Past Hikes

Thanks to the Lakins for leading a walk of around 6 ½ miles (10 ½ km) on Sun 17 Nov from the small free car park off Castle Rd opposite Castle Green.  The walk largely followed the AllTrails route Millennium Way: Kenilworth Castle Circular, a beautiful circular trail across flat farmland and open countryside with many attractive views. The route passes Faerie Tale Farm Alpacas and part of it follows the Millennium Way. There was very little mud which was a pleasant surprise for this time of year!

Angus and Tracey led a hike of around 7.5 miles (3+ hours) starting at 9:30am on Sat 2 Nov from The Griffin Inn, Church Rd, Shustoke, Coleshill B46 2LB (Google Maps). 

The walk exits the rear of the pub in the direction of the Shustoke Reservoirs before heading north, crossing the railway line and picking up some minor paths through Botts Green and Nether Whitacre then returning to Shustoke via the Heart of England Way. 

If you do this walk, please park at the far end of the car park from the pub.

Mary led a hike of around 7.5 miles (12 km) from The Red Lion, Claverdon, CV35 8PE (Google Maps) on Sat 19 Oct. The route went through Wolverton and Langley and then back to Claverdon via Barnmoor Green. A map of the route, a link to a GPX file and a view of the start point in Google Maps follow below the photo album.

Adrian led a hike of 8.4 miles (13.5km) from the Car Park at Chadwick End Village Hall through varied Warwickshire countryside including a short stretch on the Grand Union Canal towpath.

Evan led a walk of 12.2km (7.6 miles) from the Fentham Hall Car Park on Sat 21 Sep. The route followed footpaths through Barston and on towards Knowle and the Grand Union Canal towpath at Kixley Lane. The route followed the towpath to Bridge 75 before returning to Hampton past Henwood Hall Farm then through Eastcote and Walsal End.

Angus and Tracey led this a semi-urban Hike on Bank Holiday Monday taking in the various parks around Marston Green, mostly on tarmac and cinder paths. The circular walk is about 8 3/4 miles (14 km) long and starts and finishes at The Little Owl, Bickenhill Parkway, Solihull B40 1QA (directions in Google Maps)

Bill and Sue led a hike of around 7.5 miles (12km) from The View, Hill Farm Marina, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, B95 6DE (get directions on Google Maps) starting at 9.30am on Sat 10 Aug. Sue describes "a lovely route, along the canal, including 2 aqueducts, across woodland, fields, through the very pretty village of Bearley, and Bearley Church, through the Edstone Estate, with its landscaped lakes, up into Austy Woods, and returning along canals and pastureland to The View". 

Tas led this hike from The King's Head, Aston Cantlow, B95 6HY (directions on Google Maps) starting at 9:30am on Sun 28 Jul. The walk of around 10 miles passed through Alcester and some very lovely Warwickshire countryside. (This walk is very similar to one we did in August 2022: A Walk from Aston Cantlow - Hampton Walking)

Denis led this walk on Sunday 30th June starting from The Bulls Head in Barston. The route of 9.5 miles (15.3km) is through countryside and woods, and alongside canals.

Angus and Tracey led this hike from the Hatton Arms at 9:30am on Sun 16 Jun. A picturesque and varied walk through Warwickshire countryside, the route follows footpaths, a section of the Grand Union Canal, a woodland path and some bridle paths and minor roads. 

Sharron and Pete led a hike of about 10 miles on Sat 1 Jun from The Warwickshire Lad, Broad Lane, Wood End, Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5DP.  This was a varied walk through the Warwickshire countryside along quiet lanes, fields and through woodland. 

This walk of about 7 1/2 miles was led by Wayman and Beverley on Sun 19 May starting from the Fleur De Lys in Lowsonford, B95 5HJ.  The walk went through Yarningale Common & Preston Bagot and skirts Henley-in-Arden. The route is through fields (a few with horses and many with sheep), woodland and often near canals. There are some short hills.

By popular request, Mary Coles led this hike of about 10 miles in based on her Hidden Birmingham walk in December 2023. 

Mary Coles led this walk "In Search of Bluebells" from Berkswell Village Green starting at 9.30am on Saturday 20 April.

Adrian Jones led this walk on Sat 6 Apr. By popular request this was a repeat of the the walk he led on 10 Feb and is in two parts; the first is north from Meriden and is about 4 miles long. It is mostly on footpaths, with some woodland, some short lengths of lane and 4 or 5 stiles. The second part is south from Meriden and almost all of it is on footpaths. 

This walk was led by Greg & Deb Lakin on Sun 24 Mar starting from The Black Boy, Warwick Rd, Knowle, B93 0EB (directions in Google Maps). The walk was based on this route from AllTrails: Millennium Way: Heronfield and Temple Balsall. 

Jane and Colin led this walk of around 8 miles from Perry Barr Station (Birchfield Road, Perry Barr, B20 3JE) on Sat 9 Mar. We followed walk 13 from A-Z Birmingham Hidden Walks: Discover 20 routes in and around the city which is available at "Amazon and all good booksellers".  The walk is on pavements, canal towpaths and uneven park paths and the following notes come from the guidebook:   

'There's never been a better time for Birmingham to tell its story' according to Peaky Blinders creator and opening ceremony producer, Steven Knight, on the event that will change the city's image for generations of people. The focal point of the 2022 Commonwealth Games is the renovated Alexander Stadium, which features on this walk along with the athletes' village that never was, as well as a cemetery and an iconic landmark rarely traversed on foot.

This walk of contrasts starts in the northern suburb of Perry Barr, 4 miles (6.7 km) from the city centre. You will discover a charming lock-keeper's cottage hidden from view. You will walk through Birmingham's largest cemetery with a spectacular chapel offering one of the best vantage points over the City, and where dignified graves remind us of the shared history that the Commonwealth nations have beyond sport.

Approaching along the Tame Valley Canal you will pass under north Birmingham's temple to brutalism: Spaghetti Junction- With the tangle of roads spiralling above, there is a surprising calm along the tree-lined canal-side. These are some of Birmingham's least-visited gems that offer a rewarding experience for the more adventurous explorer. 

Sue and Bill Kiely led this walk of just over 8 miles from the Railway Inn, Dorridge on Sun 25 Feb. Leaving the Railway Inn, we headed to Packwood Church before skirting Packwood House grounds and dropping onto the Grand Union Canal, crossing to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, leaving the canal at the Drawbridge, and returning to the Railway Inn via fields, copses and lanes. Only a few stiles, but quite a lot of mud! 

The address for the Railway Inn is Grange Road, Dorridge, B93 8QA. Click the following link for directions in Google Maps. 

A walk of around 7.5 miles led by Adrian Jones. The route is in two parts;  the first is north from Meriden and is about 4 miles long. It is mostly on footpaths, with some woodland and some short lengths of lane. The second part is south from Meriden and almost all on footpaths through fields. (Note that, by popular request, Adrian repeated this walk on 6 April.)

Evan Grant led this walk of 14.2km (8.8 miles) from The Black Boy (Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0EB - directions in Google Maps) on Sun 28 Jan. The route follows the Grand Union Canal before turning up the Stratford Canal and following footpaths and quiet roads past Packwood House and St Giles Church to Dorridge Park. The route continues along Dorridge streets and through some more fields before re-joining the Grand Union at The King's Arms and finishing back along the towpath. There are some kissing gates and stiles, a couple of which are not dog-friendly. There were several places that were very muddy when we did this walk.

A walk of 8 miles / 13km , based on this route from OSMaps.com, led by Tas Hind on Sun 14 Jan from The Throckmorton, Coughton Hill, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5HX (directions in Google Maps). The route is on footpaths over fields and through woods, and on some quiet lanes. Expect a fair amount of mud in winter. 

Jane Hodge led our New Year's Day walk for 2024 from The Bear Inn, Berkswell, CV7 7BB (Google Maps). We walked 7.8 miles (12.6km) in bright, clear weather, though it was very muddy underfoot. The online map linked below shows a variation of the route which is slightly shorter at 7 1/2 miles, and avoids a private footpath we were able to use on the day of the walk. 

Thanks to Sharron & Pete for leading their festive Mulled Wine & Mince Pies Walk from Abbey Fields Car Park, Kenilworth on Sat 16 Dec. The route of 8.5 miles offers easy walking through the Warwickshire countryside skirting The Warwickshire golf course towards Leek Wootton Church where we stopped for Mulled Wine and Mince Pies! Continuing on, the route passes County Police Headquarters and then heads back towards Kenilworth.  The walk is suitable for dogs and there are no stiles.

Mary Coles led this walk of just over 10 miles in Hidden Birmingham! This urban walk starts from New St Station and follows some of the Platinum Jubilee Walkway. It takes in the Georgian and Jewellery Quarters of the City, including the Warstone Lane Cemetery.  It follows the canal to the NIA and Roundhouse before heading to the Edgbaston Reservoir, the Harborne Walkway and some smart residential streets in Harborne and Edgbaston. Finally, the route heads back to the City Centre along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. If anyone wants to do a shorter walk they can dip out at the NIA after about 3.5 miles or take a bus back to the centre from Harborne.

A circular walk of around 9 miles led by Steve White from The Queen's Head in Meriden on Sun 19 Nov. The address for The Queen's Head is Old Rd, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7JP and you can find it here in Google Maps. The route goes to Hawks End and back past the edge of Corley Moor on footpaths and quiet lanes.

A walk of just over 8 miles (13 km) in Sutton Park led by John & Sue Timperley from the car park at the Toby Carvery, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT on Sat 4 Nov 2023

This walk was led by Sue & Bill Kiely from The Navigation Inn, Old Warwick Road, Lapworth, B94 6NA (Google Maps) starting at 9:30am on Sat 21 Oct. The route of 7miles / 11.2 km passes through Baddesley Clinton,  Rowington and the edge of Lowsonford before following canal towpaths back to The Navigation Inn. The walk is a lovely mix of fields, lanes, and canalside paths.

Colin & Jane Niblock led a walk of around 8 miles from The Bull & Butcher, Common Lane, Corley Moor, Coventry CV7 8AQ (Google Maps) starting at 9:30am on Sat 7 Oct. There is plenty of parking at the pub. Please note that on this route there are some difficult stiles which will be especially challenging for anyone with dogs, and that there are cattle in the fields by Green End Farm. Part of the route follows Pump Lane, a very pleasant single track road, but none of it is on main roads. 

Wayman & Beverley led a walk on Sun 24 Sep from The Bear Inn, Berkswell (Google Maps). The route of just over 8.5 miles (13.7km) skirts Eastern Green and then comes back via Millison’s Wood and Meriden. The walk is mainly on footpaths across fields with a short detour into Millison’s Wood. 

This walk started from The Three Horseshoes, Bubbenhall, CV8 3BD on Saturday 9th. September at 9.30am and was led by Bob Reid.  The route of approx 8 1/2 miles (13 1/2 km) is mainly on rural footpaths, and passes through Weston under Wetherley, Hunningham and Wappenbury.

This walk was led by Denis Pratt from The Bulls Head in Barston, B92 0JU starting at 9:30am on Sat 26 Aug. The route was just under 10 miles long with canal and countryside walking.

Angus and Tracey Mills led this walk of around 9.8 miles (15.7km) starting from Abbey Fields Car Park in Kenilworth at 9:15am on Sat 12 Aug. There is a van in the car park serving coffee and cakes which is open from around 9am. Many in the group visited The Virgins & Castle, a nearby pub, for post-walk refreshment and lunch.

For parking fees, see the Car Park link above. When we visited it was possible to pay by card or in the RingGo app (location 23851) but not with cash. 

A loop of 9 miles / 14.4km from Tanworth-in-Arden through local countryside from The Bell, The Green, Tanworth-in-Arden and led on 30 Jul 2023 by Evan Grant. Landmarks include the Umberslade Gate Pillars, the Umberslade Obelisk, the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Lapworth and a mock windmill also in Lapworth. Many of the paths were overgrown when we walked this route and there were also many awkward and poorly maintained stiles.

There is limited parking behind the pub, but please park out on the street if possible. 

This walk of around 9 miles was led by Tas Hind from the Hatton Arms car park, CV35 7JJ, on Sun 16 Jul. Some 50% of the route follows the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, the remainder being on rural footpaths around the villages of Little Shrewley and Hatton.

This walk marked the end of Bob Reid's time co-ordinating the Hikers group. Bob wishes to thank everyone who has supported him during the 8 years since the group started in July 2015. This walk started from The Navigation Inn, Lapworth, B94 6NA, at 9.30am on Sunday 2nd July and was about 7 miles long.

(Note that we walked this route again on 21 Oct 2023. You can find an interactive map and download a GPX file from hampton-walking.jimdofree.com/2023-10-21-hike)

This walk was a half marathon walk starting from and finishing at The Hampton Gym, Old Station Road, Hampton in Arden,  B92 0HA. The walk, and the training walks leading up to it, were organised to raise money for the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust. All donations very welcome at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/hampton-half

This 10 mile walk was led by Angus and Tracey Mills on Sun 4 Jun 2023 and started from The Hampton, Station Court, Old Station Road, Hampton in Arden, B92 0HA.

This walk is one of a series of practice walks for the Hampton half marathon walk (see this pdf file for details) on June 17th in aid of the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust.

This 7 mile walk to Barston and back on Sun 21 May was led by Evan Grant from The Hampton, Station Court, Old Station Road, Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull, B92 0HA.

This Hampton Hike was also one in a series of training walks organised by The Hampton gym with Hampton Hikers in advance of a Half Marathon Walk on 17 June to raise funds for Cameron Grant Memorial Trust. For full details, including how to enter the Half Marathon Walk, please see this PDF: Half Marathon Walk

This walk was led by John Timperley from The Quicken Tree on the Meriden Road between Fillongley and Meriden on Monday May 8th, the Coronation Bank Holiday. The route of just under 8 miles follows footpaths, including part of the Heart of England Way, and quiet lanes through rolling North Warwickshire countryside. (Note that there are several tricky styles on this route, and some are especially challenging for medium or large dogs which must be carried over them.)

This walk, on Saturday 22nd. April, started from the Aston Cantlow Park at 9.30 am and was led by Denis Pratt. The walk of around 9 miles, went across farmland along a canal and through villages including past Mary Arden's farm.

Car parking is either by the village hall, B95 6HZ, or the The Kings Head, B95 6HY.

It is reputed that William Shakespeare used to visit the Kings Head.

This walk was led by Bob Reid from The Swan, Whitacre Heath, B46 2JA on Easter Saturday. The walk is just over 7 miles long and is rated easy.

This walk from Hopwood House, Hopwood, B48 7AB is approximately 9.5 miles long and was led by Sharron & Pete Maguire.

The route begins along the canal across Clifton Common and then on to the Bittell Reservoirs. After crossing the A441 the walk heads uphill towards Forhill before returning to the pub. Dog Walkers note:  there are a couple of ladder stiles, a gate and a 200m stretch down a busy road with little verge.

This walk of 6.7 miles (10.8 km) was led by Mary Coles on Sunday 12th March, and started from the car park at RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve (entrance on Bodymoor Heath Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BB. Drive on past the Aston Villa training ground. £3 pay and display charge per car or free to RSPB Members. Note also that you cannot get to the RSPB Car park by driving through Middleton Hall Car Park even though some satnavs suggest otherwise!)

Description: Very flat and mainly on gravel/tarmac paths through sections of the RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve and Kingsbury Water Park, along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and through woods. Close to the end, the route passes Middleton Hall where there is a convenient café for post-walk refreshment.

NOTE TO DOG WALKERS: for parts of the route through the RSPB Nature Reserve dogs must be on a short lead. There are other parts of the reserve where dogs are not allowed at the route described here avoids these. 

This walk was led by Anne Dewison from The Queen's Head, Meriden, CV7 7JP on Sunday 26th was around 7 miles long.

During the walk there was a stop for cakes and coffee, courtesy of Sara Carson who was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This was party of a wider Carson family fundraising effort which includes Sara & Stuart's son Tom running the London Marathon on 23 April. If you missed the walk and would like to donate in support of Sara and family,  please visit Tom’s fundraising page for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

This walk of around 9 miles was led by Tas Hind from the Hatton Arms car park, CV35 7JJ, on Sun 12 Feb, 2023. Some 50% of the route follows the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, the remainder being on rural footpaths around the villages of Little Shrewley and Hatton.

This walk was led by Wayman and Beverley from the Fleur De Lys, Lowsonford, B95 5HJ, on Sunday 29th January, 2023.

The walk of just over 8 miles goes through Yarningale Common, Preston Bagot and Henley in Arden. The walk is through fields (a few with horses and many with sheep), woodland and often near canals. There are some short hills.  The route is typically quite wet, slippery and muddy in places in winter. 

This walk was led by Anna Johnston from The Granville Arms, Barford, CV35 8DS. The route is around 8 miles long and goes from Barford to Wasperton, Charlecote, Hampton Lucy and Sherbourne and then back to Barford.

This walk will start from The King's Arms pub Knowle, B93 0EE, at 10.00 am on Sunday 1st. January and will be led by Tas Hind.

This walk was led by Sharron & Pete Maguire on Saturday 17th December. The walk was the same as last year's Christmas route and started from The Bell in Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5AL, at 9.30 am. The route of around 8 miles follows footpaths and quiet roads in a loop that returns to Tanworth through the Umberslade Estate. Mince pies and mulled wine were served!

This walk of about 8.5 miles was led by John and Sue Timperley and started from the Tom O' The Wood, Finwood Road, Rowington, Warwickshire, CV35 7DH at 9.30am on Sat 3 Dec.

This walk was led by Mary Coles and on Sun 20 Nov from Fentham Hall car park in Hampton-in-Arden, B92 0AH. The walk followed footpaths through fields to Barston and on to Temple Balsall and then returned to Barston and Hampton-in-Arden on different paths. There is one short stretch on Balsall Street, a busy road, on the approach to Temple Balsall.

This walk of just over 9 miles was led by Evan Grant on Sun 6 Nov from the car park of the Drawbridge Inn (5 Drawbridge Road, Shirley, B90 1DD - Google Maps. Note: the car park entrance is on Haslucks Green Road).

The route begins by crossing the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal over the Shirley Drawbridge, then skirts Hollywood and goes through Wythall before crossing Fulford Heath Golf Club to Tanner's Green.  It then crosses fields to Clowes Wood and follows the edge of Terry's Pool and Earlswood Lakes to Lady Lane and the canal. The route then follows the towpath to Dickens Heath and cuts through the village centre before returning to the towpath and following it back to and over the Shirley Drawbridge to the Drawbridge Inn. 

This walk on Sunday 30th October was led by Sue & Bill Kiely from The Tipperary Inn at Meer End. The route includes some lovely woodland, open fields and copses on the Honiley Estate, quiet country lanes,  some historic buildings including Honiley Church and Hall, Rudfyn Manor, and of course, Kenilworth Castle.

The walk takes us from Meer End to the edge of Chase Wood, then on to Honiley and Beausale, before reaching Kenilworth Castle. Here we join the Millenium Way on our route back to Meer End, across land formerly part of the hunting grounds of the Castle.

This walk is due to start at 9.00am on October 8th. from the Stag at Offchurch, CV33 9AQ, and will be led by Angus & Tracey Mills. The walk is approximately 10 miles long.

This walk on 25th September was led by Bob Reid starting from The Holly Bush, Gorcott Hill, B98 9EN at 9.30 am.

The route of just over 7 miles is mainly through agricultural land and includes the villages of Ullenhall and Traps Green. When we did this walk there were some tricky stiles and some frisky bullocks. Please come prepared and take care!

This walk was led by Anna Johnston and started from Cape Road Carpark, Warwick, CV34 4LB, at 9.30am on Sunday 11th September.  From the Car Park we went to St Nicholas Park then followed the riverside path along the Avon and crossed fields up to Old Milverton,. We passed the fascinating and eerie Guy's Cliffe, crossed over the weir and then went through The Saxon Mill. We followed the Centenary Way and came back through Hatton to join the Grand Union Canal at the middle of Hatton's famous 'stairway to heaven' flight of 21 locks, one of the longest in the country. We followed the canal back into Warwick and had an excellent lunch at The Globe.

This walk from Harvington Hall, DY10 4LR, started at 9.30 am. on Saturday 27th. August

This is a circular walk from Harvington Hall a moated Elizabethan Manor House set in the hamlet of Harvington. The walk itself is about 7.5 miles long taking in the rolling agricultural landscape along rivers through woodland passing farm shops and beautiful scenery. We follow the Monarchs way for some of the walk passing a ruined mill and making our way towards Mount Segg. Proceeding towards the village of Stone where we pass Stone House Cottage Gardens which are worth a peek over the wall at. As we head back to the Hall in the village of Harvington we pass the Dog Inn where those who want to partake can stop. Alternatively, carry on through the Hall gardens to enjoy a delicious cream tea which is highly recommend.

This walk led by Tas Hind started from the Kings Head, Aston Cantlow, B95 6HY, at 9.00 am on Saturday 20th. August. The walk was about 9.5 miles long and passed through Alcester and beautiful Warwickshire countryside.

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.

This walk led by Bob Reid started at The Boot Inn, Lapworth, B94 6JU, at 9.30 am on 17 July 2022 and was about 7 miles long.

This walk was led by Denis Pratt from The Boat, Catherine-de-Barnes. The route starts along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal then crosses through fields to Dorridge and Knowle before returning to The Boat along the canal. 

This walk was led by Sarah Meharg; it started from the Ten Four Bakehouse, Unit 11, Stirchley Trading Estate, B30 2PF (sadly closed for a summer break when we were there) and ended at the Birmingham Brewing Company Taproom. The walk is 9 miles and is all pavement. The route follows the River Rea through parkland to Cannon Hill Park and cuts through Edgbaston before walking back via the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

This walk from the Fleur De Lys pub, Lowsonford, B95 5HJ (Google Maps) on 5 June was led by Sharron and Pete Maguire and was a little over 9 miles in total.  The route includes lovely pastures, wooded areas, a short stint along the Stratford Canal and beautiful countryside. The walk starts towards Bushwood, skirting both sides, then follows the Millennium Way towards Buckley Green where it picks up the Heart of England Way towards Preston Bagot. From there the route goes on to the canal towpath then across Yarningale Common and back to Lowsonford.

The walk led by Evan Grant on Saturday, 7th May started from Fentham Hall car park (B92 0AH, Google Maps) at 9.30am. This circular route of 9 miles goes to Barston via Barston Lakes and Bradnocks Marsh and returns via the Grand Union Canal towpath and Walsal End. Many thanks to Gill Shalley who chose the route.

This walk was led by Tas Hind and started from the Throckmorton, Kings Coughton, B49 5HX, at 9.30 am. The walk is 7 to 8 miles.

From the Throckmorton, walk south past Coughton Court and turn left into the lane the other side of Coughton Court. Continue along the lane to a ford, go over the bridge on the right and at the other side turn left along the Arden Way. Proceed along the Arden Way to Spernal Lane, turn right and then immediately left along a lane, continue to a left turn through "Mutton Farm" on the Heart of England Way.  

(Continued) 

This walk from The Griffin Inn, Church Road, Shustoke, B46 2LB (Google Maps) on Sat 9 April was led by Evan Grant. 

The route is a circuit of just over 10 miles on footpaths and quiet roads heading first to Maxstoke, and then to Coleshill before skirting Shustoke on the way back to The Griffin at Church End.

The Griffin has a large car park; please park at the far end from the pub. We had an excellent lucnh there after our walk.

This walk will started from Newbold Comyn Park, carpark, CV32 4EW, at 9.30 am on 26 Mar. The walk of 9 miles long, visited two historic towns, passed a famous castle and an ancient church, St. Marys. It featured canal towpath and park walking. Cars may also be parked in nearby Newbold Comyn Arms carpark, CV32 4EU.

This walk on Sat 12 Mar was led by Angus and Tracey Mills and started from the Church End Brewery, Ridge Lane, CV10 0RD (Google Maps)

This is a 10 mile circular route through beautiful, undulating Warwickshire farmland. It begins in Ridge Lane and follows The Centenary Way (devised to celebrate one hundred years of Warwickshire County Council) to Over Whitacre, then heads East towards Old Arley before returning to Ridge Lane in a northerly direction via a collection of farms and through rolling countryside.

This walk was led by Sharron Maguire on 26 Feb 2022 from the Church End Brewery, Ridge Lane, Birchley Heath, CV10 0RD at 9.30 am. The route of around 9 miles encompasses woods, rural lanes, open fields, a canal towpath and Hartshill Hayes Country Park. We finished with lunch in the brewery Tap Room.

This walk started at The Crown Inn, Withybed Green, Alvechurch, Birmingham B48 7PN at 9.30 am on Sunday 13th February and was just under 9 miles. The route takes in Blackwell and Burcot. Note that the pub car park is quite small and is for 'patrons only'. 

This walk, led by Bob Reid, started from The Green Dragon Inn, Sambourne, B96 6NU (Google Maps) at 9.30am and was just over 8 miles long. There is ample car parking space.  At least 50% of the walk is on lanes to avoid mud where possible but there will always be some mud in winter and after prolonged rain. From Sambourne the route goes through the new Haydon Way Wood in the Heart of England Forest to Spernal, past the Purity Brewery, past Coughton Court and Park, and then back to Sambourne. 

A circuit of around 9 1/2 miles (15 km) from the Fentham Hall Car Park (Marsh Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, B92 0AH - Google Maps). The route goes to the edge of Balsall Common then back to Hampton through Barston. The walk is mostly on footpaths through fields, though there are some stretches along roads. Expect a bit of mud if you walk this route in winter.

This walk of around 7 3/4 miles started from Ye Olde Saracen’s Head, Balsall Common, CV7 7AS, at 10.00 am on January 1st. This route is mainly across fields and meadows and was quite muddy for our New Year's Day walk. Waterproof boots are recommended. There is plenty of car parking space at the Saracen's Head.

This walk of around 8 miles was led by Sharron Maguire from The Bell at Tanworth-in-Arden on Sun 19 Dec. The route follows footpaths and quiet roads in a loop that returns to Tanworth through the Umberslade Estate. Many thanks to Sharron & Pete for the mince pies and mulled wine!

This walk was led by Tas Hind from the The Bulls Head, Meriden, CV7 7NN. The route was inspired by the 8 mile Circular Walk from Meriden on the Millennium Way website and Berkswell from Meriden using the Millennium Way on Walking Britain. Compared to these, this route has been modified to accommodate HS2 footpath closures.

This walk was led by Mary Coles and starting from Claverdon Church Centre, CV35 8PD. The walk was about 8 miles.

A circular walk of almost 9 miles from The Bear Inn, Spencers Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7BB. The walk is mostly on footpaths through fields, though there are some short stretches along roads. There is ample car parking at The Bear.

This walk was led by Bob Reid and started from the Oak Tree pub, Cofton Hacket, B45 8UX, at 9.30am on Sunday 24th. October. The walk is over 7 miles long and takes in both the Lickey and Waseley Hills. The walk starts in the Lickey Hills and progresses via Beacon Hill to the Waseley Hills and back via Chadwich Manor to the Lickeys and the Oak Tree. It includes several hills some of which are steep. The pub has a large carpark.

Sarah's walk started from the Ten Four Bakehouse on the Stirchley Trading Estate, Hazelwell Road, Stirchley, B30-2PF, at 9.00 am. 

There will be time for a baked breakfast or doughnuts to boost energy levels before embarking on a 9.5 mile route taking in nature reserves, towpaths, urban streets and Tolkien's Birmingham including Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill that inspired Lord of the Rings.  The route ended in the Birmingham Brewing Company Taproom.

This walk started from The Queen's Head in Meriden (CV7 7JP) and was led by Denis Pratt. The walk was approximately 8 miles long.

The route leaves the Queens Head carpark and continues along Eaves Green Lane, cutting across fields and passing under the A45, through Eaves Green village to a bridleway towards Corley Moor. From Corley Moor it skirts the edge of Birchley Hays Wood to the B4102 road which is obliquely crossed to footpaths going through Kinwalsey and Close Wood, High Ash Farm and back to the A45 which is crossed via the B4102 bridge. From there the walk followed a footpath across farmland back to Old Road and The Queen's Head.

This walk of just over 5 miles was led by Debra Stojkovic from The Crown Inn, Alvechurch, B48 7PN. The route was part field, part canal towpath and part road, and included the village of Barnt Green.

This walk of some 7.7 miles started from Abbey Fields Carpark, Kenilworth, CV8 1BN and was led by Sharron Maguire. The walk started by crossing Abbey Fields to the Castle carpark and thence along Centenary Way, crossing Rouncil Lane and continuing past Goodrest farm to Deer Park Wood. Here it turned right along the bridleway to Bullock Farm and then right again to follow Inchford Brook back to Rouncil Lane. After a short distance along Rouncil Lane the walk followed a footpath back to Kenilworth Castle and from there to the Virgins & Castle for refreshments.

A 10 mile walk from The Red Lion at Hopwas led by Bob Reid on Sat 14 Aug, 2021. The walk starts with a short stretch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal soon transferring to a country lane for a little over a mile to a fruit farm. From there it passes along rural footpaths back to a four mile stretch of lanes and roads to and through Drayton Bassett and Bullock's End. The route then crosses the Coleshill Road and goes over the folly-like Drayton Footbridge, complete with turrets and spiral staircases, to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal towpath which it follows to Fazeley Junction and then back to The Red Lion continuing along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal towpath once more.

A walk of 9 3/4 miles led by Denis Pratt from the Navigation Inn on Sunday August 1st. This circular route is mostly on canal towpaths and footpaths through fields and visits Lowsonford, Rowington, Wroxall and Baddesley Clinton. 

This 10 mile walk was led by Angus & Tracey Mills from The Hatton Arms, CV35 7JJ on Saturday 17th July, 2021. A route description follows below, then some some photos and a map of the route with a link to a GPX file.

The route: walk through the pub grounds to the canal, cross at the brick bridge and continue straight ahead (walking away from the canal) to a wooden gate. The footpath continues ahead crossing the railway line over a bridge and passing Alders and Budbrooke farms where it becomes a track leading to a quiet road.

This walk was led by Tas Hind and started from The King's Arms in Knowle, B93 0EE, at 9.30 am.

The Walk leaves The King's Arms carpark to proceed south down the Grand Union Canal towpath for approximately 2 miles to Rising Bridge. Here leave the canal to continue along Rising Lane in an easterly direction to reach Baddesley Clinton. Walk along the Baddesley Clinton Estate drive up to the house and then around the gardens and lake. 

This walk started from Fentham Hall, Hampton in Arden, B92 0AH, at 10.00 am and was approximately 8 miles. 

This walk on Saturday 5th June started at 9.30am from the Griffin Inn at Shustoke, B46 2LB (Google Maps) and was led by Angus Mills. The route is about 8.5 miles long taking in a wide variety of Warwickshire countryside. It starts by skirting Shustoke reservoir before heading south to Dumble Wood where it picks up the Heart of England Way to Parsons Wood before returning to the Griffin Inn via the disused Daw Mill Colliery. For those who wear shorts at this time of year, please note that there is a section of about 400 metres after leaving Daw Mill Colliery which is a little overgrown with a good helping of nettles: our legs were left tingling a little after the recce. The Griffin Inn has an excellent and large beer garden with great views, has a choice of 8-10 real ales and serves great food.

Our 7 mile (11.2km) walk began at the Navigation Inn, Lapworth, B94 6NA at 9.30 am on Sunday May 23rd and was led by Bob Reid. The walk is rated as easy with no significant hills.

From the start, the route heads across fields to Baddesley Clinton manor, past St Michael's Church and then across more fields to Rowington Green. From there it continues to Lowsonford mainly along back lanes to the South Stratford canal and then along the towpath to Kingsbury Junction and back to the Navigation.

This walk starts from the Kings Head, Aston Cantlow, B95 6HY at 9.30 am and is 9.2 miles long. It joins together sections of the Arden Way, the Heart of England Way and the Monarch's Way.

The walk is mainly across agricultural land and by-passes Alcester to the east.

This walk of around 9.5 miles starts from the free car park in Pear Tree Avenue, Kingsbury, B78 2LN and goes along the Heart of England Way across fields to join the Centenary Way. The route leaves the Centenary Way along another footpath to reach the River Tame follows the Tame, passes some beautiful pools, then returns to the start via Kingsbury Water Park.

The Royal Oak pub is close to the car park and handy for a visit after the walk.

The walk starts and ends at Dobbies Atherstone, Cross Lane Farm, Nuneaton Road, Mancetter, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1RF. The route is just over 5 1/2 miles long and covers a variety of terrain including uneven roadsides, hills and lots of mud (in winter). There are stunning views at various points along the walk and the cakes at Dobbies are recommended. The garden centre has a large car park which was almost empty when we began walking at 9am and almost full when we got back at around 11:30am.

This Walk, led by Bob Reid, started from The Red Lion Hunningham at 9.30 am on 2 Feb 2020.

Please see below for a selection of photos and a map of the route. For a full album from the walk, see: Photos from A Circular Walk from Hunningham. Many thanks to Mary Coles for the photos.

This walk is a loop of 6.4 miles from The King's Arms, Knowle, B93 0EE. The route starts along the Grand Union canal towpath and continues for 2 miles to Rising Lane bridge where it leaves the canal and proceeds to Packwood House and then back to the Grand Union via Packwood Road and Bakers Lane.

A map of the route follows below a selection of photos taken by Mary Coles on the walk. Many thanks to Tas Hind for leading.

A 7.7 mile walk from Ye Olde Saracens Head at Balsall Common, CV7 7AS to recover from the excesses of New Year's Eve! The route is all on minor roads to avoid mud. 

This 7 mile walk starts from the Samuel Barlow pub in Alvecote, B78 1AS.  It passes the ruins of Alvecote Priory, Shuttington and the historic town of Polesworth then finishes along the towpath of the Coventry Canal. Most of the route is on tracks and roads to minimise mud.

A map of the route follows below the gallery of photos by Mary Coles.

This walk from the Hatton Arms, CV35 7JJ, started at 9.00 am. It is a circular walk of about 10 miles, initially heading towards Warwick along the canal, leaving via a footpath by the locks at bridge 49, passing Woodloes Farm, skirting around Warwickshire Golf course and heading back to the Hatton Arms via Goldrest Farm, Bulloak Farm and Lower Farm. Easy walking predominantly; a mixture of canal towpaths, urban footpaths and bridleways.

This walk of just over 9 miles starts and ends at the Walton Hill Car Park on Walton Hill Road in the Clent Hills. Our route goes through the Clent Hills before moving east to Waseley Hills Country Park and then looping back to the start and includes three principal summits: Walton Hill (316m), Windmill Hill (285m) and Clent Hill itself (309m).

This walk starts from The Greyhound pub at Hawkesbury Junction, CV6 6DF, and is approximately 9.6 miles long.

The first 3 miles follows the towpath of the Oxford Canal east of Sutton Stop to Ansty from where it strikes north to the village of Barnacle continuing to Bulkington. From Bulkington the walk goes east to the Centenary Way which follows the Coventry Canal south back to the Greyhound pub.

Thanks to the Lakins for leading a walk of around 6 ½ miles (10 ½ km) on Sun 17 Nov from the small free car park off Castle Rd opposite Castle Green.  The walk largely followed the AllTrails route Millennium Way: Kenilworth Castle Circular, a beautiful circular trail across flat farmland and open countryside with many attractive views. The route passes Faerie Tale Farm Alpacas and part of it follows the Millennium Way. There was very little mud which was a pleasant surprise for this time of year!

Angus and Tracey led a hike of around 7.5 miles (3+ hours) starting at 9:30am on Sat 2 Nov from The Griffin Inn, Church Rd, Shustoke, Coleshill B46 2LB (Google Maps). 

The walk exits the rear of the pub in the direction of the Shustoke Reservoirs before heading north, crossing the railway line and picking up some minor paths through Botts Green and Nether Whitacre then returning to Shustoke via the Heart of England Way. 

If you do this walk, please park at the far end of the car park from the pub.

Mary led a hike of around 7.5 miles (12 km) from The Red Lion, Claverdon, CV35 8PE (Google Maps) on Sat 19 Oct. The route went through Wolverton and Langley and then back to Claverdon via Barnmoor Green. A map of the route, a link to a GPX file and a view of the start point in Google Maps follow below the photo album.

Adrian led a hike of 8.4 miles (13.5km) from the Car Park at Chadwick End Village Hall through varied Warwickshire countryside including a short stretch on the Grand Union Canal towpath.

Evan led a walk of 12.2km (7.6 miles) from the Fentham Hall Car Park on Sat 21 Sep. The route followed footpaths through Barston and on towards Knowle and the Grand Union Canal towpath at Kixley Lane. The route followed the towpath to Bridge 75 before returning to Hampton past Henwood Hall Farm then through Eastcote and Walsal End.

Angus and Tracey led this a semi-urban Hike on Bank Holiday Monday taking in the various parks around Marston Green, mostly on tarmac and cinder paths. The circular walk is about 8 3/4 miles (14 km) long and starts and finishes at The Little Owl, Bickenhill Parkway, Solihull B40 1QA (directions in Google Maps)

Bill and Sue led a hike of around 7.5 miles (12km) from The View, Hill Farm Marina, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, B95 6DE (get directions on Google Maps) starting at 9.30am on Sat 10 Aug. Sue describes "a lovely route, along the canal, including 2 aqueducts, across woodland, fields, through the very pretty village of Bearley, and Bearley Church, through the Edstone Estate, with its landscaped lakes, up into Austy Woods, and returning along canals and pastureland to The View". 

Tas led this hike from The King's Head, Aston Cantlow, B95 6HY (directions on Google Maps) starting at 9:30am on Sun 28 Jul. The walk of around 10 miles passed through Alcester and some very lovely Warwickshire countryside. (This walk is very similar to one we did in August 2022: A Walk from Aston Cantlow - Hampton Walking)

Denis led this walk on Sunday 30th June starting from The Bulls Head in Barston. The route of 9.5 miles (15.3km) is through countryside and woods, and alongside canals.

Angus and Tracey led this hike from the Hatton Arms at 9:30am on Sun 16 Jun. A picturesque and varied walk through Warwickshire countryside, the route follows footpaths, a section of the Grand Union Canal, a woodland path and some bridle paths and minor roads. 

Sharron and Pete led a hike of about 10 miles on Sat 1 Jun from The Warwickshire Lad, Broad Lane, Wood End, Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5DP.  This was a varied walk through the Warwickshire countryside along quiet lanes, fields and through woodland. 

This walk of about 7 1/2 miles was led by Wayman and Beverley on Sun 19 May starting from the Fleur De Lys in Lowsonford, B95 5HJ.  The walk went through Yarningale Common & Preston Bagot and skirts Henley-in-Arden. The route is through fields (a few with horses and many with sheep), woodland and often near canals. There are some short hills.

By popular request, Mary Coles led this hike of about 10 miles in based on her Hidden Birmingham walk in December 2023. 

Mary Coles led this walk "In Search of Bluebells" from Berkswell Village Green starting at 9.30am on Saturday 20 April.

Adrian Jones led this walk on Sat 6 Apr. By popular request this was a repeat of the the walk he led on 10 Feb and is in two parts; the first is north from Meriden and is about 4 miles long. It is mostly on footpaths, with some woodland, some short lengths of lane and 4 or 5 stiles. The second part is south from Meriden and almost all of it is on footpaths. 

This walk was led by Greg & Deb Lakin on Sun 24 Mar starting from The Black Boy, Warwick Rd, Knowle, B93 0EB (directions in Google Maps). The walk was based on this route from AllTrails: Millennium Way: Heronfield and Temple Balsall. 

Jane and Colin led this walk of around 8 miles from Perry Barr Station (Birchfield Road, Perry Barr, B20 3JE) on Sat 9 Mar. We followed walk 13 from A-Z Birmingham Hidden Walks: Discover 20 routes in and around the city which is available at "Amazon and all good booksellers".  The walk is on pavements, canal towpaths and uneven park paths and the following notes come from the guidebook:   

'There's never been a better time for Birmingham to tell its story' according to Peaky Blinders creator and opening ceremony producer, Steven Knight, on the event that will change the city's image for generations of people. The focal point of the 2022 Commonwealth Games is the renovated Alexander Stadium, which features on this walk along with the athletes' village that never was, as well as a cemetery and an iconic landmark rarely traversed on foot.

This walk of contrasts starts in the northern suburb of Perry Barr, 4 miles (6.7 km) from the city centre. You will discover a charming lock-keeper's cottage hidden from view. You will walk through Birmingham's largest cemetery with a spectacular chapel offering one of the best vantage points over the City, and where dignified graves remind us of the shared history that the Commonwealth nations have beyond sport.

Approaching along the Tame Valley Canal you will pass under north Birmingham's temple to brutalism: Spaghetti Junction- With the tangle of roads spiralling above, there is a surprising calm along the tree-lined canal-side. These are some of Birmingham's least-visited gems that offer a rewarding experience for the more adventurous explorer. 

Sue and Bill Kiely led this walk of just over 8 miles from the Railway Inn, Dorridge on Sun 25 Feb. Leaving the Railway Inn, we headed to Packwood Church before skirting Packwood House grounds and dropping onto the Grand Union Canal, crossing to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, leaving the canal at the Drawbridge, and returning to the Railway Inn via fields, copses and lanes. Only a few stiles, but quite a lot of mud! 

The address for the Railway Inn is Grange Road, Dorridge, B93 8QA. Click the following link for directions in Google Maps. 

A walk of around 7.5 miles led by Adrian Jones. The route is in two parts;  the first is north from Meriden and is about 4 miles long. It is mostly on footpaths, with some woodland and some short lengths of lane. The second part is south from Meriden and almost all on footpaths through fields. (Note that, by popular request, Adrian repeated this walk on 6 April.)

Evan Grant led this walk of 14.2km (8.8 miles) from The Black Boy (Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0EB - directions in Google Maps) on Sun 28 Jan. The route follows the Grand Union Canal before turning up the Stratford Canal and following footpaths and quiet roads past Packwood House and St Giles Church to Dorridge Park. The route continues along Dorridge streets and through some more fields before re-joining the Grand Union at The King's Arms and finishing back along the towpath. There are some kissing gates and stiles, a couple of which are not dog-friendly. There were several places that were very muddy when we did this walk.

A walk of 8 miles / 13km , based on this route from OSMaps.com, led by Tas Hind on Sun 14 Jan from The Throckmorton, Coughton Hill, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5HX (directions in Google Maps). The route is on footpaths over fields and through woods, and on some quiet lanes. Expect a fair amount of mud in winter. 

Jane Hodge led our New Year's Day walk for 2024 from The Bear Inn, Berkswell, CV7 7BB (Google Maps). We walked 7.8 miles (12.6km) in bright, clear weather, though it was very muddy underfoot. The online map linked below shows a variation of the route which is slightly shorter at 7 1/2 miles, and avoids a private footpath we were able to use on the day of the walk. 

Thanks to Sharron & Pete for leading their festive Mulled Wine & Mince Pies Walk from Abbey Fields Car Park, Kenilworth on Sat 16 Dec. The route of 8.5 miles offers easy walking through the Warwickshire countryside skirting The Warwickshire golf course towards Leek Wootton Church where we stopped for Mulled Wine and Mince Pies! Continuing on, the route passes County Police Headquarters and then heads back towards Kenilworth.  The walk is suitable for dogs and there are no stiles.

Mary Coles led this walk of just over 10 miles in Hidden Birmingham! This urban walk starts from New St Station and follows some of the Platinum Jubilee Walkway. It takes in the Georgian and Jewellery Quarters of the City, including the Warstone Lane Cemetery.  It follows the canal to the NIA and Roundhouse before heading to the Edgbaston Reservoir, the Harborne Walkway and some smart residential streets in Harborne and Edgbaston. Finally, the route heads back to the City Centre along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. If anyone wants to do a shorter walk they can dip out at the NIA after about 3.5 miles or take a bus back to the centre from Harborne.

A circular walk of around 9 miles led by Steve White from The Queen's Head in Meriden on Sun 19 Nov. The address for The Queen's Head is Old Rd, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7JP and you can find it here in Google Maps. The route goes to Hawks End and back past the edge of Corley Moor on footpaths and quiet lanes.

A walk of just over 8 miles (13 km) in Sutton Park led by John & Sue Timperley from the car park at the Toby Carvery, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT on Sat 4 Nov 2023

This walk was led by Sue & Bill Kiely from The Navigation Inn, Old Warwick Road, Lapworth, B94 6NA (Google Maps) starting at 9:30am on Sat 21 Oct. The route of 7miles / 11.2 km passes through Baddesley Clinton,  Rowington and the edge of Lowsonford before following canal towpaths back to The Navigation Inn. The walk is a lovely mix of fields, lanes, and canalside paths.

Colin & Jane Niblock led a walk of around 8 miles from The Bull & Butcher, Common Lane, Corley Moor, Coventry CV7 8AQ (Google Maps) starting at 9:30am on Sat 7 Oct. There is plenty of parking at the pub. Please note that on this route there are some difficult stiles which will be especially challenging for anyone with dogs, and that there are cattle in the fields by Green End Farm. Part of the route follows Pump Lane, a very pleasant single track road, but none of it is on main roads. 

Wayman & Beverley led a walk on Sun 24 Sep from The Bear Inn, Berkswell (Google Maps). The route of just over 8.5 miles (13.7km) skirts Eastern Green and then comes back via Millison’s Wood and Meriden. The walk is mainly on footpaths across fields with a short detour into Millison’s Wood. 

This walk started from The Three Horseshoes, Bubbenhall, CV8 3BD on Saturday 9th. September at 9.30am and was led by Bob Reid.  The route of approx 8 1/2 miles (13 1/2 km) is mainly on rural footpaths, and passes through Weston under Wetherley, Hunningham and Wappenbury.

This walk was led by Denis Pratt from The Bulls Head in Barston, B92 0JU starting at 9:30am on Sat 26 Aug. The route was just under 10 miles long with canal and countryside walking.

Angus and Tracey Mills led this walk of around 9.8 miles (15.7km) starting from Abbey Fields Car Park in Kenilworth at 9:15am on Sat 12 Aug. There is a van in the car park serving coffee and cakes which is open from around 9am. Many in the group visited The Virgins & Castle, a nearby pub, for post-walk refreshment and lunch.

For parking fees, see the Car Park link above. When we visited it was possible to pay by card or in the RingGo app (location 23851) but not with cash. 

A loop of 9 miles / 14.4km from Tanworth-in-Arden through local countryside from The Bell, The Green, Tanworth-in-Arden and led on 30 Jul 2023 by Evan Grant. Landmarks include the Umberslade Gate Pillars, the Umberslade Obelisk, the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Lapworth and a mock windmill also in Lapworth. Many of the paths were overgrown when we walked this route and there were also many awkward and poorly maintained stiles.

There is limited parking behind the pub, but please park out on the street if possible. 

This walk of around 9 miles was led by Tas Hind from the Hatton Arms car park, CV35 7JJ, on Sun 16 Jul. Some 50% of the route follows the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, the remainder being on rural footpaths around the villages of Little Shrewley and Hatton.

This walk marked the end of Bob Reid's time co-ordinating the Hikers group. Bob wishes to thank everyone who has supported him during the 8 years since the group started in July 2015. This walk started from The Navigation Inn, Lapworth, B94 6NA, at 9.30am on Sunday 2nd July and was about 7 miles long.

(Note that we walked this route again on 21 Oct 2023. You can find an interactive map and download a GPX file from hampton-walking.jimdofree.com/2023-10-21-hike)

This walk was a half marathon walk starting from and finishing at The Hampton Gym, Old Station Road, Hampton in Arden,  B92 0HA. The walk, and the training walks leading up to it, were organised to raise money for the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust. All donations very welcome at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/hampton-half

This 10 mile walk was led by Angus and Tracey Mills on Sun 4 Jun 2023 and started from The Hampton, Station Court, Old Station Road, Hampton in Arden, B92 0HA.

This walk is one of a series of practice walks for the Hampton half marathon walk (see this pdf file for details) on June 17th in aid of the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust.

This 7 mile walk to Barston and back on Sun 21 May was led by Evan Grant from The Hampton, Station Court, Old Station Road, Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull, B92 0HA.

This Hampton Hike was also one in a series of training walks organised by The Hampton gym with Hampton Hikers in advance of a Half Marathon Walk on 17 June to raise funds for Cameron Grant Memorial Trust. For full details, including how to enter the Half Marathon Walk, please see this PDF: Half Marathon Walk

This walk was led by John Timperley from The Quicken Tree on the Meriden Road between Fillongley and Meriden on Monday May 8th, the Coronation Bank Holiday. The route of just under 8 miles follows footpaths, including part of the Heart of England Way, and quiet lanes through rolling North Warwickshire countryside. (Note that there are several tricky styles on this route, and some are especially challenging for medium or large dogs which must be carried over them.)

This walk, on Saturday 22nd. April, started from the Aston Cantlow Park at 9.30 am and was led by Denis Pratt. The walk of around 9 miles, went across farmland along a canal and through villages including past Mary Arden's farm.

Car parking is either by the village hall, B95 6HZ, or the The Kings Head, B95 6HY.

It is reputed that William Shakespeare used to visit the Kings Head.

This walk was led by Bob Reid from The Swan, Whitacre Heath, B46 2JA on Easter Saturday. The walk is just over 7 miles long and is rated easy.

This walk from Hopwood House, Hopwood, B48 7AB is approximately 9.5 miles long and was led by Sharron & Pete Maguire.

The route begins along the canal across Clifton Common and then on to the Bittell Reservoirs. After crossing the A441 the walk heads uphill towards Forhill before returning to the pub. Dog Walkers note:  there are a couple of ladder stiles, a gate and a 200m stretch down a busy road with little verge.

This walk of 6.7 miles (10.8 km) was led by Mary Coles on Sunday 12th March, and started from the car park at RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve (entrance on Bodymoor Heath Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BB. Drive on past the Aston Villa training ground. £3 pay and display charge per car or free to RSPB Members. Note also that you cannot get to the RSPB Car park by driving through Middleton Hall Car Park even though some satnavs suggest otherwise!)

Description: Very flat and mainly on gravel/tarmac paths through sections of the RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve and Kingsbury Water Park, along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and through woods. Close to the end, the route passes Middleton Hall where there is a convenient café for post-walk refreshment.

NOTE TO DOG WALKERS: for parts of the route through the RSPB Nature Reserve dogs must be on a short lead. There are other parts of the reserve where dogs are not allowed at the route described here avoids these. 

This walk was led by Anne Dewison from The Queen's Head, Meriden, CV7 7JP on Sunday 26th was around 7 miles long.

During the walk there was a stop for cakes and coffee, courtesy of Sara Carson who was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This was party of a wider Carson family fundraising effort which includes Sara & Stuart's son Tom running the London Marathon on 23 April. If you missed the walk and would like to donate in support of Sara and family,  please visit Tom’s fundraising page for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

This walk of around 9 miles was led by Tas Hind from the Hatton Arms car park, CV35 7JJ, on Sun 12 Feb, 2023. Some 50% of the route follows the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, the remainder being on rural footpaths around the villages of Little Shrewley and Hatton.

This walk was led by Wayman and Beverley from the Fleur De Lys, Lowsonford, B95 5HJ, on Sunday 29th January, 2023.

The walk of just over 8 miles goes through Yarningale Common, Preston Bagot and Henley in Arden. The walk is through fields (a few with horses and many with sheep), woodland and often near canals. There are some short hills.  The route is typically quite wet, slippery and muddy in places in winter. 

This walk was led by Anna Johnston from The Granville Arms, Barford, CV35 8DS. The route is around 8 miles long and goes from Barford to Wasperton, Charlecote, Hampton Lucy and Sherbourne and then back to Barford.

This walk will start from The King's Arms pub Knowle, B93 0EE, at 10.00 am on Sunday 1st. January and will be led by Tas Hind.

This walk was led by Sharron & Pete Maguire on Saturday 17th December. The walk was the same as last year's Christmas route and started from The Bell in Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5AL, at 9.30 am. The route of around 8 miles follows footpaths and quiet roads in a loop that returns to Tanworth through the Umberslade Estate. Mince pies and mulled wine were served!

This walk of about 8.5 miles was led by John and Sue Timperley and started from the Tom O' The Wood, Finwood Road, Rowington, Warwickshire, CV35 7DH at 9.30am on Sat 3 Dec.

This walk was led by Mary Coles and on Sun 20 Nov from Fentham Hall car park in Hampton-in-Arden, B92 0AH. The walk followed footpaths through fields to Barston and on to Temple Balsall and then returned to Barston and Hampton-in-Arden on different paths. There is one short stretch on Balsall Street, a busy road, on the approach to Temple Balsall.

This walk of just over 9 miles was led by Evan Grant on Sun 6 Nov from the car park of the Drawbridge Inn (5 Drawbridge Road, Shirley, B90 1DD - Google Maps. Note: the car park entrance is on Haslucks Green Road).

The route begins by crossing the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal over the Shirley Drawbridge, then skirts Hollywood and goes through Wythall before crossing Fulford Heath Golf Club to Tanner's Green.  It then crosses fields to Clowes Wood and follows the edge of Terry's Pool and Earlswood Lakes to Lady Lane and the canal. The route then follows the towpath to Dickens Heath and cuts through the village centre before returning to the towpath and following it back to and over the Shirley Drawbridge to the Drawbridge Inn. 

This walk on Sunday 30th October was led by Sue & Bill Kiely from The Tipperary Inn at Meer End. The route includes some lovely woodland, open fields and copses on the Honiley Estate, quiet country lanes,  some historic buildings including Honiley Church and Hall, Rudfyn Manor, and of course, Kenilworth Castle.

The walk takes us from Meer End to the edge of Chase Wood, then on to Honiley and Beausale, before reaching Kenilworth Castle. Here we join the Millenium Way on our route back to Meer End, across land formerly part of the hunting grounds of the Castle.

This walk is due to start at 9.00am on October 8th. from the Stag at Offchurch, CV33 9AQ, and will be led by Angus & Tracey Mills. The walk is approximately 10 miles long.

This walk on 25th September was led by Bob Reid starting from The Holly Bush, Gorcott Hill, B98 9EN at 9.30 am.

The route of just over 7 miles is mainly through agricultural land and includes the villages of Ullenhall and Traps Green. When we did this walk there were some tricky stiles and some frisky bullocks. Please come prepared and take care!

This walk was led by Anna Johnston and started from Cape Road Carpark, Warwick, CV34 4LB, at 9.30am on Sunday 11th September.  From the Car Park we went to St Nicholas Park then followed the riverside path along the Avon and crossed fields up to Old Milverton,. We passed the fascinating and eerie Guy's Cliffe, crossed over the weir and then went through The Saxon Mill. We followed the Centenary Way and came back through Hatton to join the Grand Union Canal at the middle of Hatton's famous 'stairway to heaven' flight of 21 locks, one of the longest in the country. We followed the canal back into Warwick and had an excellent lunch at The Globe.

This walk from Harvington Hall, DY10 4LR, started at 9.30 am. on Saturday 27th. August

This is a circular walk from Harvington Hall a moated Elizabethan Manor House set in the hamlet of Harvington. The walk itself is about 7.5 miles long taking in the rolling agricultural landscape along rivers through woodland passing farm shops and beautiful scenery. We follow the Monarchs way for some of the walk passing a ruined mill and making our way towards Mount Segg. Proceeding towards the village of Stone where we pass Stone House Cottage Gardens which are worth a peek over the wall at. As we head back to the Hall in the village of Harvington we pass the Dog Inn where those who want to partake can stop. Alternatively, carry on through the Hall gardens to enjoy a delicious cream tea which is highly recommend.

This walk led by Tas Hind started from the Kings Head, Aston Cantlow, B95 6HY, at 9.00 am on Saturday 20th. August. The walk was about 9.5 miles long and passed through Alcester and beautiful Warwickshire countryside.

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.

This walk led by Bob Reid started at The Boot Inn, Lapworth, B94 6JU, at 9.30 am on 17 July 2022 and was about 7 miles long.

This walk was led by Denis Pratt from The Boat, Catherine-de-Barnes. The route starts along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal then crosses through fields to Dorridge and Knowle before returning to The Boat along the canal. 

This walk was led by Sarah Meharg; it started from the Ten Four Bakehouse, Unit 11, Stirchley Trading Estate, B30 2PF (sadly closed for a summer break when we were there) and ended at the Birmingham Brewing Company Taproom. The walk is 9 miles and is all pavement. The route follows the River Rea through parkland to Cannon Hill Park and cuts through Edgbaston before walking back via the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

This walk from the Fleur De Lys pub, Lowsonford, B95 5HJ (Google Maps) on 5 June was led by Sharron and Pete Maguire and was a little over 9 miles in total.  The route includes lovely pastures, wooded areas, a short stint along the Stratford Canal and beautiful countryside. The walk starts towards Bushwood, skirting both sides, then follows the Millennium Way towards Buckley Green where it picks up the Heart of England Way towards Preston Bagot. From there the route goes on to the canal towpath then across Yarningale Common and back to Lowsonford.

The walk led by Evan Grant on Saturday, 7th May started from Fentham Hall car park (B92 0AH, Google Maps) at 9.30am. This circular route of 9 miles goes to Barston via Barston Lakes and Bradnocks Marsh and returns via the Grand Union Canal towpath and Walsal End. Many thanks to Gill Shalley who chose the route.

This walk was led by Tas Hind and started from the Throckmorton, Kings Coughton, B49 5HX, at 9.30 am. The walk is 7 to 8 miles.

From the Throckmorton, walk south past Coughton Court and turn left into the lane the other side of Coughton Court. Continue along the lane to a ford, go over the bridge on the right and at the other side turn left along the Arden Way. Proceed along the Arden Way to Spernal Lane, turn right and then immediately left along a lane, continue to a left turn through "Mutton Farm" on the Heart of England Way.  

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This walk from The Griffin Inn, Church Road, Shustoke, B46 2LB (Google Maps) on Sat 9 April was led by Evan Grant. 

The route is a circuit of just over 10 miles on footpaths and quiet roads heading first to Maxstoke, and then to Coleshill before skirting Shustoke on the way back to The Griffin at Church End.

The Griffin has a large car park; please park at the far end from the pub. We had an excellent lucnh there after our walk.

This walk will started from Newbold Comyn Park, carpark, CV32 4EW, at 9.30 am on 26 Mar. The walk of 9 miles long, visited two historic towns, passed a famous castle and an ancient church, St. Marys. It featured canal towpath and park walking. Cars may also be parked in nearby Newbold Comyn Arms carpark, CV32 4EU.

This walk on Sat 12 Mar was led by Angus and Tracey Mills and started from the Church End Brewery, Ridge Lane, CV10 0RD (Google Maps)

This is a 10 mile circular route through beautiful, undulating Warwickshire farmland. It begins in Ridge Lane and follows The Centenary Way (devised to celebrate one hundred years of Warwickshire County Council) to Over Whitacre, then heads East towards Old Arley before returning to Ridge Lane in a northerly direction via a collection of farms and through rolling countryside.

This walk was led by Sharron Maguire on 26 Feb 2022 from the Church End Brewery, Ridge Lane, Birchley Heath, CV10 0RD at 9.30 am. The route of around 9 miles encompasses woods, rural lanes, open fields, a canal towpath and Hartshill Hayes Country Park. We finished with lunch in the brewery Tap Room.

This walk started at The Crown Inn, Withybed Green, Alvechurch, Birmingham B48 7PN at 9.30 am on Sunday 13th February and was just under 9 miles. The route takes in Blackwell and Burcot. Note that the pub car park is quite small and is for 'patrons only'. 

This walk, led by Bob Reid, started from The Green Dragon Inn, Sambourne, B96 6NU (Google Maps) at 9.30am and was just over 8 miles long. There is ample car parking space.  At least 50% of the walk is on lanes to avoid mud where possible but there will always be some mud in winter and after prolonged rain. From Sambourne the route goes through the new Haydon Way Wood in the Heart of England Forest to Spernal, past the Purity Brewery, past Coughton Court and Park, and then back to Sambourne. 

A circuit of around 9 1/2 miles (15 km) from the Fentham Hall Car Park (Marsh Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, B92 0AH - Google Maps). The route goes to the edge of Balsall Common then back to Hampton through Barston. The walk is mostly on footpaths through fields, though there are some stretches along roads. Expect a bit of mud if you walk this route in winter.

This walk of around 7 3/4 miles started from Ye Olde Saracen’s Head, Balsall Common, CV7 7AS, at 10.00 am on January 1st. This route is mainly across fields and meadows and was quite muddy for our New Year's Day walk. Waterproof boots are recommended. There is plenty of car parking space at the Saracen's Head.

This walk of around 8 miles was led by Sharron Maguire from The Bell at Tanworth-in-Arden on Sun 19 Dec. The route follows footpaths and quiet roads in a loop that returns to Tanworth through the Umberslade Estate. Many thanks to Sharron & Pete for the mince pies and mulled wine!

This walk was led by Tas Hind from the The Bulls Head, Meriden, CV7 7NN. The route was inspired by the 8 mile Circular Walk from Meriden on the Millennium Way website and Berkswell from Meriden using the Millennium Way on Walking Britain. Compared to these, this route has been modified to accommodate HS2 footpath closures.

This walk was led by Mary Coles and starting from Claverdon Church Centre, CV35 8PD. The walk was about 8 miles.

A circular walk of almost 9 miles from The Bear Inn, Spencers Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7BB. The walk is mostly on footpaths through fields, though there are some short stretches along roads. There is ample car parking at The Bear.

This walk was led by Bob Reid and started from the Oak Tree pub, Cofton Hacket, B45 8UX, at 9.30am on Sunday 24th. October. The walk is over 7 miles long and takes in both the Lickey and Waseley Hills. The walk starts in the Lickey Hills and progresses via Beacon Hill to the Waseley Hills and back via Chadwich Manor to the Lickeys and the Oak Tree. It includes several hills some of which are steep. The pub has a large carpark.

Sarah's walk started from the Ten Four Bakehouse on the Stirchley Trading Estate, Hazelwell Road, Stirchley, B30-2PF, at 9.00 am. 

There will be time for a baked breakfast or doughnuts to boost energy levels before embarking on a 9.5 mile route taking in nature reserves, towpaths, urban streets and Tolkien's Birmingham including Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill that inspired Lord of the Rings.  The route ended in the Birmingham Brewing Company Taproom.

This walk started from The Queen's Head in Meriden (CV7 7JP) and was led by Denis Pratt. The walk was approximately 8 miles long.

The route leaves the Queens Head carpark and continues along Eaves Green Lane, cutting across fields and passing under the A45, through Eaves Green village to a bridleway towards Corley Moor. From Corley Moor it skirts the edge of Birchley Hays Wood to the B4102 road which is obliquely crossed to footpaths going through Kinwalsey and Close Wood, High Ash Farm and back to the A45 which is crossed via the B4102 bridge. From there the walk followed a footpath across farmland back to Old Road and The Queen's Head.

This walk of just over 5 miles was led by Debra Stojkovic from The Crown Inn, Alvechurch, B48 7PN. The route was part field, part canal towpath and part road, and included the village of Barnt Green.

This walk of some 7.7 miles started from Abbey Fields Carpark, Kenilworth, CV8 1BN and was led by Sharron Maguire. The walk started by crossing Abbey Fields to the Castle carpark and thence along Centenary Way, crossing Rouncil Lane and continuing past Goodrest farm to Deer Park Wood. Here it turned right along the bridleway to Bullock Farm and then right again to follow Inchford Brook back to Rouncil Lane. After a short distance along Rouncil Lane the walk followed a footpath back to Kenilworth Castle and from there to the Virgins & Castle for refreshments.

A 10 mile walk from The Red Lion at Hopwas led by Bob Reid on Sat 14 Aug, 2021. The walk starts with a short stretch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal soon transferring to a country lane for a little over a mile to a fruit farm. From there it passes along rural footpaths back to a four mile stretch of lanes and roads to and through Drayton Bassett and Bullock's End. The route then crosses the Coleshill Road and goes over the folly-like Drayton Footbridge, complete with turrets and spiral staircases, to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal towpath which it follows to Fazeley Junction and then back to The Red Lion continuing along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal towpath once more.

A walk of 9 3/4 miles led by Denis Pratt from the Navigation Inn on Sunday August 1st. This circular route is mostly on canal towpaths and footpaths through fields and visits Lowsonford, Rowington, Wroxall and Baddesley Clinton. 

This 10 mile walk was led by Angus & Tracey Mills from The Hatton Arms, CV35 7JJ on Saturday 17th July, 2021. A route description follows below, then some some photos and a map of the route with a link to a GPX file.

The route: walk through the pub grounds to the canal, cross at the brick bridge and continue straight ahead (walking away from the canal) to a wooden gate. The footpath continues ahead crossing the railway line over a bridge and passing Alders and Budbrooke farms where it becomes a track leading to a quiet road.

This walk was led by Tas Hind and started from The King's Arms in Knowle, B93 0EE, at 9.30 am.

The Walk leaves The King's Arms carpark to proceed south down the Grand Union Canal towpath for approximately 2 miles to Rising Bridge. Here leave the canal to continue along Rising Lane in an easterly direction to reach Baddesley Clinton. Walk along the Baddesley Clinton Estate drive up to the house and then around the gardens and lake. 

This walk started from Fentham Hall, Hampton in Arden, B92 0AH, at 10.00 am and was approximately 8 miles. 

This walk on Saturday 5th June started at 9.30am from the Griffin Inn at Shustoke, B46 2LB (Google Maps) and was led by Angus Mills. The route is about 8.5 miles long taking in a wide variety of Warwickshire countryside. It starts by skirting Shustoke reservoir before heading south to Dumble Wood where it picks up the Heart of England Way to Parsons Wood before returning to the Griffin Inn via the disused Daw Mill Colliery. For those who wear shorts at this time of year, please note that there is a section of about 400 metres after leaving Daw Mill Colliery which is a little overgrown with a good helping of nettles: our legs were left tingling a little after the recce. The Griffin Inn has an excellent and large beer garden with great views, has a choice of 8-10 real ales and serves great food.

Our 7 mile (11.2km) walk began at the Navigation Inn, Lapworth, B94 6NA at 9.30 am on Sunday May 23rd and was led by Bob Reid. The walk is rated as easy with no significant hills.

From the start, the route heads across fields to Baddesley Clinton manor, past St Michael's Church and then across more fields to Rowington Green. From there it continues to Lowsonford mainly along back lanes to the South Stratford canal and then along the towpath to Kingsbury Junction and back to the Navigation.

This walk starts from the Kings Head, Aston Cantlow, B95 6HY at 9.30 am and is 9.2 miles long. It joins together sections of the Arden Way, the Heart of England Way and the Monarch's Way.

The walk is mainly across agricultural land and by-passes Alcester to the east.

This walk of around 9.5 miles starts from the free car park in Pear Tree Avenue, Kingsbury, B78 2LN and goes along the Heart of England Way across fields to join the Centenary Way. The route leaves the Centenary Way along another footpath to reach the River Tame follows the Tame, passes some beautiful pools, then returns to the start via Kingsbury Water Park.

The Royal Oak pub is close to the car park and handy for a visit after the walk.

The walk starts and ends at Dobbies Atherstone, Cross Lane Farm, Nuneaton Road, Mancetter, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1RF. The route is just over 5 1/2 miles long and covers a variety of terrain including uneven roadsides, hills and lots of mud (in winter). There are stunning views at various points along the walk and the cakes at Dobbies are recommended. The garden centre has a large car park which was almost empty when we began walking at 9am and almost full when we got back at around 11:30am.

This Walk, led by Bob Reid, started from The Red Lion Hunningham at 9.30 am on 2 Feb 2020.

Please see below for a selection of photos and a map of the route. For a full album from the walk, see: Photos from A Circular Walk from Hunningham. Many thanks to Mary Coles for the photos.

This walk is a loop of 6.4 miles from The King's Arms, Knowle, B93 0EE. The route starts along the Grand Union canal towpath and continues for 2 miles to Rising Lane bridge where it leaves the canal and proceeds to Packwood House and then back to the Grand Union via Packwood Road and Bakers Lane.

A map of the route follows below a selection of photos taken by Mary Coles on the walk. Many thanks to Tas Hind for leading.

A 7.7 mile walk from Ye Olde Saracens Head at Balsall Common, CV7 7AS to recover from the excesses of New Year's Eve! The route is all on minor roads to avoid mud. 

This 7 mile walk starts from the Samuel Barlow pub in Alvecote, B78 1AS.  It passes the ruins of Alvecote Priory, Shuttington and the historic town of Polesworth then finishes along the towpath of the Coventry Canal. Most of the route is on tracks and roads to minimise mud.

A map of the route follows below the gallery of photos by Mary Coles.

This walk from the Hatton Arms, CV35 7JJ, started at 9.00 am. It is a circular walk of about 10 miles, initially heading towards Warwick along the canal, leaving via a footpath by the locks at bridge 49, passing Woodloes Farm, skirting around Warwickshire Golf course and heading back to the Hatton Arms via Goldrest Farm, Bulloak Farm and Lower Farm. Easy walking predominantly; a mixture of canal towpaths, urban footpaths and bridleways.

This walk of just over 9 miles starts and ends at the Walton Hill Car Park on Walton Hill Road in the Clent Hills. Our route goes through the Clent Hills before moving east to Waseley Hills Country Park and then looping back to the start and includes three principal summits: Walton Hill (316m), Windmill Hill (285m) and Clent Hill itself (309m).

This walk starts from The Greyhound pub at Hawkesbury Junction, CV6 6DF, and is approximately 9.6 miles long.

The first 3 miles follows the towpath of the Oxford Canal east of Sutton Stop to Ansty from where it strikes north to the village of Barnacle continuing to Bulkington. From Bulkington the walk goes east to the Centenary Way which follows the Coventry Canal south back to the Greyhound pub.