The best walks in Bourton-on-the-Water

With the River Windrush burbling through its centre, crossed by a series of elegant little bridges, and flanked by tree-shaded greens, Bourton-on-the-Water is fondly known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. There’s no better place to discover the Cotswolds than this picture-postcard village.

It’s also a popular place for hiking, with a fine array of cosy pubs and tempting bistros for a well-earned reward at the end. So, we’ve put together a list of our favourite Bourton-on-the-Water walks to give you some ideas for your next getaway.

Click the button below to browse our collection of holiday cottages in the village; you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay after you’ve made the most of these scenic walks around Bourton-on-the-Water. Or, why not have a read of our guide to the best walks in the Cotswolds for more inspiration?

Cottages in Bourton-on-the-Water

Skip to:

• Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
• Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold
• Bourton-on-the-Water to Wyck Rissington
• Bourton-on-the-Water to the Slaughters
• Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe
• Walks near Bourton-on-the-Water

Greystones Farm Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for the best family walks in Bourton-on-the-Water, pull on your wellies and head for the ancient meadows and gently flowing rivers of Greystones Farm. One of the top things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, this beautiful nature reserve is cared for by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and is rich in a variety of wildlife, flora, and archaeology.

There are two trails to follow here, the Greystones’ Wildlife Walk and the Time-Travel Trail. Most visitors tend to combine the two trails to form a circular walk of just under 2 miles, which is the perfect length for those seeking short walks in Bourton-on-the-Water. Along the route, you’ll encounter wildflower meadows, Iron Age ramparts, a replica Iron Age roundhouse, a working organic farm, and an interactive Discovery Barn.

Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold

At just over 4 miles, this linear trail is one of our favourite walks from Bourton-on-the-Water as it finishes in another of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds: Stow-on-the-Wold. Heading north from Bourton, the route meanders through the picture-postcard village of Lower Slaughter before crossing a series of fields and drifting alongside the calm waters of the River Dikler.

The trail then follows a section of the Monarch’s Way, past a mill and equestrian centre, and ends with a short stretch of the Fosse Way as you reach Stow. Here, you can reward your aching limbs with a well-deserved slice of homemade cake and a cuppa in one of the town’s friendly tearooms – read our guide to the top 6 English cream teas in the Cotswolds for some inspiration. Then, catch a bus back to Bourton from the Market Square.

Bourton-on-the-Water to Wyck Rissington

Stroll through nature reserves and water meadows, and across two of the smallest rivers in the Cotswolds on this 4.6-mile hike from Bourton-on-the-Water to Wyck Rissington. If you’re looking for one of the best dog walks in Bourton-on-the-Water, then this is a great choice as there is so much for little paws to explore.

From Bourton, the trail heads east through the Greystones Farm Nature Reserve and Salmonsbury Meadows, before crossing the River Eye and River Dikler. Wyck Rissington is the smallest of the four Rissington villages (after Great, Little and Upper), and is a charming olde-worlde destination with its 17th-century stone houses, village green, and church where the composer Gustav Holst was once the organist. Allow enough time to admire this scenic little place, then head across some farmland towards Rissington Mill before looping back towards Bourton along the edge of a glassy lake.

Bourton-on-the-Water to the Slaughters

The 5.4-mile ramble to the timeless twin villages known as the Slaughters is one of the most popular circular walks in Bourton-on-the-Water, and for very good reason – it’s simply stunning! The picturesque route traces the River Windrush west out of Bourton, along part of the Windrush Way. After traversing a series of patchwork fields and peaceful country roads, you’ll reach the chocolate-box village of Upper Slaughter.

Pause to admire St Peter’s Church or treat yourself to a decadent afternoon tea at the Lords of the Manor Hotel, then take a gentle 1-mile stroll along the River Eye to neighbouring Lower Slaughter. Featured in our guide to The Cotswolds’ best hidden gems, this village is the epitome of idyllic Cotswolds charm and has been widely used in TV and film productions.

Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe

If you’re up for a challenge, then this 13.5-mile hike to Winchcombe along the Windrush Way is one of the longest walking trails in Bourton-on-the-Water on our list. This linear route runs west from Bourton along the River Windrush, passing some deserted medieval settlements south of Naunton. A short diversion here to The Black Horse Inn provides an opportunity to rest and refuel as there are no further shops or places to eat until you reach Winchcombe.

The trail then winds through Hawling and travels across the countryside and through some ancient woodland. The highlight of the journey is the last stretch which takes you past the romantic ruins of Sudeley Castle. Stop for a photograph or two before reaching the gorgeous market town of Winchcombe. While there aren’t any direct buses from Winchcombe to Bourton, you can make a change at Cheltenham to head back to your starting point.  

Walks near Bourton-on-the-Water

As well as the great options listed above, there are also plenty more walks near Bourton-on-the-Water to try during your stay. Many can be reached via a short drive or bus journey. Here are a few of our favourites:

Choose your self-catering cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water

After a wonderful day in the fresh, country air, making the most of these exceptional walking routes in Bourton-on-the-Water, nothing beats putting your feet up and relaxing in a cosy cottage in the Cotswolds.

We’ve got a wide choice of holiday cottages in Bourton-on-the-Water, from romantic retreats for couples to fun-filled holiday lets for the whole family. Click on the button below to browse our full collection of self-catering accommodation.

Browse our cottages in Bourton-on-the-Water