Exploring the Cotswolds Day 2

I had been told so many places that I HAD to see in the Cotswolds that there was no way I would get to all of them.

In the end, I concentrated on a couple of villages near each other: Stow-on-the-Wold,  Bourton-on-the-Water, and Upper and Lower Slaughter.

Stow-on-the-Wold is a quintessential Cotswold village, with a market square, a very old Church, and so many picturesque buildings. They no longer have a Visitor's Information, but the Library was able to provide me with 2 options for a walk around the town and beyond.St Edwards - a medieval church - is famous for one of its doors, which they has nicknamed the Hobbit door.

The walk led me down past some lovely old buildings, then out into a tree lined lane. Part of the route was along the Fosse Way - an old Roman road that extends much of the length of England. The route took me past farms, and Equestrian Centre and some beautiful manor houses.

Next stop was Boughton-on-the-Water. Actually, one of the walking options was from Stow-on-the-Wold to Boughton-on-the-Water, but it was easier to drive the few miles.

They have an excellent large parking area, for a minimal cost. I then set off the Slaughters - Lower and Upper along the Wardens Way. That's Beatrice, my travelling companion, checking the route.

Lower Slaughter is a huge tourist attraction - it was packed with people. It was actually the first time I felt surrounded by other tourists. It is very picturesque, with an old mill  and lovely old buildings either side of the stream.

I took the road up to Upper Slaughter - very peaceful after the crush of Lower Slaughter. 

I have no idea why this was in a field, but couldn't resist the photo.

I should have a separate post on 'uses for old phone boxes'. 

Then it was back along the Wardens way, through tp Bourton.  It is described as the Venice of the Cotswolds, with 7 bridges over the river along a lovely park. The phot has managed to avoid almost all the people.

I had to get back to return the car, so I didn't linger. I'm sure there was much more to see!