Cotswolds: Walking to the gorgeous Slaughters

From Bourton-on-the-Water
to Stow-on-the-Wold
(via the Slaughters)

Hello there!

Today we are bringing the second chapter of the Cotswolds series, probably our favorite day during our last travel: we walked from Bourton-on-the-water to Stow-on-the-wold, were astonished with the beauty of the picturesque Slaughters and found new “friends” amongst green fields.

If you are also interested in visiting this area with public transport, it’s quite re-assuring to know that google maps is indeed updated with the local buses info. Since we used a variation this official walk to include a visit to the Slaughters towns, we are attaching our map so you can use our route too:

Put on your walking shoes and follow us!

Moreton-in-marsh

As we mentioned on the first Cotswolds post, we set our home base at Moreton-in-marsh, which has good public transportation connections to travel to other towns of the area.

We knew we were very interested in not only visiting the villages but also making the most of the National Trust walking trails of the area. Lately I’ve been quite stressed out due to the work load, so one thing we were looking forward of this travel was not feeling any pressure at all, just get the most of our surroundings at our own pace. And the Cotswolds delivered a lot! It was the perfect rural experience for us.

Our hotel, the Manor house, had the most amazing greenhouse-looking breakfast area. Oh! and perfect boiled eggs to taste.

Views from the bus stop, having a cheese store is definitely a plus.

Bourton-in-the-water

The official walk in fact advises to make this route the other way round, due to the uphill level difference near Stow-on-the-Wold, but being the rebels we are (ha!), we started the day at Bourton. It’s a very popular town so being a morning trouper is rewarding photography-wise (aka not so many people in the frame). Also, we had a bakery on our radar with delicious pastries, and what’s better than a mouth-watering breakfast during your trip? Having two, of course!

As a side note, talking about rebels, have you already watched the new Star Wars trailer? Dani is very excited and wants to buy the tickets, do you already have them?

Can you spot the candy store on my back? Hence the excitement.

A tiny vintage flea market that tempted us with a plate & cup set decorated with illustrations from Beatrix Potter tales. Why I didn’t take it back home is now beyond me (why?!).

Bourton was indeed a magical place with it’s grand canal. We arrived at around 9:30 and were able to witness how the town wakes up, tourists were still slowly getting here and were able to enjoy it almost alone. Also I am biased because our bellies were super happy thanks to the pastries from Bakery on the Water, an artisan spot that you can’t miss. Best scones ever, best Chelsea buns ever (yumm!)

Walk to Lower Slaughter

Behind the church and walking past an school, the walking road to Lower Slaughter starts. The walk alongside a stream is very easy and refreshing, oh! and I got to talk with a pony (my childhood dream!) and admire gorgeous horses.

Lower & Upper Slaughter

I fell crazy in love with Lower Slaughter, it’s exactly what I was looking for to our visit in the Cotswolds with its amazing 16th century sandstone houses, the Eye river and the 13th century parish church. I would move to any of those houses in the blink of an eye, wouldn’t you?

I dreamt how it would be to have such a different life, in a cottage house and in such a quaint community. Do you live in a small place similar to “Stars Hollows” (Gilmore Girls) with town meetings and all? I’ve always thought I am a city girl (specially for the foodie dates, movie theaters & museum exhibitions) but sometimes I like to think how it would be to be a blogger as main job in a place like this.

We also stumbled upon a group of people riding horses while they were crossing the river to allow them to drink. Such a special moment!

This beautiful green hill is the 20-minute walk to Upper Slaughter, worth even just for the hike itself.

Walk from Lower Slaughter to Stow-on-the-Wold

After our visit to Upper Slaughter, which is less crowded but, to be completely frank, less impressive than it’s lower counterpart, we started the longer part of of our trail heading to Stow-on-the-wold.

Although the hike is not difficult to follow, we got a little mislead by the fact that the trail crosses a field full with cows. We double-checked and finally went for it with enthusiasm. I later learnt that there are national trails in England going through private fields and farms because they were traditionally public roads. So again, does any of our English pals know if that’s accurate?

Stow-on-the-Wold

And we finlly arrived to Stow-on-the-wold, with all the stores already closed but still with a little time to explore before catching the last bus back home (a.k.a Moreton-in-marsh). I specially recommend the 13th century fairytale door at St.Edward’s Church, flanked by trees. Check the last two pictures to see it! I still can’t believe this was real life: goosebumps!

Thanks for getting down here in this quite long post, it was very hard to narrow it down to only these pictures. For the next chapter of the Cotswolds we will share quite a different view, so make sure to stay tuned!

I can’t end this post without mentioning how I would like this post to be a reminder of the beautiful things this world is offering us if we wish to look closer. So many problems around with Portugal & Spain forests burning down due to human maliciousness, terrorist attacks and hurricanes destroying lives. Hope everything looks brighter soon! My heart goes with everyone suffering, I deeply hope this beautiful images can cheer you up for a second.

A quick reminder that we have a giveaway of an amazing wood watch by JORD on the blog
don’t forget to enter
Million thanks to everyone participating, it’s so important for us to have your support in opportunities like this!