Return to the Cotswolds

As we approach our one year anniversary here in the UK Merrilyn and I wanted to return to the Cotswold's - a place we visited and loved in our first week here.

This time around we travelled with the Wimalajeewa's heading out in convoy a little after 9:30am. The plan was to arrive at Bourton-on-the-Water (a place we hadn't seen before) and then walk to Lower Slaughter.

Parking the car we had a brief tour of the High Street before finding the Duke of Wellington (not a very unique name!) pub with an outdoor beer garden nestled against the River Windrush. I got stuck in to a Stilton Ploughman's and James poked at some roast beef with Yorkshire Pudding. The food was reasonable but there was a mixup with the order. The waiter was on his second day and not very confident at all. In the end the manager came out and had to retake the order - delaying us about 30 minutes. But its a delightful place to spend time so no harm done.

We got some directions to the footpath leading to Lower Slaughter. Its just beyond the village perimeter and about a 15 minute walk - apparently! Although we found the footpath it was a little under 4 miles to the Slaughters which took us all about a hour to complete. In hindsight I think we probably took the wrong path. However, we were rewarded with a lovely Spring walk through fields bursting with flowering rape crops.

Arriving between Upper and Lower Slaughter we walked along the River Eye we stopped at the Old Mill for an ice cream. Well deserved. We then took a stroll around the village. It was a little strange to see the same houses and gardens at almost exactly one year past. In comparison I'd have to say that there were not as many tulips out although the blossom and Wisteria are just as impressive.

We stopped for tea and scones at the magnificent Washbourne Hotel. James had fun with Aaron and Rohan pretending to fish in the pod and - of course - throwing stones. Getting late, UD and I returned to Burton-on-the-Water and retrieved the cars. James, of course, fell sound asleep in the car. He had such fun with his friends.

Photos are here.