Hampnett

You'll find Hampnett about three miles from Northleach, making it straightforward to combine with other visits in the area. The village revolves around St George's Church, a medieval structure that's worth exploring if you appreciate church architecture and want to understand local history.

What draws people here is the water. Several springs rising in and around Hampnett feed the River Leach, and you can walk along the river valley to see where it begins its eastward flow. The countryside surrounding the village is excellent for walking, with footpaths crossing farmland and following the water meadows. There's a genuinely rural feel to it, and fewer visitors than you'd find at some other Cotswolds destinations, which many people find appealing.

The village itself is very small with minimal facilities, so you'll want to base yourself in nearby Northleach or Bourton-on-the-Water for food and supplies. That said, if you're looking for a peaceful walk and prefer to experience working Cotswolds farmland rather than a polished tourist destination, Hampnett is worth the detour. Spring is particularly rewarding for walking here, when water levels are high and the valley is in full growth.