The Cotswolds Outstanding Hike – 30 Km – Bledington – Icomb – Bourton-On-The-Water- Oxfordshire Pathway

August 5, 2020

Today, with immense gratitude, I share a remarkable hiking experience, a 9-hour adventure along the Oxfordshire Way. I had the pleasure of undertaking this hike with my dear friend Misha and her partner Martin, both seasoned hikers whose escapades always leave me inspired.

The day unfolded with a 30-minute bike ride from West London to Paddington Station, where I met my fellow hikers. The off-peak return train ticket to Moreton-in-Marsh station came to GBP42.80. Aware that this hike promised to be challenging, especially after a restless night’s sleep, I found solace in the prospect of exploring the picturesque English countryside alongside wonderful companions.

Misha, my adventurous friend, suggested that we alight one station before Moreton-in-Marsh, opting to commence our hike from Kingham. Arriving at 11:20 am, we wasted no time and set off promptly on our expedition.

Our first stop on the journey was Bledington, a charming town nestled in the scenic Evenlode Valley, intersected by a section of the Oxfordshire Way. Captivated by its allure, we paused at the Church of St Leonard. Originally constructed in the 12th century, this stone marvel stands as one of the Cotswolds’ gems, earning the prestigious Grade I listing for buildings of exceptional interest. Although we couldn’t explore its interiors, relishing the medieval stone façade was a delightful experience in itself.

During our time in Bledington, a stroke of luck led us to a delightful encounter with Aramis the Shetland. Out for his afternoon walk, this sweet little pony added an unexpected and charming touch to our journey.

Pressing on, we continued our journey toward Icomb, traversing through picturesque green landscapes and passing by a serene reservoir. Here, we had the pleasure of observing tiny dragonflies, their vibrant blue hues dancing gracefully amidst the lush green surroundings.

Reaching Icomb around 1:10 pm, we meandered through this serene Cotswold village, taking in the enchanting views of historic cottages and marvelling at incredible medieval carvings. Misha, particularly thrilled, discovered St Mary the Virgin Church and was eager for a moment of private prayer, seeking solace and blessings.

Navigating through the stunning and undulating grassland, we were treated to a captivating sight—well-dressed horses gracing the area. The unique view left me utterly astonished, an unexpected delight amid our journey.

Our journey pressed on towards Wick Rissington, still tracing the Oxfordshire pathway and revealing in more breathtaking views of woodlands and ponds. This quaint village unfolds along a picturesque green stretch, spanning half a mile. As we strolled, we stumbled upon a small yet refreshing stream where local children gleefully played, infusing the village with joy. Wick Rissington, renowned for its “unspoilt” charm, boasts stunning Cotswold stone cottages. By 2:30 pm, we resumed our journey, passing through the Greystones Farm Natural Reserve, eagerly anticipating our next stop: lunch at Bourton-on-the-Water.

Reaching Bourton-on-the-Water at 3 pm was a moment of joy as it marked our lunch and resting stop. Stepping into the village felt like walking into the pages of a fictional children’s story.

The stone houses, charming bridges, and the natural rural vibe created an enchanting ambience. It was a special place indeed. Despite the closure of shops, cafes, restaurants, attractions, and hotels (a characteristic of mid-June 2020), the vibrant spirit of the local people was evident. Many were relishing picnics, adding to the lively atmosphere that persisted despite the circumstances.

Amid the scenic outdoors, everyone seemed to revel in joy, relaxing by the shores of the River Windrush. This river gracefully winds not only through Bourton-on-the-Water but also through various parts of the Cotswolds and rural areas before converging with the Thames on its journey to London and the sea. Post-lunch, we explored the village further and discovered why it’s often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds.’ The pretty bridges that gracefully span the flowing River Windrush, weaving through the town centre, add to the village’s enchanting character.

Continuing our journey, we left Bourton-on-The-Water behind and ventured through unspoiled fields and natural woodlands, passing by Cold Aston and Naunton. Along the way, we encountered babbling water streams and an array of animals: from horses and sheep to even little tiny frogs! As we strolled through Naunton, captivated by one of the charming cottages, we were pleasantly surprised when the owner, Mary, emerged.

Her warm invitation to explore her beautiful garden and historic home added an unexpected highlight to our day. Mary generously shared stories about life in the village and her experiences, including insights into the changing ownership landscape of Cotswold cottages. According to her, many now belonged to affluent individuals, particularly bankers from Hong Kong, a fascinating tidbit of local knowledge.

Expressing our gratitude to Mary for her warm hospitality, we resumed our journey towards Lower Slaughter and then Upper Slaughter. Initially estimating a hiking length of 27 km, we were surprised to find that we had already covered 30 km. As the realisation dawned on us, it was nearly 9 pm, and the last train service to London awaited at Moreton-In-Marsh train station. Exhausted after a 9-hour hike, the prospect of rushing was not appealing. Yet, there was a looming risk of being stranded if we didn’t pick up the pace.

At that point, I remember fantasising that someone would come across and offer to take us to the train station so we would not miss our last train to London. All types of accommodations in the area were closed due to the Covid restrictions, so it was a bit worrying for a moment.

But worry not, as it was then when we spotted two ladies driving a Zip-Car, they were noticeably also having a day out around the area. And for some reason, they stopped exactly where we were walking by…Voila, as you know I believe that human solidarity still exists, and it did exist for us that day. Martin approached them and asked them to take us to the train station. And the two pretty ladies, one from France and the other open from the USA kindly gave us the 15 minutes’ drive-ride to Moreton-in-Marsh. We managed to catch the last train at 9:54 pm! Phew. Happy days.