T

here is no doubt about it, the best way of really immersing yourself in the countryside of the Cotswolds - and those crazily named villages that seem straight out of a Wind-in-the-Willows story - is with a good, old-fashioned walk, and the route between the Slaughters and Bourton-on-the-Water ticks every box on the Cotswold checklist.

At 11 miles in length though, this is no gentle ramble, so make sure you pack a stout pair of walking boots. As you leave Bourton, you’ll join with River Windrush which will be your companion for the first five miles or so of the walk as you head out into the Cotswold countryside proper and traverse woodland and meadows.

Around halfway, you’ll hit the village of Naunton, at which point it’s time to visit the village pub for half time refreshments. Be warned: this is the only spot on the entire route you can replenish, so make sure you pack some snacks at the offset if you don’t want to be caught short.

After leaving Naunton, the final stretch towards Bourton will see you meet Fosse Way, an old Roman Road, before arrival in Bourton itself. You’ll be ruddy cheeked, be ready for another pitstop pint and, more importantly, have journeyed right into the heart of Cotswold Country.