Walking Routes in Bourton-on-the-Water

Explore the scenic and historic walking routes around Bourton-on-the-Water, offering stunning views, fascinating archaeology, and a chance to connect with nature.

Bourton-on-the-Water Circular Walk 1

Farm, Ramparts, and Roundhouse
Distance: 3 km (1.8 miles) | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 14 m (46 ft)

Start: War Memorial, Bourton-on-the-Water High Street (SP167207)
Parking: Rissington Road car park (GL54 2BN, chargeable), Station Road car park (GL54 2EN, chargeable).
Toilets: Available at Station Road car park and the High Street.

This easy circular walk takes you through Greystones Farm Nature Reserve, a peaceful area rich in wildlife and history. The route includes a visit to an Iron Age Roundhouse and beautiful meadows. It’s an ideal outing for families and those interested in archaeology and nature.

Route Description

  1. Start at the War Memorial on Bourton High Street, walk alongside the River Windrush to the first bridge.
  2. Cross the bridge and follow the Oxfordshire Way sign down an alley towards Station Road.
  3. Take a right onto Cemetery Lane, then onto Greystones Lane to enter Greystones Farm.
  4. Visit the Discovery Barn at the farm for insights into local history and wildlife.
  5. Continue along the path to the Ramparts and past the Salmonsbury Stone, an ancient meeting place.
  6. Walk towards the Iron Age Roundhouse for a glimpse into history.
  7. Cross meadows, passing information points, and return via Cemetery Lane back to Station Road.

Things to See Along the Way

  • Wildflowers and wildlife: Southern marsh orchids, ragged robin, and birds such as swallows and pied wagtails.
  • The Salmonsbury Stone: An ancient Saxon meeting place.
  • The Iron Age Roundhouse: A historic site offering insights into the Iron Age.

Additional Information

  • Dog Walking: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, especially around cattle. Please clean up after your dog.
  • Accessibility: Suitable for pushchairs and mobility scooters in good conditions, but muddy paths can make it more difficult in wet weather.
  • History: The walk covers 6,000 years of history, including Neolithic burial mounds and Iron Age ramparts.

Bourton-on-the-Water Circular Walk 2

Four Crossings of the Windrush
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) | Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation: 16 m (52 ft)

Start: Rissington Road car park (GL54 2BN)
Toilets: Available at Rissington Road car park.

This scenic circular walk takes you across tranquil lakes, through farmland, and along the beautiful River Windrush. The route includes four crossings of the river, offering stunning views and opportunities for birdwatching.

Route Description

  1. Start at the Rissington Road car park, cross the road, and turn right onto Marshmouth Lane.
  2. Continue along Marshmouth Lane, crossing the River Windrush. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds and otters.
  3. After ½ mile, reach a field gate and continue along a stony track until a path junction before Lower Marsh Farm.
  4. Cross the Windrush multiple times, passing through fields and across small bridges.
  5. Walk along two lakes and explore the path leading towards Clapton-on-the-Hill with beautiful views.
  6. Finish the walk with the final crossing of the Windrush, returning back to the car park.

Things to Look Out For

  • Wildlife: Great opportunities for birdwatching, including skylarks, partridges, and kingfishers.
  • Historical Sites: Neolithic burial mounds and Iron Age Uffington Castle.

Additional Information

  • Dog Walking: Dogs must be kept on a lead, particularly during the nesting season (March 1st to July 31st).
  • Accessibility: The first part of the walk is suitable for buggies, but it becomes less accessible after the second point.
  • Environment: Be sure to take your litter home and respect the countryside by keeping gates as you find them.
Bourton-on-the-Water Circular Walk 2