Lower and Upper Slaughter - Naunton - Lower Slaughter

Sean Meek

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The twin villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter lie on the shallow River Eye, a few miles north of Bourton-on-the-Water. With its flower-draped cottages, stone footbridges and picturesque water mill, the small village of Lower Slaughter hasn't changed for more than a century, and is considered to be one of the most unspoilt villages in the Cotswolds. It has a restored nineteenth century flour mill that was last used commercially in 1958. The chimney is made of red brick, in sharp contrast to the other buildings in both villages, which are made from the traditional Cotswold stone. The mill has now become a museum and features a giant working waterwheel and has a tea room and ice cream parlour for visitors.

The walk starts by following a popular route along the Eye valley to the equally impressive Upper Slaughter, you are unlikely to have this part of the walk to yourselves. The walk continues to follow the Eye Valley after leaving the Slaughters, before climbing out to head over to Naunton in the Windrush valley. There is a short section of busy road to walk along to join up with the path to Naunton. The village itself is not as well known as the neighbouring Slaughters, but it is equally as charming, but quieter to go with it. There is a popular pub here, that would be a great place to stop for a drink or food, before heading back. The route follows the Windrush valley, staying close to the river a lot of the time, with some climbs up the side of the valley.

England - South West England - Gloucestershire - Cotswolds