This walk was led by Angus and Tracey from The King's Arms at Knowle, B93 0EE, on Saturday 30th. July.
The walk is approximately 9.5 miles in familiar territory, with three possible starting point pubs on the route and two further favourite pubs very close by. This time we started at the Kings Arms, heading right (South) along the Grand Union Canal to the Black Boy pub where we exited the canal and walked to Temple Balsall where we picked up the Millenium Way towards Balsall Common passing very close to the Saracen’s Head. From there we walked to The Bulls Head at Barston where we paused for refreshment. We then continued along Barston Lane to the distinctive Blythe Cottage where we turned onto Brook Green Lane picking up a bridle way and winding our way to Knowle Road which we crossed and headed towards Henwood Hall Farm. Shortly after passing the farm buildings, at the top of the hill we turned left and headed back to the Grand Union Canal turning left again and walking the remaining 4km along the canal to The King's Arms.
Route Description: exit the pub car park onto Warwick Road, turning right past the front of the pub and over the canal bridge before joining the Grand Union Canal on the right and continuing ahead along the canal (South) passing the pub garden on the opposite side of the canal. After a little over 5 minutes of walking the Black Boy pub comes into view; exit the canal at this point and head up the driveway of the pub to the Warwick Road. Turn left and walk along the Warwick Road a couple of hundred metres where the road bends to the left; cross the road at this point and pick up a marked footpath heading away from the road. After 500 metres or so, look for a finger post on the left, turning here and walking up a bridle way that leads to a minor, tarmac road (Temple Lane). Turn left and then immediately right continuing to follow Temple Lane to the Cemetery (notice the woodland burial on the left). Just before reaching a T-junction with Kenilworth Road there is a footpath on the right; take this path and continue a short distance along the path looking for an exit on the right to a path which continues in the same direction before reaching a gate into the graveyard on the right. Pass through the gate and walk along the path ahead bearing left to a gate which leads to a field of crops. Continue ahead along the wide and well-walked path arriving at a wide hedge gap where the path meets Millenium Way; turn left here along Millenium Way passing through Temple Farm to a minor Road (Fen End Road); turn right and walk a short distance along the road looking for a turn on the left; take this left turn and continue along Millenium Way towards Balsall Common arriving at Magpie Lane; turn left and walk along Magpie Lane to a staggered junction at Balsall Road; cross the road, turning right and then immediately left along Barston Lane following signage to Bradnocks Marsh and Barston. After a few hundred yards leave the road at a layby on the left continuing through a wooded area and then into an open field; continue ahead through a metal gate ignoring the path on the right, cross a bridge over a stream and continue ahead following the path to St Swithin’s Church, Barston. Pass through the churchyard to Barston Lane, turning left to the Bull’s Head. This is a convenient half-way point for a stop and refreshments (15 mins). Continue along Barston Lane to the distinctive Blythe Cottage; turn left onto Brook Green Lane and then right onto a bridle way. The bridle way continues ahead before turning right and up a slight incline to a junction with another footpath; turn left at this point, over a stile and continue ahead to a road (Knowle Road). Cross Knowle Road and continue ahead along a private road following the marked route which winds its way through a collection of very fine homes, passing through one of the gardens. At this point the path turns left through a gate towards Henwood Hall Farm, on the way crossing a bridge over a stream and heading uphill slightly as it passes to the right of the farm buildings. At the top of the incline the path turns 90 degrees and offers a choice of right or left. Head left at this point passing a 7 bar metal gate and continuing to follow the path for a short distance until reaching the Grand Union Canal once again. Turn left at this point and walk (South) along the canal for approx. 4km back to the Kings Arms, exiting the canal at this point.
