bourton-on-the-Water. Here are a few of our favourite walking routes.
Upper Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water
Let’s start with a simple and lovely walk – and an essential one, as it takes you from Upper Slaughter (where our hotel is) down to Bourton-on-the-Water. You can pick up the Warden’s Way, which gives you an easy walk into the larger village.
However, if you want a longer walk, there’s a circular route that encompasses Bourton-on-the-Water and both Slaughters, Upper and Lower.
This 5.5-mile walk is a great way to get to know the local area. Allow around four hours, because there’s so much to see on the way, not least the three villages.
A circular walk around Bourton-on-the-Water
This four-mile circular walk is a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon. Start at Bourton, then follow the trail through gorgeous countryside to the village of Wyck Rissington. Head back to Bourton-on-the-Water through the fields.
Allow enough time to pause in Wyck for a bit. It’s a pretty and unspoilt place. Gustav Holst once worked here as the church organist. There’s a Norman church, a tranquil village green and pond, and more unusually, a mosaic maze.
This easy walk also takes in three rivers: the Windrush, the Eye and the Dickler. Arrive back in Bourton in time for an evening meal at the Mousetrap. Find out more about this pleasant circular walk.
Walking the Windrush Way to Bourton-on-the-Water
Feeling like a good, long walk? This 14-mile hike takes the Windrush Way from Winchcombe to Bourton-on-the-Water. The Windrush Way itself is the footpath equivalent of a link road (although much prettier). It joins the Cotswold Way at Winchcombe with the Oxfordshire way at Bourton. It’s named after the River Windrush, which begins in the Cotswold Hills and joins the Thames at Newbridge.
The route takes in some beautiful Cotswold features, such as ancient woodlands, deserted medieval settlements and the must-see Sudeley Castle. Here’s a detailed guide to the Windrush Way route.
It’s quite a challenging walk, and you’re unlikely to want to walk both directions in a day! There isn’t a direct bus to Winchcombe from Bourton, but you can change at Cheltenham. Alternatively, take a taxi, or manage some fancy juggling using two cars.
Greystones Nature Reserve in Bourton-on-the-Water
The walks around Greystones Farm are some of the best routes around here for families. Your kids and (leashed) dogs will love discovering the varied landscape and meandering River Eye. There’s a choice of two trails, Greystones’ Wildlife Walk and the Time-Travel Trail. If you want to have a longer walk, the Oxfordshire Way also passes through the reserve.
The reserve’s own paths are accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There aren’t any slopes or stiles, making this a lovely place for a relaxed trip out.
Park in the village, then when you get to the reserve, start at the visitor centre. When it’s open, the reconstructed Iron Age roundhouse is a must-visit place. Greystones is open all year, although certain sections are closed in the winter to protect the wildlife.
Walks near Bourton-on-the-Water
As well as walks in and around Bourton-on-the-Water, there are plenty of routes just a short drive or bus journey away.
The Leckington Loop starts and ends at the Seven Springs near Cheltenham, passing through woods and an Iron Age hillfort.
Walk up to the highest point in the Cotswolds for some incredible views. The Cleve Hill Common route is a six-mile walk that passes through diverse landscapes.
One of the most popular walks in the Cotswolds is the Cotswold Way path from Broadway village up to Broadway Tower. Again, you’re rewarded with views (and a cafe).
And after your walk? Unwind with us at Lords of the Manor, with a well-earned meal in one of our restaurants, followed by a good night’s sleep in a super-comfy bed.