Top 10 Walks in Warwickshire

Written by Paul Gent in Places to WalkLast Updated April 6, 2025

Stratford-upon-Avon
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Warwickshire, nestled in the heart of England, is a county that perfectly blends rich history with beautiful rolling landscapes.

Best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Warwickshire draws visitors from all over the world to the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon. But beyond its literary fame lies a tapestry of walking trails through gentle hills, canal towpaths, ancient woodlands, and parklands that reflect centuries of English history.

Walkers can follow routes that wind past medieval castles, historic market towns, and elegant stately homes.

The county is crossed by rivers like the Avon and the Leam, and criss-crossed by long-distance paths such as the Centenary Way and Shakespeare’s Avon Way.

Whether you’re strolling beside narrowboats on the Grand Union Canal, exploring the battlefields of Edge Hill, or hiking up the grassy ridges of the Burton Dassett Hills, Warwickshire offers something for every kind of walker.

It’s a county where every path tells a story, making it a rewarding destination for those who enjoy a blend of culture, heritage, and peaceful rural beauty.

The Top 10 Walks in Warwickshire

1. Stratford-upon-Avon and the River Avon Walk

  • Start/End Point: Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Riverside paths, parkland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Summary: A peaceful circular walk along the River Avon through Stratford’s beautiful parks and past many of its historic Shakespearean landmarks.

2. The Welcombe Hills and Clopton House Walk

  • Start/End Point: Welcombe Hills Nature Reserve Car Park
  • Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
  • Terrain: Grassy hills, woodland paths
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Clopton House

Summary: A scenic loop around the Welcombe Hills with wonderful views over Stratford-upon-Avon and glimpses of Clopton House and Obelisk.

3. Kenilworth Castle and Abbey Fields Walk

  • Start/End Point: Abbey Fields Car Park, Kenilworth
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Parkland, town paths
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Kenilworth Castle

Summary: This leisurely walk takes in the historic Abbey Fields park and the grand medieval ruins of Kenilworth Castle.

4. Charlecote Park and River Dene Walk

  • Start/End Point: Charlecote Park (National Trust)
  • Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
  • Terrain: Parkland, riverside trails
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Charlecote House

Summary: A tranquil walk through historic deer parkland alongside the River Dene, with views of the stunning Charlecote House.

5. Burton Dassett Hills Country Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Country Park Car Park
  • Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills, grassy tracks
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Beacon Tower

Summary: A short but hilly walk with breathtaking views from the top of Burton Dassett Hills and the historic Beacon Tower.

6. Draycote Water Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Draycote Water Visitor Centre
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Paved lakeside paths
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Draycote Water Reservoir

Summary: A flat and accessible circular walk around the reservoir, popular with walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.

7. Edge Hill and Radway Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Radway Village
  • Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
  • Terrain: Fields, gentle slopes
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Edge Hill

Summary: A countryside walk with historical significance, offering views over the Edge Hill escarpment, site of a key English Civil War battle.

8. Hatton Locks and Grand Union Canal Walk

  • Start/End Point: Hatton Locks Car Park
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Canal towpaths
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Hatton Locks

Summary: A scenic walk along the Grand Union Canal, taking in the impressive flight of 21 locks at Hatton, known as the “Stairway to Heaven.”

9. Ryton Pools Country Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Ryton Pools Visitor Centre
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, parkland, ponds
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Ryton Pools

Summary: A family-friendly nature walk around lakes and meadows with plenty of wildlife and picnic spots.

10. Alcester and Oversley Wood Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Alcester Town Centre
  • Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
  • Terrain: Countryside paths, woodland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Oversley Wood

Summary: A charming walk combining the historic town of Alcester with the peaceful trails of Oversley Wood.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Warwickshire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Warwickshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.

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