Off along the River Windrush (Bourton-on-the Water)
This is my final blog set in the Cotswolds. The final walk of my holiday was to Upper and Lower Slaughter. Both were pretty, but Lower Slaughter was exceptional. While my walking partners were off on the trail there, I was the one hanging back taking photos and then having to jog to catch up with them. I would have liked longer to look around, and I guess that's the beauty of walking alone, which I do a lot. No one else to please but yourself. You can stop when you like. However, it was nice to have the company of like-minded people (all writers).
I was ribbed for taking a photo of the muddy field. I said it made a nice contrast against the trees. And anyway, there were far worse fields that were waterlogged.
Upper Slaughter is one of only a few places without a war memorial. All those who went to war from the village came back. To an extent that left some who fought feeling guilty when so many died. We visited the St Peter's church in Upper Slaughter.
St Peter's Church, Upper Slaughter
Drizzle threatened as we sat outside the church, but luckily it didn't persist and we made it back to the hotel without getting wet. Once we set off again we had to do a detour as the usual way was blocked by footpath/river works.
Upper Slaughter and the blocked pathway
Upper Slaughter
We followed another path and came to a mill which was impressive. Around the corner we came into Lower Slaughter, a village which holds many prizes for runner-up and winner of 'Best Kept Village'. I can understand why. I fell in love with it.
Mud, mud, glorious mud!
Mill, Lower Slaughter
Lower Slaughter
Best Kept Village
Afterwards we headed back to Bourton following the river. Before dinner there was a boat race. Several holiday makers had made little boats out of whatever they could find. We voted for the one we felt was the best made and betted on the one we thought would win. Funds raised went to help maintain pathways and to pay for holidays for those least able to afford them. Once everyone was ready, we set off out to the river and launched the boats off one of the bridges in Bourton. The walk leaders fished them all out further down stream. It made for a fun activity to watch.
The boat voted best made on the right and ready for the off at the bridge! Short video (you may have to copy and paste this link into your browser as I'm not sure the video has loaded, but try it first) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPOYGsIoW9E
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