Lower and Upper Slaughter Circular Walk

The Slaughters – Upper and Lower Slaughter – are two really pretty, really small villages that are super scenic and close to each other – a perfect short walk in the Cotswolds where you really feel you’ve found two hidden gems. Great for families who are looking for a walk with kids but nothing to long or taxing.

2 miles/ 3.2 km

Highlights: Walk past beautiful riverside trails, the historic watermill, beautiful cotswold stone villages and stone bridges. We loved the shallow water in the ford at Upper Slaughter for the kids to play in.

Parking: Park in Lower Slaughter, on the street for free – Copsehill Road, opposite the Slaughters Manor House Hotel. There is no dedicated parking and spaces are limited – please park considerately.

Eat / Drink: In Lower Slaughter you have a few options – The cafe at the Old Mill; The Slaughters Country Inn or there is also a hotel – The Slaughters Manor House Hotel. In Upper Slaughter there is only the Lord of the Manor Hotel – a luxury dining hotel.

Dogs: Of Course! This is a prime dog walking area. Be aware to keep dogs on leads when walking through fields with livestock.

Terrain: Easy – rock and dirt path, mainly level with some gentle inclines.

Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs – rock and dirt path, grassy paths and stiles.

Step by Step:

1. START AT LOWER SLAUGHTER

After parking the car, walk down the ‘main street’ of Lower Slaughter, Copsehill Road.

2. THE WARDENS WAY

Walk along the street until you get to the Old Mill. After the Mill turn left on to the well signposted Wardens Way.

3. ACROSS THE FEILDS

Continue along the Wardens way, crossing the fields for about 1 mile. The path is well signposted and clear, and soon you will see the Lord of the Manor Hotel in Upper Slaughter.

4. LOOP AROUND UPPER SLAUGHTER

A narrow alley will take you past the back of the hotel gardens and back on to the road. Turn left, walking up to the church where you can visit the ford with its attractive stone bridges and clear water – a perfect stop for a picnic and a paddle for children.

5. BACK ACROSS THE FIELDS

Head back to the Lord of The Manor Hotel, and back the way you came until you again reach the Old Mill at Lower Slaughter and then back to the car (with a stop at the Slaughters Country Inn first 😀)