Windrush Circuit

Walk Overview

The Windrush Circuit is a shorter circular walk from and to the renowned Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water . The route covers 42 kilometres (26 miles) and is usually completed in two days of walking with an average daily walking distance of 21 kilometres (13 miles).

The walk commences and finishes in the extremely picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water where most of the buildings date back to the seventeenth century. The Windrush River runs through the High Street and is straddled by a series of elegant low stone bridges (hence, the village’s nickname - “Venice of the Cotswolds”). Bourton is well-stocked with pubs, inns, hotels, tearooms and restaurants. Other popular local attractions include the Cotswold Motoring Museum and the Model Village which houses a 1930s scale replica of the village. In summer, an annual game of medieval football is held in the middle of town in the river with crowds lining the banks and everyone getting very wet.

The Windrush Circuit offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the lush Windrush Valley and to walk in some of the most scenic parts of the Cotswold countryside. The path wends its way through several beautiful historic villages (including Naunton and Guiting Power) and the hamlets of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. Despite their names, the Slaughters are considered to be amongst the prettiest settlements in the Cotswolds. As such, they are much photographed and feature heavily in films and television productions. Lower Slaughter has a historic mill whilst Upper Slaughter contains the remains of a Norman castle.

The attractive village of Winchcombe is the overnight stop and also an excellent place for a rest day as there are some excellent nearby attractions. These include:

• Sudeley Castle and Gardens which was home to Catherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.

• Stanway House and Gardens, another significant estate featuring a Jacobean manor house and restored eighteenth century water gardens.

• The ruins of Hailes Abbey, a popular historic and picturesque site. 

The scenery varies along the Windrush Circuit and includes open farmland, wide valleys, hilltop vistas, tranquil woodlands and hedge lined laneways. You will soon discover why the Cotswolds region is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Windrush Circuit covers 42 kilometres (26 miles) and generally takes two days of walking. Your total trip duration then depends on whether you incorporate rest days and, if so, how many.

Assistance and further information:

• For assistance in walking the Windrush Circuit, click the button below:

• For more information on walking in The Cotswolds, click the button below:

• A two day itinerary for walking the Windrush Circuit is described below.

Itinerary

The walk takes about 2 days to complete. A typical two day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Bourton-on-the-Water to Winchcombe

Distance: 21 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast, Hotels

Day 2

Winchcombe to Bourton-on-the Water

Distance: 21 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast, Hotels

Walk Options

Guided

There are currently no walking tour operators who offer the Windrush Circuit as a guided trip. There are tour operators who offer to guide other walks in the Cotswold region. Generally, with these options, comfortable or luxury accommodation is offered at one central base and walkers are transferred to and from a section of the walk each day.

Typically, the package offered by these operators include:

• Walking tour with professional guides

• Accommodation at a central base

• All meals

• Transfers between the trail and the accommodation

Assisted self-guided

Several tour operators offer self-guided trips covering the Windrush Circuit.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation (As a popular tourist destination, the Cotswolds offers a wide range of accommodation. The offerings of the tour operators vary considerably - some offer luxury accommodation (where available), while others focus on more basic lodgings. Pricing varies accordingly.)

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 support

The duration of the self-guided options varies depending upon how far you wish to walk each day. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

It’s quite feasible to book accommodation along the route yourself and, if you require luggage transfers, to arrange that independently.

For those considering this option, it’s worth noting that the self-guided tour operators often have preferred rates with accommodation providers and luggage transfer companies. They also often have reserved allocations at the best-located/most suitable accommodation for the particular walk, so sometimes when accommodation shows no availability to an independent inquiry there’s still availability through a self-guided operator.

Also, be aware that the Cotswolds is a popular destination for both local and overseas travellers, so during the holiday season it will usually be necessary to book accommodation well ahead of your visit.

Essential Information

Access

The starting point for the Windrush Circuit is Bourton-on-the-Water. 

Bourton-on-the-Water is readily accessible by public transport. 

There are regular trains between London’s Paddington Station and Moreton-in-Marsh. From there, walkers take a bus to Bourton-on-the-Water.

Best time

The best time to do the walk is between March and November.

In spring and summer vivid wildflowers (especially bluebells and daffodils) adorn the route and then in September and October the autumnal foliage colours the landscape with various shades of pastel.

Difficulty

This walk is rated at a difficulty level of easy. It is waymarked and is generally well-defined and maintained.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options at the start and finish of the Windrush Circuit (Bourton-on-the-Water) and, generally, plenty along the route. Accommodation options include camping, hostels, B&B’s, guesthouses, inns and hotels.

Many of the accommodation providers, particularly those near to the route, are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers.

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing special dining options along the route.

Other activities

As a popular tourist destination, the Cotswolds offers many attractions in addition to the Windrush Circuit.

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other attractions. Some will do that through rest days along the trail; others prefer ‘add-ons’ at the end of the walk. Some do both!

We can assist walkers to explore the many attractions of the Cotswolds.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.