Warwickshire Walks
Use the filter to show walks of a certain type such as woods, reservoirs, hills, long distance, country parks, canals and rivers.
In the spring walkers flock to the beautiful bluebell woods in the Warwickshire area. Click the 'Woodland' button below to see these.
Use the links to view full route information including elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads.
You can also view an overview map of all the routes in the using the Warwickshire Walk Map>>
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| Route Name | Photo | Distance | Description |
| Alcester | 18 miles (29 km) | The Warwickshire settlement of Alcester has several popular waymarked walking trails running through or close by the town. This fine circular walk uses sections of the Arden Way, the Monarch's Way and the Heart of England Way to explore the countryside and woodland surrounding the old Roman town. You'll visit highlights such as Coughton Court, Oversley Wood, the River Arrow, the old Arrow Mill and the Spernal section of the Heart of England Forest. Starting in the town centre by the river, you first head south east along the Arden Way to Oversley Wood. There's some nice trails here with with lots of bluebells and wildflowers to enjoy in the spring and summer months. The route then heads north east through farmland towards Upton, Walcote and Aston Cantlow where there are good views of the River Alne. You continue north from the village, passing Spernal Park before coming to Bannam's Wood. The route turns south here across Morton Common to the village of Spernall, located on the River Arrow. From here there's a nice stretch along the river to Coughton. Here you can visit the Tudor Coughton Court with its walled garden, lake, knot garden, vegetable garden, orchard and bog garden. From here you head east to New End before picking up the Monarch's Way to return you to Alcester. View Full Details>> | |
| Arden Way | 26.1 miles (42 km) | This circular walk takes you on a tour of the beautiful Forest of Arden in Warwickshire. The route starts and ends near Henley in Arden railway, first taking you to Ulenhall before heading towards Studley where you will pass the impressive 19th century Studley Castle which is now a luxury hotel. You then join the River Arrow leading you to Coughton. Here you will find the 16th century Tudor house Coughton Court which has a place in English history for its role in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 as some of the conspirators rode directly back there after it failed. From Coughton you head to the attractive market town of Alcester, then through Oversley Wood to Exhall where you turn north. The walk then passes Spernall Park and Bannan's wood before returning to Henley-in-Arden. View Full Details>> | |
| Ashby Canal | 21.7 miles (35 km) | Follow the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal from Bedworth in Warwickshire, to the little village of Snareston in Leicestershire. The towpath runs for just over 20 miles with pretty hedgerows, reeds, countryside views and lots of wildlife to look out for on the way. The route starts just to the north east of Bedworth town centre at Marston Junction. If you are coming from the town centre or train station just follow the Coventry Canal north and then head east at Marston Junction. The canal is located very close to Nuneaton as well. You could follow the Centenary Way from the southern edge of the town to the start of the route. The towpath first heads east towards Burton Hastings before skirting the western edge of the market town of Hinckley. You continue north towards Stoke Golding and Ambion Hill. The hill was long considered to be the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field and is where the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is situated. It is now accepted that the core of the battlefield lies either side of Fenn Lanes, about two miles south-west of the visitor centre and that Ambion Hill was Richard III's camp on the night before the battle. You continue north past Shenton, the terminus of the Battlefield Line Heritage Railway which runs steam and diesel-hauled trains every weekend and Bank Holiday from March to December. The canal then skirts the western edge of Market Bosworth, passing Bosworth Water Park before coming to Shackerstone at the other end of the Battlefield Line Railway. The final section runs north west from Shakerstone to Snarestone, passing some attractive woodland on the way. Around Market Bosworth you can pick up the Ivanhoe Way and Leicestershire Round long distance trails in order to further explore the area. You can pick up the Ivanhoe Way at Snarestone and follow it north to Measham where the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail starts. You could also take a small detour at Market Bosworth and visit the splendid Bosworth Battlefield Country Park. View Full Details>> | |
| Avon Valley Footpath | 9.9 miles (16 km) | This delightful riverside walk takes you from Stratford Upon Avon to Marcliff. The walk begins in William Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford Upon Avon where you will pass the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which overlooks the River Avon. You continue along the river to the pretty village of Welford-on-Avon with its thatched cottages and Old Mill House. The final stretch runs through the village of Bidford on Avon to the finish point at Marcliff. View Full Details>> | |
| Baddesley Clinton | 1.9 miles (3 km) | Enjoy a circular walk through the delightful grounds surrounding this moated manor house near Warwick. In the grounds you will find woodland trails, a lake and a walled garden with flower borders and fruit trees. The walk then continues into the adjacent Hay Wood where there are miles of peaceful woodland trails and pretty bluebells to enjoy. The house itself has a delightful courtyard, with yew trees, lawns and brick paths. Inside you can explore the Tudor Kitchen, the 16th century Great Hall and the library. Both the Grand Union Canal Walk and the Stratford Upon Avon Canal run past the estate so there is scope for continuing your walk along one of these waterways. Also nearby is the lovely Packwood House. This is another National Trust owned property with parkland and gardens to explore. There's a pretty lake, herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows, splendid topiary and a beautiful orchard. Our Lapworth Circular Canal Walk visits both Packwood and Baddesley Clinton with nice waterside stretches along the two canals. View Full Details>> | |
| Battlefields Trail | 19.9 miles (32 km) | This interesting walking trail links three of England's most significant Battlefields: Edgcote (1469) in Northamptonshire Cropredy Bridge (1644) in Oxfordshire Edgehill (1642) in Warwickshire It runs from Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire and ends in Kineton, Warwickshire, passing through some beautiful countryside along the way. The first section of the walk takes you from Chipping Warden to Upper Wardington. On the way you will pass the site of the Battle of Edgecote Moor which was fought during the Wars of the Roses in July 1469. The battle pitted the forces of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, against those of King Edward IV. From Upper Wardington you continue west to Warmington, passing Cropedy where the Battle of Cropredy Bridge was fought on 29th June 1644 between a Parliamentarian army under Sir William Waller and the Royalist army of King Charles. This section also includes views of the Oxford Canal Walk and the River Cherwell. The final section then runs from Warmington to Kineton, passing through the beautiful Edghill Country Park. The park is set in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes sixteen acres of mixed grass and primary Bluebell woodland. After passing through Ratley you soon come to the site of Battle of Edgehill. The battle was fought on Sunday, 23rd October 1642 and was the first pitched battle of the First English Civil War. Shortly after the walk then comes to at an end at the village of Kineton in Warwickshire. The Battlefields Trust Website has a wealth of information on this route and the history of the Battlefields of Britain. View Full Details>> | |
| Bidford on Avon | 7.8 miles (12.6 km) | This delightful Warwickshire village has some lovely river and country trails to enjoy. Features in the historic settlement include a Grade I listed bridge dating from the early 15th century and Big Meadow, a 26 acre recreational park next to the river. There's also some lovely riverside pubs to relax in after your exercise. View Full Details>> | |
| Birmingham and Fazeley Canal | 14.9 miles (24 km) | Enjoy a walk or cycle along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal from the city centre of Birmingham to the town of Fazeley in Staffordshire. Along the way there's lots of pretty locks, old bridges, nature reserves and wildlife to look out for. You start off at Old Turn Junction near the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham and head through Aston and Tyburn where you pass close to Pype Hayes Park. The large park has 100 acres to explore with a lake, ornamental gardens and woodland. It's just north of the canal at Tyburn and worth a short detour. Just next to the park there is the pretty Plantsbrook Nature Reserve which consists of open water, wetland, woodland and meadow. You leave the city and head through Minworth and Cudworth before coming to the splendid Kingsbury Water Park. The 600 acre country park is a major highlight on the route. It consists of 15 lakes with miles of good cycling and walking trails to try. The final section takes you from Kingsbury Water Park to the town of Fazeley near Tamworth. On the way you'll pass Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve with 400 acres to explore. It's a great place for wildlife watching with common pochard, tufted duck and smew to look out for. View Full Details>> | |
| Brandon Marsh | 1.6 miles (2.5 km) | This lovely nature reserve near Coventry has some nice footpaths taking you around a series of lakes and lagoons. There's 220 acres of reedbeds, willow carr, grassland and woodland to explore. There's also views of the River Avon, a nature trail and a brass rubbing trail. Look out for wildlife including Otter, Bittern, Badger, Great Crested Newt, Long-eared Owl. The nature centre is the headquarters of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and includes a visitor centre with educational exhibits. There's also a nice team room where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk. The site is located just to the south east of Coventry. You can park at the good sized car park off Brandon Lane to start your walk. The reserve is located only a short distance north of the village of Ryton-on-Dunsmore. You could start the walk from here if you prefer. To extend your walking in the area you could head north towards Binley Woods and explore Brandon Woods where there's some peaceful woodland trails to try. Three long distance trails also pass just to the south of the site. You could pick up the Coventry Way, Shakespeare's Avon Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way to further explore the countryside around the reserve. Just to the north you will find Coombe Country Park. Here you will find 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland and lakes, with splendid views of Coombe Abbey. Ryton Pools Country Park is located just to the south of Ryton-on-Dunsmore. View Full Details>> | |
| Brandon Woods | 2.2 miles (3.5 km) | These woods near Coventry have a network of good footpaths to follow around the 178 acre site. Since 1981 the site has been maintained and improved by voluntary workers from the Friends of Brandon Wood and is now reverting to natural broad-leaved woodland. The site is great for flora and fauna with over 330 plant species and more than 50 species of tree. Look out for pretty wildflowers including lesser celandine, wood anemone, primrose, bluebell, ragged robin, bee and spotted orchids, germander speedwell and birdsfoot trefoil. Also keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including Muntjac deer, buzzard, sparrowhawk, kestrel and great spotted woodpeckers. The woods are located in the subarban village of Binley Woods. You can access them from Craven Avenue or you could park at the nearby Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve. The reserve is located just to the south of the woods and a great place to extend your walk. About a mile to the north you will find Coombe Country Park where there's 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland and lakes, with splendid views of Coombe Abbey. The Coventry Way, Shakespeare's Avon Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way long distance trails all pass to the south of the woods. View Full Details>> | |
| Burton Dassett Hills Country Park | 3.4 miles (5.5 km) | This super country park is comprised of a group of ironstone hills which rise to 203m (667 ft). As such there are splendid views over the surrounding Warwickshire countryside from Burton Dassett. There are 100 acres to explore with sites of historical interest such as the beacon, quarry remains and the nearby 12th Century All Saints Church. The Centenary Way walking route also passes through the park so you could continue your walk if you have time. View Full Details>> | |
| Charlecote Park | 2.5 miles (4 km) | Enjoy an easy walk around the beautiful Charlecote Park in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. View Full Details>> | |
| Chesterton Windmill | 0.6 miles (1 km) | This walk visits a 17th century windmill near Harbury in Warwickshire. The Grade I listed mill is a well known local landmark and the earliest tower mill in England to retain any of its working parts. View Full Details>> | |
| Coleshill | 9.3 miles (15 km) | This Warwickshire based market town has some nice river and country trails for walkers to try. The historic town centre is also a pleasant place for a stroll with a number of noteworthy old buildings. These include several old coaching houses and the 12th century Church of St Peter St Paul at the top of the Market Square. View Full Details>> | |
| Coombe Country Park | 3.7 miles (6 km) | Explore 500 acres of beautiful gardens, sculptures, woodland and lakes in this country park near Coventry. The park has a number of walking trails taking you through the Wildflower Meadow, the Formal Victorian Gardens and Arboretum, the Capability Brown landscaped deer park and peaceful woodland. There is also a lovely lakeside path with splendid views of Coombe Abbey. The park has very good facilities with a Visitor Centre and Discovery Centre with interactive exhibits. To extend your walking in the area you could visit the nearby Brandon Marsh. View Full Details>> | |
| Cotswold Round | 216.9 miles (349 km) | Travel through some of the most beautiful countryside and prettiest villages in England on this circular walk. You will visit a series of classic Cotswolds towns and villages including Cheltenham Spa, Winchcombe, Stanton, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow on the Wold and Bourton on the Water (video below). There is much to enjoy with lush green countryside, historic houses, beautiful parks, woodland sections and homely country pubs for refreshments. View Full Details>> | |
| Coughton Court | 2.5 miles (4 km) | Explore the beautiful gardens of the Tudor Coughton Court, before a lovely waterside stroll along the River Arden on this walking route in Warwickshire. The grounds include the walled garden, lake, knot garden, vegetable garden, orchard and bog garden. You can then continue through the meadow and the pretty bluebell wood before joining the Arden Way towards Spernall. You then return to the house with a waterside stretch along the River Arden. The Tudor house has been home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years. It has a place in English history for its role in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 as some of the conspirators rode directly back there after it failed. View Full Details>> | |
| Coventry | 9.3 miles (15 km) | This long circular walk uses a mixture of waymarked footpaths and minor roads to take you to some of the highlights of the city. You'll visit interesting historical locations, various attractive parks, two areas of common land and also enjoy waterside stretches along the River Sherbourne which runs through the city. The walk starts at Coventry Cathedral in the city centre. The new cathedral sits beside the ruins of the old 14th century cathedral which was bombed in the suring the Second World War. From here the route picks up the Sherbourne Valley Way waymarked trail to take you south east along the River Sherbourne to Lower Stoke and Whitly Common. You then pick up a section of the A Coventry Way Circular Walk to take you north west through Stivichall to the War Memorial Park. The large park was opened in July 1921 as a tribute to the 2,587 Coventrians who died between 1914 and 1918 fighting in the First World War. It includes the 90 feet (27 m) high war memorial monument which is the most prominent construction in the park. There's also large open green areas with many trees and shrubberies. After exploring the park the route continues north west to visit Hearsall Common. The larger eastern section of the common is a large open area of mowed grass that attracts dog walkers, sunbathers and kite flyers. The common includes nice woodland areas, a nature reserve and lots of wildlife to look out for. After leaving the common the route heads east through Spon End to return to the cathedral, where the walk finishes. View Full Details>> | |
| Coventry Canal | 37.9 miles (61 km) | Enjoy waterside cycling and walking along the 38 mile long Coventry Canal towpath. Walkers can follow the whole of the route while cyclists can enjoy lovely sections through Coventry and from Marston Junction to Nuneaton. The canal runs from the centre of Coventry to Fradley Juction, passing through Bedworth, Nuneaton, Atherstone, Polesworth and Tamworth. Highlights along the canal include the vibrant Coventry Canal Basin with its shops, businesses and art gallery. You'll also pass the splendid Hartshill Country Park which has miles of footpaths and wonderful views over the Anker Valley. There's also some wonderful countryside to enjoy and a series of artworks by local artists on the Arts Trail from the Basin to Hawkesbury Junction. At the end of the route at Fradley Junction there is a nature reserve with excellent bird watching opportunities. View Full Details>> | |
| Coventry Way | 39.8 miles (64 km) | This walk circles the countryside around Coventry taking you through some fine Warwickshire countryside and a series of interesting villages. The walk starts in the village of Meriden at the geographical centre of England. You then head towards Kenilworth with its impressive castle - described by architectural historian Anthony Emery as the 'finest surviving example of a semi-royal palace of the later middle ages, significant for its scale, form and quality of workmanship'. The route continues towards Stoneleigh and the fascinating Grade I listed Stoneleigh Abbey. View Full Details>> | |
| Draycote Water | 5.3 miles (8.5 km) | Enjoy a circular waterside cycle or walk around the delightful Draycote Water Country Park near Rugby. There is a flat 5 mile path surrounding the park's reservoir which ideal for cycling and walking (a section of the path is part of National Cycle Route 41). You can also climb Hensborough Hill for fabulous views of the surrounding area. The park has a visitor centre and a restaurant. The park is popular with bird watchers and includes a hide and feeding station. Look out for birds including the great northern diver during the winter months, along with kittiwake and small numbers of Mediterranean and little gulls. To continue your walking in the area you can head east to pick up our Circular Walk Around Rugby. This will take you along the Great Central Walk Nature Reserve and the Oxford Canal. View Full Details>> | |
| Earlswood Lakes | 3.1 miles (5 km) | Enjoy a stroll along these three reservoirs and into the adjacent woodland on this lovely walk in Solihull. There's a good footpath running along the lakes which includes a visit to Terry's Pool. This wildlife reserve, has a rich variety of plant and animal life including otters and turtles. Along the shore you'll see lots of pretty willow trees and plants such as great willowherb, betony, gipsywort and yellow flag iris. The walk also takes you into the delightful Clowes Wood. Here you will find heathland, woodland, wildflowers and wet meadow. Look out for a variety of birdlife including jay, chiff chaff, nuthatch and treecreeper, woodcock and three types of woodpeckers. View Full Details>> | |
| Ebrington and the Foxcote Estate | 4 miles (6.5 km) | This circular walk takes you around some beautiful countryside on the Gloucestershire/Warwickshire border in the Cotswolds AONB. It's a fairly easy walk, running for about 4 miles on good footpaths marked with yellow and blue arrows. The village of Ebrington is close to Chipping Camden and has pretty thatched Cotswolds cottages and a popular pub dating from the 17th century. There is also Ebrington Manor which dates from the 14th century. The walk starts in the centre of the village and climbs steadily through the countryside to Foxcote House. On the way you'll pass pretty streams, woodland and a lake near to the house. Look out for wildlife including buzzards, pheasants and deer. Ebrington is located just a few miles to the east of Chipping Camden. If you prefer you could start the walk from here and follow the Monarch's Way and the Heart of England Way to the estate. To extend your walk just head a mile or so north of Ebrington and you could visit the splendid Hidcote Manor Garden. There's also our Ilmington Walk which visits the delightful village with its thatched cottages and Norman church. View Full Details>> | |
| Edge Hill | 3.9 miles (6.3 km) | This walk visits Edge Hill from the village of Ratley in Warwickshire. The area is the site of a famous historical battle and includes some pleasant woodland trails, fine views and a noteworthy 18th century inn. View Full Details>> | |
| Grand Union Canal Walk | 145.4 miles (234 km) | Follow the towpath of Britain's longest canal from London to Birmingham on this fabulous waterside walk. You start in West London in a lively and attractive area with canalside bars and restaurants, before heading towards the Chiltern Hills, on through rural Northamptonshire and Warwickshire and into the Birmingham suburbs. Highlights include:
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| Great Central Walk Rugby | 6.8 miles (11 km) | This walk takes you along the Great Central Walk in the Warwickshire town of Rugby. The dismantled railway line is now a nature reserve which is open to walkers and cyclists. The trail can be picked up just to the south of Rugby train station and followed for just over 3 miles to Onley Lane. Here you leave the trail to follow the country lane down to the Oxford Canal at the southern end. The area is good for wildlife spotting with a variety of butterflies and birds to see along the path. View Full Details>> | |
| Hartshill Country Park | 1.6 miles (2.5 km) | Enjoy 137 acres of woodland and open hilltop with magnificent views across the Anker Valley. It's particularly lovely in the springtime when there are carpets of bluebells to enjoy. It's also good for wildlife with plenty of woodland birds to look out for on the walk. For cyclists there are also some good mountain bike (mtb) trails to try. There's good facilities with a car park and a visitor centre with information on the trails in the park. The Coventry Canal runs just past the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along this splendid waterway. View Full Details>> | |
| Hatton Locks | 5 miles (8 km) | This circular walk visits a flight of 21 locks located on the Grand Union Canal in Hatton, Warwickshire. The locks run for nearly 2 miles just to the west of the city of Warwick. The route takes you along the canal and then into the surrounding countryside and woodland. The walk starts from the parking area in Hatton and follows a footpath a short distance to the canal. You then head east along the towpath before turning south and heading into the countryside. Follow the footpaths and country lanes to Hampton on the Hill before turning west across Grove Park. The route skirts the edge of Whitehill Wood and then turns north past Hatton Country World. The attraction includes a number of retailers housed in old farm buildings and a family entertainment area with farm animals and an adventure playground. Shortly after you return to the canal and follow the locks back to the car park. After your walk you can enjoy refreshments at the canal-side cafe which has waterside outdoor seating. To extend your walking in the area you could follow the canal towpath west and visit Shrewley and Rowington, where you can pick up the Heart of England Way long distance trail. This can be followed to the nearby Baddesley Clinton where there's some nice footpaths to follow around the lakes, parkland and woodland on the estate. View Full Details>> | |
| Hearsall Common | 1.9 miles (3 km) | This area of common land is located just to the west of Coventry city centre and is a nice place for a peaceful afternoon stroll. There's a series of nice footpaths to follow to woodland, grassland and ponds. The area is also a nature reserve so you can look out for a variety of woodland birds as you make your way along the paths. The larger eastern section of the common is a large open area of mowed grass that attracts dog walkers, sunbathers and kite flyers. It is often used for fairs in the spring and summer months. Also look out for the plaque to Frank Whittle, the aerospace engineer and jet pioneer, who was born in Coventry. He was apparently inspired to pursue a career in engineering after seeing an aircraft land on Hearsall Common in 1916. View Full Details>> | |
| Heart of England Way | 101.3 miles (163 km) | Follow the Heart of England Way through the Midlands of England. The walk starts from Milford Common on Cannock Chase and heads through Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire before finisihing at Bourton on the Water in the Cotswolds. Major towns and cities on the route include:
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| Henley in Arden Circular Walk | 6.5 miles (10.5 km) | This circular walk explores the villages, rivers, canals and countryside surrounding the charming town of Henley in Arden in Warwickshire. It makes use of the Heart of England Way and the Stratford Upon Avon Canal to explore the area on good, waymarked footpaths. The walk starts in the attractive town centre where you will find the magnificent one mile high street with its collection of medieval buildings. Look out for several 15th, 16th and 17th century timber walled buildings, including the fine Guildhall. After admiring the architecture, the route then leaves the town, following the Heart of England Way in a north easterly direction towards Lowsonford. Here you pick up the canal towpath and follow it south towards the village of Preston Bagot. You'll pass the Yarningale Aqueduct, spanning the Kingswood Brook near the village of Claverdon. The route then heads through the countryside on public footpaths, returning to the town, via the site of the Norman Beaudesert Castle. The Arden Way long distance trail starts in the town. This is an excellent way of exploring the beautiful Forest of Arden, visiting Studley Castle, Coughton Court and the River Arrow. If you head south to Wootton Wawen, you can pick up the Monarch's Way. Here you can enjoy a nice walk along the River Alne. The Warwickshire Millennium Way also passes through the town. View Full Details>> | |
| Ilmington | 10.6 miles (17 km) | This walk from Ilmington makes use of three waymarked trails to create a fine circular route through the countryside surrounding the Cotswolds village. You'll follow sections of the Warwickshire Centenary Way, the Monarch's Way and the Cotswolds Link on this 10 mile tour of this lovely area of the Cotswolds. The walk starts in Ilmington at the noteworthy St. Marys church which is Norman and dates from about the middle of the 12th century. You pass through the pretty village with its thatched cottages and fish ponds, heading west into the countryside along the Warwickshire Centenary Way. At Admington you turn south along the Monarch's Way towards Hidcote Manor. The National Trust run gardens were created by American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston and contain a number of beautifully designed outdoor 'rooms'. Highlights include the kitchen garden, plant house, herbaceous borders and the orchard. At the manor you pick up the Cotswold Link and follow it east along a series of bridleways. You'll pass Nebsworth and Knowlands Hill before coming to Darlingscott. The route turns north east here, taking you to Glebe Farm where you pick up the Centenary Way again and follow it west through Blackwell to Ilmington. After your exercise head to the Howard Arms Pub for some well earned refreshments. Peacefully overlooking the old chestnut tree on the green, it lies in the heart of the village at postcode CV36 4LT. It also includes a delightful beer garden where you can relax outside in the summer months. View Full Details>> | |
| Kenilworth | 1.6 miles (2.5 km) | A short circular walk around the Warwickshire town of Kenilworth, visiting St Mary's Abbey, Abbey Fields and Kenilworth Castle. It's a delightful area for a stroll with historic ruins, the Finham Brook, a pretty lake and attractive parkland. Start the walk from the castle car park where you can pick up footpaths taking you around the ruins and the Elizabethan Gardens. In the gardens you will find a marble fountain and an ornate aviary with great views towards the Castle Keep. You can also explore John of Gaunt's 14th century Great Hall which played host to medieval monarchs and Tudor kings. The 18 metre climb to the tower gives great views over the site and the surrounding town. After exploring the castle grounds the walk then heads east into Abbey Fields Park where you can pick up a footpath along the pretty Finham Brook, a tributary of the River Sowe. The route then heads to St Nicholas Church and the Abbey of St Mary. Near here you will pass a museum charting the history of the abbey, located in the old barn. The abbey dates from the 12th century with the ruins of the ancient gate house, cloisters and barn the highlights. After exploring the ruins you can follow nice footpaths along the lake before returning to the car park. View Full Details>> | |
| Kingsbury Water Park | 2.7 miles (4.3 km) | Explore 15 lakes in over 600 acres of country park on this super cycle or walk in Warwickshire. There are many miles of surfaced paths around the lakes, with a bridleway around the southern perimeter of the Park. These are suitable for cyclists and bike hire is available in the park. Please note that no cycling is allowed through the Woodland Walk, around the Nature Reserve at the Broomey Croft side of the Park, or in the Visitor Centre courtyard. The park is excellent for birdwatching with a number of hides situated around the lake. There is also a miniature railway and an excellent visitor centre. The Heart of England Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way walking routes run through the park so there is the option of continuing your walk. The park is located on the River Tame about 8 miles from Birmingham. On the western side of the park you can pick up the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and enjoy a waterside cycle or walk towards Birmingham or Fazeley. If you head north along the canal you will soon come to the lovely Middleton Lakes RSPB nature reserve. The reserve has several well laid out walking trails taking you to meadows, woodland and lakes. View Full Details>> | |
| Knowle Canal Walk | 11.2 miles (18 km) | A waterside walk along the Grand Union Canal starting from the village of Knowle near Solihull. It's a lovely section of the canal, taking you from the Grade I listed Grimshaw Hall in Knowle, to the moated manor house at Baddesley Clinton. The walk is just over 10 miles, taking in some lovely Warwickshire countryside, pretty locks, and two historical buildings. You can start the walk from the car park on Hampton Road just to the north east of Knowle village. From here you can access the towpath of the canal which you follow south to Knowle Locks. Here you will pass a flight of five locks (originally six until around 1930) near the canal bridge on Kenilworth Road. You continue south to Kingswood where you pick up the Heart of England Way to take you to Baddesley Clinton. View Full Details>> | |
| Leamington Spa | 9.9 miles (16 km) | A figure of eight circuit around the Warwickshire town of Royal Leamington Spa. The route visits many of the highlights of the area including the River Avon, River Leam, Newbold Comyn Park, Jephson Gardens, Leam Valley Nature Reserve and the Grand Union Canal. It's a great place for a walk with long waterside sections, some lovely countryside and attractive parkland to explore. Starting in the town centre near to the train station, the route heads north to the River Avon where you pick up the riverside path. Follow it west towards Myton where you pick up the Grand Union Canal. You can follow the towpath east towards Offchurch where you turn left onto the Offchurch Greenway shared cycling and walking trail. Follow the trail towards the village which is a popular place for walkers wishing to explore the Warwickshire countryside. You can stop for refreshments at the village pub before continuing your walk. After exploring the village the route heads west through Offchurch Bury Park towards Newbold Comyn Park. The 300 acre park includes the Leam Valley local nature reserve, a Wetland area with a bird hide, woodland, meadow and riverbank habitats. After leaving the park you follow a section of the Warwickshire Centenary Way along the river to return to the town centre. This final section passes the lovely Jephson Gardens which includes a boating lake and Mill Gardens on the other side of the river. The gardens were voted, 'Best Park in Britain 2004' by the Royal Horticultural Society. View Full Details>> | |
| Macmillan Way | 290.2 miles (467 km) | This epic long distance path links Boston in Lincolnshire to Abbotsbury in Dorset. It is promoted to raise money for the charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.
The route starts from Boston and then runs across the Fens to Bourne before joining the limestone belt. You then head to Stamford and then along the shoreline of Rutland Water. You'll also pass through the medieval market town of Oakham where there's some wonderful old architecture at the Norman castle and the 16th century Oakham School. The trail then heads south and west via Warmington to Stow-on-the-Wold, then into the Cotswolds via Cirencester and Tetbury to Bradford-on-Avon. After leaving the Cotswolds you follow the path through Somerset passing Castle Cary before entering Dorset and the final section to Abbotsbury via Sherborne. The route joins with other popular trails including the Viking Way at Oakham, the Thames Path National Trail near Thames Head and with the South West Coast Path towards the end of the route. View Full Details>> | |
| Middleton Lakes | 2.5 miles (4 km) | This splendid RSPB nature reserve has several well laid out walking trails to try. It covers 400 acres with several lakes and pools, meadowland, a canal and the River Tame. There's lots of birdlife to look out for such as bittern, little egret, common pochard, tufted duck and smew. You may also see otters, butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies in whats is one of the best wildlife sites in the midlands. You start off at the car park at Middleton Hall. From here you can pick up the Woodland Trail which takes you past the heronry and the rookery to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. Here you link up with the reserve's other two trails. The Meadow Trail runs south along a high-level walkway running parallel to the canal. From the elevated position there are great views over the Southern Meadow towards the river. Look out for owls and Konik ponies along this trail. The other trail is the Wetland Trail which runs through the northern section of the reserve. This takes you past several lakes and reedbeds with lapwings and reed warblers to look out for. Along the Langley Brook you can also see Cuckoos and warblers in the spring months. View Full Details>> | |
| Midland Link | 19.9 miles (32 km) | Enjoy lakes, canals, woodlands and historic villages on this waymarked walk through the Worcestershire and Warwickshire countryside. The walk begins at the Forehill picnic site, just outside Birmingham, and heads to Tanworth-in-Arden on country lanes and footpaths. This section of the walk passes the three man-made reservoirs at Earlswood Lakes and the interesting Transport Museum at Wythall with its extensive collection of buses, battery electric vehicles and a miniature steam railway. From Tanworth-in-Arden you continue east towards the village of Lapworth, passing the 17th century Umberslade Hall and Park on the way. The mansion is a a Grade II* listed building and is surrounded by parkland and lakes. At Lapworth you join the Stratford Upon Avon Canal for a short waterside stretch which takes you to Kingswood Junction where the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal meets the Grand Union Canal. A short stroll from Kingswood takes you onto another major highlight on the walk, as you reach the moated manor house of Baddesley Clinton. This medieval manor house dates from the 15th century and includes a pretty garden, lakeside walks and woodland trails in the adjacent Hay Wood. The final section of the walk then takes you to Kenilworth, passing through the peaceful Hay Wood and the village of Wroxhall on the way. View Full Details>> | |
| Monarch's Way | 615.2 miles (990 km) | This incredible 615-mile walk approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. The Monarch's Way starts at Worcester then travels north to Boscobel and then south to Stratford upon Avon. It then continues south through the Cotswolds to Stow on the Wold before turning south west towards Bristol via Cirencester. The route then heads south through the Mendip Hills to Wells and then on through Somerset towards Yeovil and then south west to Charmouth. You then follow the Dorset coast before turning north again to Yeovil, before heading east across the Downs to Brighton and then onto the finish point at Shoreham-by-Sea. The walk also takes you through two World Heritage Sites, one National Park and six Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For those interested in the history of the walk there is ample opportunity to learn and discover more with a series of museums and historical sites dotted throughout the route. The walk is waymarked with a picture of the ship The Surprise, the Prince of Wales crown and the Royal Oak tree at Boscobel House. The route has been split into two separate gpx files. The first includes the section from Worcester to Bridport via the Midlands and Somerset. View Full Details>> | |
| Newbold Comyn | 3.1 miles (5 km) | This super park in Leamington Spa, lies on the River Leam and covers 300 acres. The park is perfect for a relaxing riverside stroll or cycle with National Cycle Route 41 passing through the park. View Full Details>> | |
| North Worcestershire Path | 31.1 miles (50 km) | This walk runs from Bewdley to Shirley, West Midlands through four beautiful country parks. You start in Bewdley on the River Severn and follow the river to Upper Arley, passing Trimpley Reservoir and the delightful Arley Arboretumon the way. The next section takes you through Eymore Wood and then onto Drakelow before entering Kingsford Country Park. Here you will find the magnificent Kinver Edge and 200 acres of woodland and heathland. You continue east to Cookley, where you will cross the River Stour, and then onto Hagley and the 18th century Hagley Park and gardens. From Hagley you soon come to the next walk highlight at Clent Hills Country Park. This section offers marvellous views of the surrounding countryside. You then continue through Dales Wood to Waseley Hills Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park with more panoramic views of Worcestershire to enjoy. View Full Details>> | |
| Nuneaton Rotary Walk | 24.2 miles (39 km) | This super circular walk was devised by the Nuneaton Rotary Club and takes you on a tour of the countryside, parks and canals around Nuneaton. The walk begins at Weddington, by the River Anker and passes Hartshill, Higham on the Hill and Hinckley. It runs for about 24 miles on a series of fairly flat easy footpaths. The main attractions on the walk are the delightful waterside stretches along the Coventry Canal and Ashby Canal. You will also visit the beautiful Hartshill Country Park where you will find 137 acres of woodland and open hilltop with magnificent views across the Anker Valley. The next attraction near route is the splendid Arbury Estate just outside Nuneaton. Here you will find a beautiful Elizabethan mansion house surrounded by beautiful 18th century landscaped gardens and over 100 acres of lakes and parkland. This is a fairly easy walk with good access points just to the south of the route start at Nuneaton rail and bus stations. View Full Details>> | |
| Oakley Wood | 1.6 miles (2.5 km) | Enjoy a peaceful woodland walk through Oakley Wood, near Leamington Spa. The wood covers 47 hectares (116 acres) and consists of ancient woodland with lots of bluebells and wildflowers in the spring and summer months. It's also a significant butterfly site containing 70% of Warwickshire's butterfly species including Clouded Yellow, Large White, Small White and Small Tortoiseshell. You can also look out for deer and a variety of woodland birds including spotted woodpecker and blackcap. There are two waymarked walking routes to follow in the woods, a blue trail with 8 trail marker posts and a red one with 12 posts. To extend your walking in the area you could head to the nearby Charlecote Park. Here you can enjoy a walk along the River Avon and visit the lovely waterfall and the large lake. You can reach the park from the nearby village of Wellesbourne on the Wellesbourne Walk. It's about a 2 mile walk from the village, running along the River Dene. You can also visit the village's historic watermill beforehand. Also nearby is Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. View Full Details>> | |
| Oversley Wood | 2.2 miles (3.5 km) | Follow the woodland trails through the delightful forest on this circular walk in Alcester. The woods are located just to the south of Alcester. You can easily reach them from the town by following the Arden Way over the River Arrow and past Oversley Green. There's also a car park in the north eastern corner just off the A46. This will give you access to miles of good woodland trails. It's great in the spring and summer with lots of bluebells and wildflowers to enjoy. Look out for butterflies, badgers and lots of birdlife as you make your way through the woods. To extend your walk you can continue along the Arden Way towards Upton and Walcote. View Full Details>> | |
| Oxford Canal Walk | 77.1 miles (124 km) | Follow the Oxford Canal from Oxford to Coventry on this splendid waterside walk. You follow the towpath of the canal for the duration of the route meaning this is a fairly easy walk (providing you don't do at all at once!) You will pass through a series of delightful villages including Thrupp, Lower Heyford, Banbury, Cropredy, Braunston Turn and Rugby before finishing at Hawkesbury Junction in Coventry. The peaceful south Midlands countryside, a series of pretty locks and several excellent canal side pubs make this walk a fantastic experience. Highlights include the delightful Port Meadow at the start of the route in Oxford, great views of the River Cherwell through Oxfordshire and the stunning gardens at Rousham Park. View Full Details>> | |
| Packwood House | 3.1 miles (5 km) | This tudor house in Lapworth has nice footpaths to follow through the grounds and surrounding countryside. The house has gone through a major restoration project and includes a fine collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture. It's surrounded by a lovely park with a lake, pretty gardens, fine topiary and woodland. There's also herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows and a beautiful orchard. This circular walk from Packwood House explores the park before following country lanes and public footpaths through the countryside. The route also visits the 13th century St Giles' Church. To extend your walking in the area you can head to the nearby Baddesley Clinton. It's located just over a mile to the east of the house and well worth a visit. The moated manor house includes bluebell woodland trails in Hay Wood, a lake and a walled garden with flower borders and fruit trees. Just to the east of Packwood you will also find the Grand Union Canal. You can pick up the towpath and head north towards Solihull. Our Lapworth Circular Canal Walk visits both Packwood and Baddesley Clinton with nice waterside stretches along the two canals. A few miles to the west you will find Earlswood Lakes. Here you will find good footpaths running along three reservoirs with lots of wildlife to look out for. The long distance Heart of England Way also passes near to the house and is another good way to explore the area. View Full Details>> | |
| Pooley Country Park | 5.6 miles (9 km) | This cycle or walk takes you around the lovely Pooley Country Park in Warwickshire. View Full Details>> | |
| Rollright Stones | 7 miles (11.3 km) | This circular walk follows the Shakespeare's Way long distance footpath from Chipping Norton to the Rollright Stones on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border. View Full Details>> | |
| Rugby | 9.9 miles (16 km) | This circular walk takes you around the Warwickshire town of Rugby, taking in the Oxford Canal and the Great Central Walk Nature Reserve. Starting at the train station you head north east to pick up the canal. You then follow the towpath south toward Hillmorton where you'll pass the impressive Hillmorton Locks. It's a very picturesque area with a series of locks and nice views of the surrounding countryside. The route continues along the Barby Straight to Wood Bridge. Just after passing the bridge you leave the canal to follow Onley Lane to the trackbed of a dismantled railway line known as the Great Central Walk. The trail is also a nature reserve with wildlife including a variety of butterflies and birds to see along the path. Follow the trail north and it will take you back into the centre of Rugby and then onto the train station where the route finishes. View Full Details>> | |
| Ryton Pools Country Park | 5.4 miles (8.7 km) | Enjoy a cycle or walk around this lovely park in Ryton, Warwickshire. The park covers 100 acres and includes a number of cycling and walking trails, a large area of peaceful woodland and the four tranquil pools after which the park is named. Ryton Pools also includes a visitor centre, bird hides and a miniature railway. The route below takes you through the park and then to some of the nearby woods. The park can be found just a few miles north east of Leamington Spa. If you would like to continue your walk the Coventry Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way both pass near to the park. The delightful Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve is just to the north of the village of Ryton-on-Dunsmore. View Full Details>> | |
| Saxon Mill | 1.6 miles (2.5 km) | This lovely circular walk takes you around the Saxon Mill fields near Warwick and Leamington Spa. The walk starts at the Saxon Mill pub, a converted old mill with a working water mill. The pub sits on the western side of the River Avon where you can cross to the other side on the footbridge over the rushing weir. You then head east across the fields where footpaths lead along the river towards Milverton. On the way you'll pass the interesting Guy's Cliffe House. The photogenic ruined house dates from 1751 and is a Grade II Listed Building. At the outskirts of Milverton you turn around and follow other paths up toward Old Milverton before returning to the pub. Here you can enjoy refreshments outside on the splendid riverside terrace. View Full Details>> | |
| Shakespeare's Avon Way | 92 miles (148 km) | This terrific waterside walk follows the River Avon from its source near Naseby to its confluence with the Severn at Tewkesbury.
Starting at Naseby in Northamptonshire the walk heads to Welford,Rugby, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford Upon Avon and Evesham before finishing at Tewkesbury. There are frequent waterside sections alongside the River Avon and also a section along the Grand Union Canal at Warwick. View Full Details>> | |
| Shakespeare's Way | 146 miles (235 km) | This walk follows a route that Shakespeare may have taken when travelling between Stratford-upon-Avon and London. The path passes through the Chilterns, Oxford, Blenheim Park, the Cotswolds, the valley of the River Stour and the Thames Valley making for a beautiful and varied walk. There are lovely waterside stretches along the Oxford Canal and the River Thames into London. The walk is waymarked with a logo of Shakespeare's head. View Full Details>> | |
| Shustoke Reservoir | 1.9 miles (3 km) | Enjoy an easy circular walk around this pretty reservoir in Coleshill, Warwickshire. A good footpath runs around the perimeter of the water, with woodland and wildfowers around the water's edge. The River Bourne also runs through the site. You can start your outing from the public car park at the south western end of the water, close to Shustoke village. The Heart of England Way and the Warwickshire Centenary Way both pass the reservoir so you could pick up one of these long distance trails to extend your walk. Cyclists can reach the reservoir on the North Warwickshire Cycle Way. View Full Details>> | |
| Solihull Way | 18.6 miles (30 km) | Starting at Earlswood Lakes head through Solihull to Castle Bromwich Hall. The path first takes you over the Stratford Upon Avon Canal and then along the Grand Union Canal. You then pass through Elmdon Park and Sheldon Country Park and past Birmingham International Airport before finishing at the Jacobean Mansion at Castle Bromwich Hall. View Full Details>> | |
| Southam | 7.5 miles (12 km) | The Warwickshire market town of Southam is located in the Stratford-on-Avon district of the county. View Full Details>> | |
| Stratford Greenway | 5 miles (8 km) | This 5 mile cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway line from Stratford Upon Avon to Long Marston. The greenway follows the route of the old Honeybourne Line passing the Stratford Upon Avon Racecourse before crossing the River Avon and the River Stour. You then pass Milcote where there is a nice picnic area with a refurbished railway carriage cafe. It's about half way along the route so a nice place to stop for refreshments. The final section takes you through the countryside to the finish point at the village of Long Marston. The path is flat and well surfaced so it's an ideal ride for families or anyone looking for an easy traffic free ride. If you would like to continue your exercise in the Stratford Upon Avon area you could pick up the towpath of the Stratford Upon Avon Canal and enjoy a waterside cycle or walk. For walkers the long distance Avon Valley Footpath and Monarch's Way both run through the area. View Full Details>> | |
| Stratford Upon Avon | 3.4 miles (5.5 km) | The Warwickshire town of Stratford Upon Avon is famously associated with William Shakespeare. It's a very attractive place with a fascinating history and a number of great walks to try. This short circular walk takes you along the River Avon to the Stratford Upon Avon race course. It's about 1.5 mile walk along the river to the course with the option of returning on the opposite side by crossing the river at the bridge near the race course. The walk starts from the Grade I listed Clopton Bridge which was built in 1486/7. Along the way you'll pass a number of interesting landmarks including the famouse Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Cricket Club Ground and Stratford Butterfly Farm. The attraction is well worth a visit with several species of free flying butterflies, free flying birds, a pool containing fish, and running water. Also of interest is the Church of the Holy Trinity on the western side of the river. The Grade I listed building is known Shakespeare's Church, due to its fame as the place of baptism and burial of William Shakespeare. It's a fascinating building and one of the highlights on the walk. Built in 1210 it contains a 14th-century sanctuary knocker and twenty-six 15th-century misericord seats in the chancel. View Full Details>> | |
| Stratford Upon Avon Canal | 26.1 miles (42 km) | Enjoy waterside cycling and walking on this 26 mile canal which runs from Stratford Upon Avon to Birmingham. The whole route can be walked while cyclists can enjoy the sections from Stratford Upon Avon to Wilmcote at one end and through the outskirts of Birmingham at the other. The route starts in the centre of Stratford Upon Avon and passes through a series of pretty villages before entering the outskirts of Birmingham and finishing in King's Norton. There's lots of pretty locks and some lovely Warwickshire countryside to enjoy. Around Solihull you'll pass close to Earlswood Lakes which is well worth a small detour. You'll also pass close to the lovely Baddesley Clinton. Here you will find a moated manor house surrounded by gardens and woodland. Near here there's also the option of visiting the tudor Packwood House. You could try our Lapworth Circular Canal Walk which visits both of these interesting properties. Also, around Kingswood the canal links up with the Grand Union Canal Walk so you can easily pick up another super canal trail. View Full Details>> | |
| Tamworth Canal Walk | 4 miles (6.5 km) | This walk follows the towpath of the Coventry Canal through Tamworth, from Fazeley Junction to Pooley Country Park. It's a very pleasant section of the canal, running for just over 4 miles with pretty locks, barges, old bridges and tree lined sections. The walk starts at Fazeley Junction where the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal terminates and meets the Coventry Canal. Follow the towpath north east, passing the aqueduct over the River Tame before you make your way through Tamworth. You'll pass Bolehall and the impressive Glascote lock flight before coming to Amington. Here you can visit the Grade II listed St Editha's Church which is noted for its stained glass windows. The route continues through the Alvecote Marina to the fascinating ruins of Alvecote Priory. The Benedictine Priory was founded in 1159 with the main entrance arch still standing at around 20 feet high. The walk finishes shortly after in Pooley Country Park where there are a number of pretty lakes with lots of wildlife to see on the water. View Full Details>> | |
| Tanworth-in-Arden | 4.1 miles (6.6 km) | This pretty Warwickshire based village is located near Earlswood and Redditch. View Full Details>> | |
| Tysoe Windmill | 3.9 miles (6.2 km) | This walk visits the historic Tysoe Windmill in the Stratford-on-Avon District of Warwickshire. View Full Details>> | |
| Warwick | 5.3 miles (8.5 km) | A circular walk around the town of Warwick, visiting the castle, the River Avon and the Grand Union Canal. View Full Details>> | |
| Warwickshire Centenary Way | 98.2 miles (158 km) | Starting at Kingsbury Water Park (video below) in the north of the county this lovely walk takes you through the River Tame Valley, Atherstone Ridge, Nuneaton, Coombe Abbey Park at Coventry (video below), Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Burton Dassett Hills, Avon Dassett, Edge Hill, Shipston on Stour and Ilmington Downs. View Full Details>> | |
| Warwickshire Millennium Way | 100 miles (161 km) | Follow the Millennium Way through the Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Northamptonshire countryside from Pershore to Middleton Cheney. The walk visits Stoulton, Inkberrow, Henley in Arden, Meriden, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Long Itchington, Chipping Warden before finishing at Middleton Cheney. View Full Details>> | |
| Welcombe Hills Country Park | 2.2 miles (3.5 km) | Enjoy wonderful views over Stratford-Upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside in this elevated country park. View Full Details>> | |
| Whichford Wood | 1.2 miles (2 km) | Enjoy a short, peaceful stroll through these delightful woods on the edge of the Cotswolds. The area consists of Broadleaved and conifer woodland with a number of woodland walking trails to try. There are lovely views over the surrounding Warwickshire countryside from the forest too. Look out for various wildflowers, bluebells and wildlife including fallow deer. After your walk you can enjoy refreshments at the pub in the village of Whichford. The Macmillan Way long distance footpath runs through the woods so you could pick this up to extend your walk through Long Compton Woods to the village of Long Compton. If you continue south you will soon come to the fascinating Rollright Stones. View Full Details>> |
