Leg 6: Broadwell to Bourton-on-the-Water: Wells, Streams and Rivers…




We enjoyed glorious weather for this walk. There were six of us, and Lily the dog. The regulars, Di and Rod and Deborah and Ali were joined by Steven and Vanessa. 


We started earlier as the weather was forecast to rise to 25 degrees mid-afternoon. Meeting at the Fox Inn in Broadwell, we climbed steadily on the road out of the village, passing the gates to some parkland on the left. At the top we took a cool tree-lined lane which ended in a tarmac access road. 


Following this road brought us to two wells, the first one small, but the second a large rectangular structure, full of water. This Stow Well was built in Roman times - it's said it's never since failed to produce water. Lily didn't need any second invites, she was in like a shot cooling off.


We continued up the access road into Stow-on-the-Wold where we walked down the busy A429 until we came to a footpath for Quarwood Cottage. We continued along a green lane, eventually crossing several fields until we reached the Unicorn Equestrian Centre, part of Nether Swell Manor. Lily was put on the lead here as there several free range hens foraging. 


Walking along a stony track through a gateway, we descended some steps into a field which eventually took us to Hyde Mill. This is now a collection of residential properties but there are remains of its original working days with sluices and the impounded River Dickler.


Pangs of hunger were now beginning to trouble several of the party, so we headed for the shade provided by some large trees, sat down carefully (cows had been there before us enjoying the shade and had left some calling cards) and had our picnic. The shade and a welcome cool breeze made us want to stay longer. However after walking through some more fields we reached Lower Slaughter, ABCV*. Here Lily had another opportunity to cool off in the shallow stream running by the road.


Leaving Lower Slaughter and following signs for the Monarch's Way we came across two young boys who were very welcoming and told us of a shorter route to Bourton-on-the-Water. Although this seemed sensible to take, we decided to plough on on the prescribed route. We walked through a beautiful golden field of wheat 


and, crossing the A429 again, entered Bourton-on-the-Water. The town was packed with tourists but we managed to find a teashop which served takeaways. We drank our teas and iced coffee sitting on a cool, shady wall, resting our tired limbs and fanning our hot faces.





*Another Beautiful Cotswold Village

Blog written by Ali


We are walking in aid of Grassroots Suicide Prevention

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/28-30MonarchsWaywalk2022


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