Cotswold Walks The Slaughters

Guided by the book 'Walking the Cotswolds with Children' by Dave Meredith. Published by Sigma Leisure. The Cotswold Slaughters, upper and lower, are the thinking man’s Bourton on the Water, just as beautiful but without the ‘tourist merchandise shops', so a lot quieter. In fact the Slaughters are within walking distance of Bourton on the Water, and not very far from Stow on the Wold, another Cotswold Honey pot and sometimes referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds. Lower Slaughter has a grand old mill now turned into a museum which is well worth a visit if you are looking for something to do on a day out. The clear waters of the mill stream meander through the villages in timeless fashion. The mill was last used commercially in 1960 There are some stunning buildings here including the old manor house Church of St Mary and grand building housing restaurants. Upper Slaughter is reached by following the mill stream up river, again lovely mellow Cotswold stone buildings are laid out in eye appealing fashion, and the river ford at the bottom of the village provides some entertainment or a chance to paddle if you feel inclined. Wandering about will lead to the discovery of the old water pump, the old school building and terraced workers houses sitting quietly by the river eye. The walk is flat and easy, but boots would be needed after a wet spell.