WALKING IS EASY ON

Although in wintertime - and there is something magical about a walk along the tranquil River Eye of the year, writes Jack B. Walker.

This is also a particularly easy route to follow and is suitable for all abilities. It can be started from either Lower or Upper Slaughter, but this one sets off from Upper Slaughter, where there is some parking in the little square near the church.

Walk up to the lane to the right of St Peter’s, passing the old school on your left, descend to the ford, cross over the bridge (1) and turn right. Follow the lane until in meets a road, (2) and bear right for a short distance, looking for a waymarked footpath on your left (3)

Go down the path, which runs along the gardens of the Lords of the Manor Hotel, cross over the footbridge, and follow the Warden’s Way footpath to the right (4) traversing a field to reach the more famous village of Lower Slaughter (5). The River Eye is to your right.

On reaching Mill Lane in Lower Slaughter, walk ahead and slightly right into Malthus Lane (6) which winds between cottages to reach a triangular green with the old well at its centre, on the banks of the river.

Bear left and walk to the road bridge. Cross over the bridge, and bear right to follow the river bank with the village hall to your left (7) The Slaughters Country Inn is near the end of the bridge.

The view to your right is one of the most photographed in the Cotswolds. Just past the road junction on the left, cross the footbridge and bear left to pass to reach the Old Mill, where there is now a museum and gift shop. Pass the museum and turn left back on to the Wardens Way, (6) retracing your steps to Upper Slaughter.

PLAYHOUSE, CHELTENHAM

THE GUILDHALL, GLOUCESTER

9 DEC GIGGLEBOX COMEDY 17 DEC AMPLI YULTIDE ALL-DAY EVENT www.gloucsterguildhall.co.uk

THE HENRICIAN, EVESHAM

11 DEC BRETFORTON SILVER BAND 18-22 JAN JACK & THE BEANSTALK www.henrician.org

THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD

15-16 DEC A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3-31 DEC SNOW WHITE UNTIL 7 JAN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST www.courtyard.org.uk

MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY

17 DEC COMMUNITY BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT www.themarkettheatre.com

MALVERN THEATRES

8 DEC-1 JAN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 20-30 DEC A CHRISTMAS CAROL www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

No.8 ARTS CENTRE, PERSHORE

5-10 DEC MAID MARIAN & THE MERRY MEN www.number8.org

RSC STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

UNTIL 1 JAN A CHRISTMAS CAROL 26 JAN-4 MARCH THE TEMPEST www.rsc.org.uk

THE BACON THEATRE, CHELTENHAM

SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER

UNTIL 2 JAN CINDERELLA

14 JAN GARETH GATES: THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI www.worcestertheatres.co.uk