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Start at Rissington Road council car park in Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BN. Leave by the northern pedestrian exit and follow the pavement towards the village, cross Clapton Road bridge and turn right along the riverside path to the central footbridge. Cross to the High Street side and take the Oxfordshire Way alley to Station Road. Cross carefully and follow Cemetery Lane, turning into Greystones Lane. Pass the farm buildings and replica Iron Age roundhouse, then follow the all-year inner trail through the reserve to the Oxfordshire Way. Turn right across the meadow and cross the River Eye and River Dikler on bridges. Continue on the stone track to Wyck Rissington.
Turn right along the village road, passing the pond and St Laurence Church, where Gustav Holst was once organist. At the sharp left bend continue ahead on the winding track. Turn right at the field junction, then left through the gate and follow the fields south to the Rissington Mill drive. Turn right on the drive and leave through the signed pedestrian gate before the private garden. Cross the two small bridges and follow the streamside field path back towards Bourton. At the lakeside track turn left towards Cemetery Lane, then follow the lane and the path beside the cemetery to Station Road. Retrace the village and pavement approach to the car park. This return uses the direct public track to Cemetery Lane rather than circling the small fishing lake.
Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for this mostly level circuit, including the parking approach and brief village stops. There are grass paths, stone tracks, short lanes and several gates and bridge steps. Mud and standing water can make the river meadows difficult after rain, so wear suitable footwear and turn back if a bridge approach is flooded. Keep dogs on leads in Greystones and around livestock. The seasonal meadow loop at Greystones is not part of this walk. Wyck Rissington has no shops or pub; Bourton has cafes, shops and public toilets. Parking charges apply: check the signs and buy enough time for the walk. Follow current signs and any temporary restrictions.
Route and access information checked against the Cotswolds National Landscape Bourton and Wyck Rissington guide, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust trail map, Gloucestershire County Council closure map and Cotswold District Council parking information.
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