100 WALKS IN WARWICKSHIRE & WEST MIDLANDS E-Book

• Herausgeber: Crowood
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

Providing excellent value for the keen walker, this popular series features 100 route descriptions of circular walks ranging from 3-12 miles. Each walk has a map, points of interest and places to eat and drink en route, plus suggestions for easy car parking. Ideal for all those wanting to explore a county the best way on foot. The walking territory in these two central counties remains largely undiscovered, better known, as they are for their towns and cities such as Stratford and Leamington. Those willing to find out, however, will discover some wonderful countryside, and some surprisingly varied routes.

Leseprobe

100 WALKS IN Warwickshire & West Midlands

compiled by

IRENE BOSTON

CONTENTS

Title Page

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

1. Radway and Edge Hill 2½m (4km)

2. … and longer version 6m (9½km)

3. Warwick: Town and Castle 3m (5km)

4. Sarehole Mill 3m (5km)

5. Hatton Locks 3½m (5½km)

6. Chasewater 3½m (5½km)

7. Penn and Gospel End 3½m (5½km)

8. Wormleighton and the Oxford canal 4m (6½km)

9. Ilmington 4m (6½km)

10. … and longer version 6m (9½km)

11. … and longer version 4m (6½km)

12. Kenilworth Castle 4m (6½km)

13. … and longer version 6m (9½km)

14. Compton Verney Lakes 4m (6½km)

15. The Clent Hills 4m (6½km)

16. … and longer version 6m (9½km)

17. Earlswood Lakes 4m (6½km)

18. Leek Wootton 4m (6½km)

19. Berkswell 4m (6½km)

20. Solihull 4m (6½km)

21. Dunchurch and Draycote Water 4m (6½km)

22. The Welcombe Hills 4½m (7km)

23. Hartshill and the Coventry Canal 4½m (7km)

24. … and longer version 6m (9½km)

25. Sandwell Valley Park 4½m (7km)

26. Clifford Chambers 4½m (7km)

27. … and longer version 9½m (15km)

28. The Leasowes and Halesowen Abbey 4½m (7km)

29. Corley 4½m (7km)

30. Hampton in Arden and Barston 4½m (7km)

31. Compton and Wightwick 4½m (7km)

32. Wolston and Brandon 4½m (7km)

33. Kingsbury Water Park 5m (8km)

34. Coombe Abbey 5m (8km)

35. Shustoke and Nether Whitacre 5m (8km)

36. Harbury 5m (8km)

37. … and longer version 7m (11km)

38. Saltwells Wood and Netherton Hill 5m (8km)

39. Cubbington and Hunningham 5m (8km)

40. Long Lawford and Newbold on Avon 5m (8km)

41. Bulkington and Marston Jabbett 5m (8km)

42. Woodgate Valley 5m (8km)

43. Rowington 5m (8km)

44. Kinver Edge and Kingsford 5½m (9km)

45. Tanworth in Arden and Umberslade 5½m (9km)

46. Oversley Green and Wixford 5½m (9km)

47. Bubbenhall and Wappenbury 5½m (9km)

48. Middle Tysoe and Windmill Hill 5½m (9km)

49. Stratford-upon-Avon and Bordon Hill 6m (9½km)

50. Burton Dassett and Fenny Compton 6m (9½km)

51. Charlecote Park and Hampton Lucy 6m (9½km)

52. Priors Marston and Priors Hardwick 6m (9½km)

53. Stoneleigh and Baginton 6m (9½km)

54. Lapworth and Packwood 6m (9½km)

55. Wootton Wawen 6m (9½km)

56. Baddesley Clinton and Wroxall 6m (9½km)

57. Brailes 6m (9½km)

58. Frankley and Bartley Reservoir 6m (9½km)

59. The Bratch and Orton 6m (9½km)

60. Waseley and Beacon Hill 6m (9½km)

61. Brinklow and Easenhall 6m (9½km)

62. Leamington Hastings 6m (9½km)

63. Windmill End and Netherton Tunnel 6m (9½km)

64. Lickey Hills and Bittell Reservoirs 6½m (10½km)

65. Sutton Park 6½m (10½km)

66. Henley-in-Arden 6½m (10½km)

67. Dudley and Wrens Nest 6½m (10½km)

68. Wilmcote and the Stratford Canal 7m (11km)

69. Arrow and Weethley 7m (11km)

70. Around Meon Hill 7m (11km)

71. Beaudesert and Lowsonford 7m (11km)

72. Wombome and Baggeridge 7m (11km)

73. Long Itchington and Bascote Locks 7m (11km)

74. Crackley Wood and Kenilworth 7½m (12km)

75. Southam and Ufton 7½m (12km)

76. Cherington and Whichford 7½m (12km)

77. Yarningale Common 7½m (12km)

78. Warmington, Ratley and Hornton 7½m (12km)

79. Caldecote and Weddington 7½m (12km)

80. Stockton and Calcutt Locks 7½m (12km)

81. Meriden and Close Wood 8m (13km)

82. Alvecote Pools and Polesworth 8m (13km)

83. Long Compton and Rollright Stones 8m (13km)

84. Alcester and Coughton Court 8m (13km)

85. Aston Cantlow and Kinwarton 8m 13km)

86. Fillongley 8m (13km)

87. Middleton 8m (13km)

88. Leamington and Offchurch 8m (13km)

89. Stourbridge Canal and Fens Pool 8m (13km)

90. Ullenhall 8m (13km)

91. Wast Hills and Weatheroak 8½m (13½km)

92. Coleshill and Maxstoke 8½m (13½km)

93. Knowle and Temple Balsall 9m (14½km)

94. Rugby and Ashlawn Cutting 9m (14½km)

95. Hay Head Wood and Barr Beacon 9½m (15km)

96. Brownhills Common and Wyrley Canal 9½m (15km)

97. Shipston-on-Stour 10m (16km)

98. … and longer version 12m (19½km)

99. Bidford and Welford 10m (16km)

100. Shuckburgh and Flecknoe 12m (19½km)

TITLES IN THE SERIES

Copyright

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

We very much hope that you enjoy the routes presented in this book, which has been compiled with the aim of allowing you to explore the area in the best possible way – on foot.

We strongly recommend that you take the relevant map for the area, and for this reason we list the appropriate Ordnance Survey maps for each route. Whilst the details and descriptions given for each walk were accurate at time of writing, the countryside is constantly changing, and a map will be essential if, for any reason, you are unable to follow the given route. It is good practice to carry a map and use it so that you are always aware of your exact location.

We cannot be held responsible if some of the details in the route descriptions are found to be inaccurate, but should be grateful if walkers would advise us of any major alterations. Please note that whenever you are walking in the countryside you are on somebody else’s land, and we must stress that you should always keep to established rights of way, and never cross fences, hedges or other boundaries unless there is a clear crossing point.

Remember the country code:

Enjoy the country and respect its life and work

Guard against all risk of fire

Fasten all gates

Keep dogs under close control

Keep to public footpaths across all farmland

Use gates and stiles to cross field boundaries

Leave all livestock, machinery and crops alone

Take your litter home

Help to keep all water clean

Protect wildlife, plants and trees

Make no unnecessary noise

The walks are listed by length – from approximately 1 to 12 miles – but the amount of time taken will depend on the fitness of the walkers and the time spent exploring any points of interest along the way. Nearly all the walks are circular and most offer recommendations for refreshments.

Goodwalking.

Walks 1 & 2 RADWAYANDEDGEHILL 2½m (4km) or 6m (9½km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 151; Pathfinder 1021.An undulating walk to the site of a Civil War battle, along roads, and back through delightful woodland. Start: At 368481, Radway Church.

Go north-eastwards through Radway until just after the bus stop on the right. Now take the path in front of Grafton Cottage, going past the allotments and through a gate. Go over a stile and climb a long field towards woodland Go through a kissing gate and ignore a Centenary Way sign on the left, turning right along a well-defined, but sometimes muddy, path, which runs along the edge of the woods, giving views of Radway Grange. Ignore all side paths to reach a major path fork.

The shorter route goes right here, out on to EdgeHill, continuing to a point where the longer route rejoins over a stile on the left.

The longer route goes left, along an eroded path to the Castle Inn. Turn left along the road, and just past the inn’s car park and a cottage, look for a yellow arrow on the right. Follow this path between buildings to reach a minor road. Almost opposite another yellow arrow points the way, going past an orchard and field. At a T-junction of paths, turn right and follow a hedge for at least a mile. The path crosses a stile and then drops sharply down a field edge with a ruined building on the left Climb up the other side of the field, go through a waymarked gate and approach farm buildings. Now watch for a yellow arrow on the left, a path going over a stile and behind the farm buildings. This narrow path winds between trees and emerges by power lines into a field. Continue to reach a minor road. Turn right to reach a T-junction. Go right, with care, along the busy A422, using the grass verge for a mile and passing UptonHouse. Ignore two side roads, and at the top of a steep hill watch for a gap on the right. Although not waymarked, this path carries the Centenary Way. It can be overgrown at first, but soon becomes clearer. Follow the path for over a mile, passing Edgehill Farm on the right and across a lane, the path continuing just past a telegraph pole. Cross another lane and go up steps by a line of beech trees. At the next set of steps, with a Centenary Way marker, go down left and follow the path as it descends to the edge of a wood. Go over a stile to rejoin the shorter route.

Drop down across open fields with views to Radway House and the Civil War Battlefield (not accessible) in a field on the right. At the bottom of the hill go through a gate on to the lane, turning right past the village pond to emerge onto the road by Radway Church.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Radway – This charming village has a 19th-century chapel, built on a new site in 1866. Sanderson Miller, the squire of Radway, was one of the pioneers of Gothic architecture and made considerable alterations to Radway Grange. He also built Edgehill Tower, now the Castle Inn, which stands on the alleged site where Charles I’s standard was raised on the eve of battle.

EdgeHill – A wonderful viewpoint across Warwickshire. The battle site is owned by the MoD and not open to the public. The battle, on 23rd October, 1642, between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians proved inconclusive although both sides suffered heavy casualties. The hilltop site looked very different then, being bare of trees.

UptonHouse – This National Trust property has magnificent collections of porcelain and paintings. The lovely gardens, full of mature trees and splendid floral displays, are well worth exploring. Set on different levels, the full sweep of the gardens is not revealed until you step almost to the edge of the lawn.

REFRESHMENTS:

TheCastleInn, Edgehill.

Walk 3 WARWICK:TOWN AND CASTLE 3m (5km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 151; Pathfinder 976Exploring a fascinating town, steeped in history, and a fine castle. Start: At 287648, St Nicholas car park, Castle Bridge.

Cross the main road, with care, and turn left, to the bridge, for a stunning view of the castle. Retrace your steps past the car park entrance to reach Mill Street, beyond which is an entrance to Warwick Castle; allow at least three hours for a thorough exploration. Return to the same entrance and go left. Turn left again up Castle Lane and right up Castle Street, passing the Doll Museum and the Court House. The latter contains the Warwickshire Town and Yeomanry Museums, as well as the Tourist Information Centre. Jury Street (once known as Jewry Street) on the right was where the Jewish population lived and worked. Turn left up High Street, passing Lord Leycester’s Hospital which was formerly the Guildhall. In 1571, it became the property of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and was converted into almshouses for old soldiers; they still serve that purpose today. Walk through Westgate, above which is a 14th-century chapel. The old pillar-boxes here and in Eastgate date from 1856 and have the original vertical slots. Turn right into Theatre Street and left down Friars Street, at the end of which is Warwick racecourse. Provided a race is not in progress, cross to the centre of the course and turn right, walking parallel with the railings and a golf course on the left. At the first bend, go under the railings to reach a stile, passing behind houses to emerge onto the Birmingham road.

Turn right and cross at the traffic lights, bearing right at a roundabout into Theatre Street. Turn left by the Shire Hall into the Market Place. Opposite is the County Museum which houses the great Sheldon tapestry map of Warwickshire. Go along Old Square heading for StMary’s Church, passing Northgate Street on the left. By the War Memorial, walk down the alleyway on the left, alongside the churchyard, to emerge into the Butts. Turn left to the Police Station. Turn right to enter Priory Park and keep right along the main path across the park to emerge on to Coventry road. Turn right to reach the StJohn’s Museum of costume and folk life. This was the site of a hospital, dating from Henry II’s reign, which gave lodgings and refreshment to poor travellers. In the 17th century the Stoughton family erected the present building. Turn right along Smith Street and left by Eastgate: the St Peter’s Chapel above is part of King’s High school. Now go down Castle Hill to the car park.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Warwick Castle – Ethelfleda, daughter of King Alfred fortified the original settlement in 914. The castle was sacked during the Barons’ war with Henry III in the 13th century. It then passed to the Beauchamp family who embarked on lavish rebuilding. After the death of the Earl of Warwick (the Kingmaker), the castle passed to the Crown, then to Ambrose Dudley, brother of the Queen’s favourite Robert Dudley, and on to Sir Fulke Greville. In 1642 the castle survived a siege by Royalists and was sold by the present Earl in 1978 to Madame Tussaud’s.

StMary’s Church – As magnificent as any cathedral, the church is a landmark for miles around. In the Chapter House is the tomb of Fulke Greville, whose ghost is said to haunt Watergate Tower in the castle. Alabaster tombs commemorate Thomas Beauchamp, a Commander at the Battle of Crecy in 1346, and his wife Katherine. The magnificent Beauchamp chapel contains an ornate effigy of Richard, Earl of Warwick. In the north transept is the Regimental Chapel of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment with the old colours, including the garter banner of Field Marshal Montgomery.

The church is only one of many beautiful buildings in Warwick. The town was substantially rebuilt after its own Great Fire of 1694.

REFRESHMENTS:

There are endless possibilities, to suit all tastes, in Warwick.

Walk 4 SAREHOLEMILL 3m (5km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 139; Pathfinder 934 and 954. The Birmingham A-Z is also useful.A delightful, easy walk alongside the River Cole and around Trittiford Mill pool. Start: At 099818, the Recreation Ground car park.

Turn right along the road past SareholeMill to reach a gravel path opposite the car park. This path runs alongside the RiverCole, with Wake Green Road over to the right. On reaching Robin Hood Lane, cross to Coleside Avenue, at the end of which, walk past Four Arches Bridge on the left (this is part of the return route). Go past trees, to the left, and past another bridge, then walk down an avenue of trees. Cross an open green area and go over a footbridge on the left.

Turn right, with water on both sides. This is where, in the 18th century, a mill race was built which increased the water supply to Sarehole Mill. Follow the path leads to Highfield Road. Cross to the grass, continuing to Trittiford Mill pool, which is rich in birdlife. Walk around the pool, through Trittiford Mill Park, skirting Scriber’s Lane at the end of the pool. The ford off to the right is well worth a visit, retaining a surprisingly rural feel considering it is in the middle of an urban area.

After completing the circuit of the pool, you will arrive back at Highfield Road. Take the path to the right of the river. This leads through a narrow green area known as the Dingles and eventually reaches Four Arches Bridge where you rejoin the outward path. This can be reversed, but an alternative return route from Trittiford Mill pool is to catch the train from Yardley Wood station to Hall Green. From Hall Green station, turn right to Cole Bank Road, where another right turn will take you back to Sarehole Mill.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

SareholeMill – It is believed that a water mill has stood on this site since the Middle Ages, but the present, restored, mill buildings date from the 18th century. The mill is one of only a few remaining out of the 70 which once operated in the Birmingham area, six in the Hall Green area alone. The mill ceased commercial operations in 1919 and the building was allowed to deteriorate. Restored to working order in the 1960’s, it opened as a museum in 1969 and houses a fascinating display of old pictures and tools which illustrate the mill’s history. At the present time, it is open from early April to the end of October, from 2.00 – 5.00pm each day but it would be best to ring and check (tel: [phone]).

The area has several associations with famous people. As a child J R R Tolkien, author of TheHobbit and TheLordoftheRings lived nearby, in what is now Wake Green Road, and the late TV comedian Tony Hancock was born at 41 Southam Road, where a commemorative plaque can be seen on the wall.

RiverCole – The river threads its way through the industrial suburbs of Birmingham and is being promoted by the City Council as a valuable walkway.

REFRESHMENTS:

There are a cafe and an inn in Highfield Road.

Walk 5 HATTONLOCKS 3½m (5½km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 151; Pathfinder 976.An interesting canal with fine views to Warwick, returning across fields and the railway. Some muddy paths. Start: At 244669, Hatton Locks car park.

Walk left along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, in the direction of Warwick, with good views across HattonLocks towards St Mary’s Church, Warwick. The path can be muddy as it passes under two bridges (Numbers 53 and 52). After 1½ miles, the canal swings left: just before the next bridge take the path which climbs up on to the road. Turn right over the canal bridge and follow the minor road for 100 yards to reach a gate. Go through to reach a footbridge and follow the arrows around the left edge of the field, parallel to the railway. Go under a bridge, through a gate and turn right, aiming for the church at Budbrooke. Go over a stile and cross the meadow beyond to a stile and a gate leading into St Michael’s Churchyard. The first path on the right leads through a gate on to a minor road in Budbrooke. Turn right and follow the road for ½ mile, and then go left down a minor road signed to Hampton on the Hill. At the first bend, take the farm drive on the right towards Budbrooke Farm.

The drive swings left, then right in front of farm buildings: at the next bend, watch for a yellow arrow by a gate on the right. Go through the gate and cross a field to the stile ahead. After wet weather this path can be a quagmire and muddy feet are guaranteed. Those who reach the stile first can relish their companions floundering in the mud behind them! Cross the stile and bear half-right across a field to reach a metal footbridge. Cross and climb up into the next field, where the path is well waymarked. At a gap in the hedge, aim across a field on a good headland towards the railway line. A sign just before the stile is a reminder that there is no access to Hatton Country World from this direction. Go over the stile, cross the railway line, with care, and descend the bank. Go over a stile into Brooks Marsh, a conservation area and part of the Country World Nature Trail. Cross the field and climb the last stile to emerge by Hatton Locks. The car park lies over the canal bridge. If a visit to Hatton Country World is desired, after climbing the last stile, turn left along the towpath, going past the top lock and the lock keeper’s cottage to reach St John’s Bridge, where another left turn along the road will bring you to the centre.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Grand Union Canal – Formed in 1929, the Canal is an amalgamation of several waterways and runs for 137 miles from Birmingham to the Thames. The 1930s saw improvements, including the widening of the narrow locks, each lock contains some 50,000 gallons of water. The remains of the old locks are used as overflows.

HattonLocks – Also known as Hatton Flight or Stairway to Heaven, this is a series of 21 locks taking the Grand Union Canal down into the Avon valley, descending 146 feet in two miles. It was originally part of the Birmingham and Warwickshire Canal. Construction began in 1793 and was completed in 1800. It became part of the Grand Union Canal in 1929, and was officially opened by the Duke of Kent in 1934.

Budbrooke – The site of a medieval village, the partly Norman church of St Michael’s having a distinctive 13th-century tower. It was the garrison church for the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, although the barracks in the village closed in 1960. The regimental colours hang on the north wall.

HattonCountry World – The 19th-century farm buildings are now a collection of craft workshops and a 20 acre farm park with a pets’ corner and nature trails.

REFRESHMENTS:

TheWatermanInn – reached by a path at the back of the Hatton Locks car park.

Walk 6 CHASEWATER 3½m (5½km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 128 and 139; Pathfinder 892.Amarvellouswalkaroundareservoirandacrossheathland. Plentyofinterestfornaturelovers. Start: At 036072, Chasewater car park.

Return to the car park entrance with the reservoir on your left, and turn left up the lane. Walk over a bridge and past a pool on the right to join a path along the top of Chasewater dam. Follow the path, with good views over the reservoir, until it drops to rejoin the road by a junction. Go down the lane on the left, and, at a left bend, take the path on the right, going through heathland to reach a stile by a cricket pitch and a junction of paths. Take the left-hand path which winds through trees to emerge on to grass by the reservoir. Turn right, and then shortly left along another well-worn path which follows the water’s edge, and then goes alongside an isolated arm of the reservoir.

Turn left across the head of the pool and up a steep path, at the top of which you can see across the whole expanse of heathland. Any of the paths at this quieter northern end of the reservoir are worth exploring, having much to interest birdwatchers and botanists. To continue the walk, keep ahead along the main path and then bear left at a fork. Go ahead across a junction of tracks and downhill to another path junction. Now take the middle track, with a hedge on the right, heading towards a line of pylons. Where the path becomes enclosed on both sides, turn right up a steep bank and then left along a track above the line of a dismantled railway.

Go past a pool and the remains of old railway sleepers, and then drop down to walk along a path by the ChasewaterLight Railway track. Cross the causeway between the pools and at its end turn left along a wide path, with good views over the reservoir, now on your left Continue to reach open ground near the railway station. Now turn left along the tarmac lane or the water’s edge to reach the car park.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Chasewater – This is the largest area of open water in the Midlands. It was built in 1844 as a feeder reservoir to supply water to the Birmingham canal system and is now a popular venue for watersports, becoming very busy in summer. It is much quieter in the winter months and at this time, and during migration periods, the birdwatcher will be richly rewarded. Up to 200 different species of birds have been recorded here and the reservoir is an important stopover for migrants, particularly waders. The reservoir is also very important for wintering birds, in particular a huge gull roost which may comprise as many as 15,000 birds. Many rare plants and insects, including orchids, sundews and rare heathers, thrive on the fragments of heathland and areas of wetland to the north. The derelict grandstand near the entrance of the car park once overlooked the Chasewater raceway, a trotting track in use until 1984.

ChasewaterLight Railway – Chasewater steam railway, based at the old Brownhills west station, runs along the track of the old Cannock Chase and Wolverhampton railway.

REFRESHMENTS:

There is a cafe at the Chasewater Light Railway, and a kiosk/cafe in Chasewater Park.

Walk 7 PENNAND GOSPELEND 3½m (5½km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 139; Pathfinder 912.EasywalkingaroundPennCommonandacrossfields. Start: At 895954, Penn Church.

From the church on Church Hill, turn left down Pennwood Lane. Shortly, turn right down Sedgley Road. Walk downhill towards PennCommon and, where the houses end, turn left along a track. Just by a gateway, turn off the track and walk beside the hedge which borders the golf course on Penn Common. Head towards the clubhouse and go through the car park beyond the building. Just before Penwood Farm, turn right on a path which leads through trees and then goes downhill along the edge of the golf course. Just before reaching Penn Brook, turn half-right and head towards a house. Walk past the house, but before the next house, go left over a stile. Cross a footbridge over Penn Brook and climb the bank to go over a stile. Maintain direction across two fields, linked by stiles, with Baggeridge brickworks seen ahead.

In the third field, walk ahead to reach a gap between houses. Go through on to Gospel End road. The inn is along the road to the left, but the route turns right, then crosses Penn Road. Just opposite the entrance to BaggeridgeCountry Park, cross a stile on the right and follow the hedge on the right around the field to reach a gate. Go through and head half-left across three fields, linked by stiles. Eventually you drop down to Penn Brook, passing Nash Coppice Farm, off to the right Cross a footbridge and bear slightly right to reach a stile by a gate.

Go over and follow the path beyond to a road. Cross and follow a path across the golf course, but on the opposite side of the course from that passed earlier. The path bears left, then right towards the woodland of Light Wood. Go over a track and follow the hedge on the left to a junction. Take the bridleway ahead and walk beside the hedge up the side of the old track. The path leads to a field and bears half right across it to reach Penn Church and the start.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

PennCommon – The village of Penn is set high, with superb views to Shropshire and the hills of Birmingham. The preaching cross is said to have been erected by Leofric and his wife, Lady Godiva.

BaggeridgeCountry Park – The Parkland was once part of the Himley Hall estate. Coal production ceased in 1968 and it was designated a Country Park in 1970. Reclamation work, including the planting of 20,000 trees and shrubs, was completed over the next decade, with the park opening in 1983. Whites Wood has sycamore and birch and, in the Spring, bluebells, wood anemones and wood sorrel thrive. The pools were created in the mid-18th century. Fragile heath and grassland support many species of butterfly, including Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Small Heath.

REFRESHMENTS:

The Old Stag’s Head, Penn.

TheSummerhouse, Gospel End.

Walk 8 WORMLEIGHTONAND THE OXFORD CANAL 4m (6½km)

Maps: OS Sheets Landranger 151; Pathfinder 999.A delightful ramble through a quiet village and alongside a canal, returning across fields. Some muddy paths. Start: At 448536, the Gatehouse, Wormleighton.

Walk under the gatehouse in Wormleighton and along the lane towards St Peter’s Church. Almost opposite the church is a lane on the left, marked with a yellow arrow: walk down this and at the bottom pass the old village fishponds on the right. Go over a stile and climb the bank in front to reveal the way ahead. The path aims for the canal bridge at the far end of the field. The disconcerting sight of canal boats which seem to drift along amid the hedgerows is a good guide. As you cross the field, look for the ridges and furrows marking the site of the old village. Go through a handgate in the top right-hand corner of the field and cross the bridge.

The path descends the left hand-side of the bridge: the right hand side can be overgrown. Turn left under the bridge, and follow the Oxford Canal towpath as it swings in large curves through the countryside, giving good views for the next 2½ miles. The towpath has been reinforced in places and provides a solid surface of cemented sandbags where the original bank has worn away, but great care is needed if the conditions are muddy. Along the way you pass five canal bridges, one of which seems to be made from the trunk of a single tree. The canal bustles with many pleasure boats during the summer.

At the sixth bridge, Number 128, leave the towpath to turn right, over the bridge on to a bridleway which climbs gradually through fields. As you climb, a marvellous view opens out behind across North Warwickshire. After passing a barn on the left, and at the top of the slope, the track becomes a tarmac lane: continue along it, passing houses to emerge into the village by the church seen earlier. Go back under the gatehouse to return to the start of the walk.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Wormleighton – The splendid gatehouse dates from 1613 and is adorned with the coat of arms of the Spencer family. The old village, called “Old Towne” on a 1634 map in the church, had cottages, a manor house and fishponds, but was depopulated by famine, plague and the sheep enclosures. It was finally destroyed in 1498 by William Cope, a prosperous sheep farmer. In 1506 John Spencer built the new manor house, which became the centre of a vast estate. At the same time he acquired Althorp in Northamptonshire and was a distant ancestor of the current Spencer family. The manor house, of which only a fragment now remains, was used as a base by Prince Rupert, King Charles’ nephew, in the Civil War, and was destroyed by Royalists to stop it falling into the hands of the Parliamentarians. The fine 13th-century St Peter’s Church has a perpendicular rood screen and loft, Jacobean panelling, tiles, fragments of mediaeval stained glass and a wall monument to John Spencer dated 1610.

Oxford Canal – The canal is one of a series of waterways conceived by James Brindley. This section was finished in 1778 and links with the Grand Union canal further north.

REFRESHMENTS:

None on the route or in Wormleighton. The nearest is the GeorgeandDragon, on the A423 near Fenny Compton.