Walkwise Walking Easter Weekend Bourton on the Water and Cotswolds

During this weekend break the walks are designed to take in the best of these local villages and explore the unrivalled charm and beauty of the Cotswolds. We shall explore the idyllic villages and gentle dales which are criss-crossed by a maze of dry stone walls. We will also pause to visit some of the most stunning villages and distinctive market towns and villages with their very welcoming tea shops, wayside inns and local shops. This area of timeless allure and unique rural atmosphere is where one can walk the fascinating escarpments and through rolling countryside to survey the valleys beneath. Come with us and experience quiet hamlets built, watch the well-kept horses run wild in the open fields and feel the warm ambience of the honeyed Cotswolds stone. 

We shall explore some of the very finest of the Cotswolds Villages, Chipping Campden Willersley and Broadway to name but a few. This area is very varied, gently rolling in nature and includes the open escarpment of Dovers Hill with endless views over the Vale of Evesham, the ancient orchards and the gently rolling parklands of Willersley Castle. Oh and of course there will most definitely be time to seek out those nice refreshments, whether served from the traditional ice cream ladies on the high streets, or if its that very crumbly jam & cream scone, or that refreshing pint of Cotswolds Gold! Hmm such difficult choices on a walk… or we could just have them all

There are walks directly from the house. One such walk takes in the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds the lovely Lower Slaughter and the delightfully quiet hamlets of Upper Slaughter and Naunton. Sweeping around this walk enables you to see the best variety of habitats of the Cotswolds. From the towns to the woodlands; from riverside to hamlet; through fields and ways they all lead you to the Slaughter! In a nice way that is, the hamlets are called Slaughters via the Windrush and the Warden’s Way. It is also possible to just do half of this walk and finish in one of the villages and catch the bus home. Or we can do a figure of 8 which allows people the flexibility to choose their departure time. They will walk out across the farmlands before exploring the lakes after which Bourton was named.  The walk will then continue across to Lower Slaughter where there is a very tempting water side hotel which we may be tempted by, before returning back to house. 

Another lovely day could see us heading out over to Mickleton where the Cotswolds meet Shakespeare country at the Vale of Evesham. Striding out along the Heart of England Way lifts our spirits as we circumnavigate Meon Hill. Next we pick up the fine Centenary Way which whisks us into the charming village of Ilmington mainly built of warm honey coloured local Cotswolds limestone nestling at the foot of the Campden hills. Another beautiful village is next on the agenda, one that shines like a jewel in the Cotswold’s crown before heading past the fine Hidcote Manor back to the cars and the end of a wonderful weekend. 

To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with up to some hills by walk of ascent, and a moderate walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent and often an option to curtail by using a local bus.