Route
Waypoints
Canal Crossing to Bittell Farm Road
Do not take the steps ahead, instead turn immediately left and follow the towpath as it swings right to continue alongside the main canal (with the water on your left). The towpath leads you under the M42 (Number 64B) and a smaller road bridge (Number 65). Just after this, look to your left to the opposite side of the canal and you will see Lower Bittell Reservoir. Keep your eyes peeled for birds here, you will often see waterfowl and herons. The banks of the reservoir sometimes have rare breed cattle used for conservation grazing, including English Longhorns.
Beyond the reservoir, pass a single white cottage on your left and continue a short distance further to reach Bridge 66. Pass under this and, immediately afterwards, turn right up the steps and cross the stile (or use the gap alongside) to reach the farm track on top of the bridge. Turn right across the bridge and follow the stone track climbing steadily towards the farm buildings.
Pass the first barn on your right and then turn right onto a stone track. As you draw level with the end of the barn, turn left to follow the stone track heading steadily uphill. At the top, cross the stile to reach a junction with Bittell Farm Road.
Marks
Coopers Hill to End
Turn left along Coopers Hill, taking care of any traffic and passing Bridleway Cottage on your left. Follow this quiet lane for about 600 metres, passing a few pretty properties along the way (including the ornate red brick barn of Uplands Stables and then the tile-hung mansion Woodlands, both on your right).
Immediately after passing Woodlands and its former Coach House, turn right through a gate to join the signed public bridleway. The tree-lined bridleway leads you steadily downhill and out through a wooden gate. Keep ahead along the tarmac access lane, passing between several cottages. Eventually you will come to a T-junction with Springers Lodge ahead. Turn left for just a short distance to reach the car park on your right where the trail began.