Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<p>We’ve kept things relatively easy in length (hikers we are not), which makes this round-up perfect for families wanting to enjoy a little weekend stroll. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clent-hills">Clent Hills</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/03/Untitled-design-259.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56425" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/03/Untitled-design-259.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/03/Untitled-design-259-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/03/Untitled-design-259-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire/clent-hills">miles of footpaths, bridleways and trails</a> here and three different hills to explore with stunning panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders. There&#8217;s some tough climbs but the views are more than worth it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coughton-court-to-kinwarton-dovecote"><strong>Coughton Court to Kinwarton Dovecote</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="853" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Kinwarton_Dovecote_Warwickshire.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34882" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Kinwarton_Dovecote_Warwickshire.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Kinwarton_Dovecote_Warwickshire-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Kinwarton_Dovecote_Warwickshire-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Kinwarton_Dovecote_Warwickshire-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Geograph,  Colin Craig</figcaption></figure>



<p>Take a gentle 13km walk from outside Coughton Court through the Warwickshire countryside to Kinwarton Dovecote, a rare survival of a 14th-century dovecote. Route <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court/trails/coughton-court-and-kinwarton-dovecote">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rollright-stones-circular-long-compton-nr-shipston-on-stour"><strong>The Rollright Stones Circular, Long Compton, nr Shipston-on-Stour</strong></h2>



<p>Not quite on the scale of Stonehenge but a popular landmark, <a href="https://www.rollrightstones.co.uk/">Rollright</a> consists of three Neolithic Bronze Age sites standing on the Warwickshire/ Oxfordshire border &#8211; The King&#8217;s Men, the King Stone and the Whispering Knights. Legends claims that a king and his army were turned to stone by a witch.&nbsp;To extend your moderate 10km walking in the area you could head north and visit the pretty Whichford Wood. There’s a circular route from Route <a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/rollright-stones-walking-route">here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chesterton-windmill-nr-harbury"><strong>Chesterton Windmill, nr Harbury. </strong></h2>



<p>Much loved by local photographers and artists, this&nbsp;beautiful Grade I listed 17th century windmill stands on a hilltop overlooking the Roman Fosse Way three miles from Warwick and Leamington Spa, near Harbury. This striking local landmark is the earliest tower mill in England to retain any of its working parts. You can start the 1km walk from the roadside parking close the mill on Windmill Hill Lane to the west of Harbury. You can directly access a footpath leading up to the windmill &#8211; a half mile walk there and back. There’s also views to a Roman settlement in the adjacent field. Route <a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/chesterton-windmill-walking-route">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunningham-circular-nr-leamington-spa"><strong>Hunningham Circular, nr Leamington Spa</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-513.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48434" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-513.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-513-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-513-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-513-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-513-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A view of the river bridge over the River Leam looking upstream at Hunningham, Warwickshire. Image: Geograph © Copyright D Holte</figcaption></figure>



<p>Starting out at The Red Lion in Hunningham across a medieval Grade II listed bridge to Cunningham along the MIllennium Way. This easy 6.5km walk goes through open countryside with a lovely view of St. Michael&#8217;s church at Weston under Weatherley, through part of South Cubbington Wood, a beautiful ancient woodland &#8211; part destroyed to make way for the HS2 rail line. Route <a href="https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1349-description">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leamington-spa-to-warwick-circular">Leamington Spa to Warwick circular</h2>



<p>An easy 13.7km heritage circular walk along tree-lined rivers and canals linking Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick – two historic towns with lots of interesting sights including pretty parks and historic buildings. It has impressive views towards Warwick Castle, passing the town’s historic St Mary’s Church. Start and end at Newbold Comyn Park. Route <a href="http://ramblers.org.uk/leamington">here.</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coombe-abbey-park-binley">Coombe Abbey Park, Binley</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="556" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/05/high-res-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44523" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/05/high-res-2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/05/high-res-2-300x167.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/05/high-res-2-720x400.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/05/high-res-2-768x427.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/05/high-res-2-900x500.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coombe Abbey Hotel, Binley</figcaption></figure>



<p>With 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland, lakeside walks and ‘Capability’ Brown landscaping,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/136/coombe_abbey_park/498/coombe_abbey_park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coombe Abbey Park</a>&nbsp;near Coventry is ideal for days out – dogs on leads are also welcome and are also allowed off-lead to exercise in signposted areas.</p>



<p>Come for an hour or more, as the mood takes you: following numerous walking trails, enjoying waterside scenes and a sense of gentle adventure amid the trees. There are also splendid views of Coombe Abbey, whose story entwines with the Gunpowder Plot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-napton-on-the-hill-windmill-circular"><strong>Napton on the Hill Windmill circular</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="708" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Oxford_Canal_from_Napton.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34891" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Oxford_Canal_from_Napton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Oxford_Canal_from_Napton-300x212.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Oxford_Canal_from_Napton-706x500.jpg 706w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/Oxford_Canal_from_Napton-768x544.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oxford Canal from Napton-on-the-hill, Warwickshire. Image: G-Man</figcaption></figure>



<p>A 5-mile circular walk offering wonderful views of the Warwickshire countryside and along the Oxford Canal. The route passes through the peaceful village of <a href="http://www.napton-on-the-hill.co.uk/">Napton on the Hill</a> with its windmill, following the towpath past <a href="http://follyatnapton.co.uk">The Folly</a> pub. It also passes the huge crater where once clay was quarried to make bricks. You climb to a height of 500ft provides distant views across the wide vista of seven counties. The windmill at the top occupies a scenic position. It’s a short distance back down to the village green. Route <a href="https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1820-description">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-villages-of-illmington-and-hidcote-nr-shipston-on-stour"><strong>Villages of</strong> <strong>Illmington and Hidcote, nr Shipston-on-Stour</strong></h2>



<p>This 10-mile walk explores the lovely Warwickshire countryside around the beautiful honey-stone village of Ilmington with its 400-year-old award-winning country pub with rooms, <a href="https://howardarms.com">The Howard Arms</a>. Thatched roof cottages and open fields offer glimpses to the surrounding hills. The route provides extensive views into the Cotswolds, passes the famous National Trust run gardens created by American horticulturalist Major Lawrence Johnson at Hidcote. An idyllic walk for spring and summer months. Route <a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/ilmington-walking-route">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-riverside-walk-along-the-river-avon-stratford-upon-avon"><strong>Riverside walk along the River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/picnic-basket-2-1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34893" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/picnic-basket-2-1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/picnic-basket-2-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/picnic-basket-2-1-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/picnic-basket-2-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A stunning 3km easy stroll taking in key sites on both sides of the river. Start from the bandstand on the easy side of the river near Stratford Butterfly Farm with outstanding views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and further up, Holy Trinity Church, on the opposite bank, canal locks and walk back through Bancroft Gardens. Cross at Mill Bridge and walk back through Bancroft Gardens and Memorial Theatre Gardens at the back of the RSC. On a sunny day sit on the grass, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a light picnic lunch. Route <a href="http://www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk/static_1122.htm">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circular-panoramic-ley-line-walk-from-upton-house"><strong>Circular panoramic Ley line walk from Upton House </strong></h2>



<p>Circle Alfred Watkins’ Cotswold ley line and enjoy panoramic vistas, big skies, pretty Ratley Village and the scenes of the historic Battle of Edgehill. Route <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house-and-gardens/trails/a-ley-line-walk-from-upton-house-and-gardens">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ashlawn-cutting-rugby-amp-leam-valley-leamington-spa"><strong>Ashlawn Cutting, Rugby &amp; Leam Valley, Leamington Spa</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/muddy-wellies-1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34895" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/muddy-wellies-1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/muddy-wellies-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/muddy-wellies-1-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/05/muddy-wellies-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Two of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s<strong> ‘</strong>measured mile trails’ &#8211; great for getting the kids out- and-about enjoying nature. Each trail is only 1-mile long with activities along the way, to keep littlies entertained including ‘Flap your wings like a butterfly’, ‘hop like a frog’ and ‘scurry like a beetle’ along the route. Ashlawn Cutting is a disused railway line surrounded by farmland and housing on the outskirts of Rugby with steep banks of grassland, scrub and some small pools. You may spot common blue and green hairstreak butterflies and dragonflies. Leam Valley is an attractive riverside nature reserve on the edge of Leamington. Routes <a href="https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/AshlawnCutting">here</a> and <a href="https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/LeamValley">here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenilworth-circular-abbey-fields-kenilworth-castle-chase-woods-abbey-fields"><strong>Kenilworth circular &#8211; Abbey Fields, Kenilworth Castle, Chase Woods, Abbey Fields</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48433" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-512.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-512-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-512-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-512-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-512-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An excellent walk starting out at Abbey Fields Car Park through the 68-acre park and passed the lake to the public footpaths surrounding scenic Kenilworth Castle to the woodlands at Chase Woods. Route <a href="https://www.ramblers.org.uk/route-detail?routeuid=4659-Abbey-Fields-Kenilworth-Castle-Chase-Wood-Abbey-Fields">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ufton-fields"><strong>Ufton Fields</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-514.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48435" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-514.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-514-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-514-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-514-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/03/Untitled-design-514-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust&#8217;s &#8216;wild walks&#8217; with pools, marshes, grassland, woodland and a good picnic spot. It&#8217;s close to the village of Ufton between Southam and Leamingotn Spa. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) it&#8217;s the most northern place in the UK where the rare Man Orchid can be found and also important for wildflowers, fungi, butterflies, birds and a variety of water life including toads, newts, dragonflies and damselflies.  A 2km circular, way marked trail takes visitors around a two kilometre loop, taking up to an hour.&nbsp; Route <a href="https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/UftonFieldsWildWalk">here</a>.</p>


14 of the best spring walks near you

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