This short, just under two mile stroll, certainly packs in variety, covering village centre, suburban road, open field, dense and open woodland, a drawbridge and canal towpath.

Start by parking in the heart of Hockley Heath, perhaps in Car Park of the Wharf Tavern with the intention of concluding the walk with a little refreshment there.

Follow the A3400 Stratford Road northwards to the Miller and Carter Steakhouse and turn right into Aylesbury Road. Pass the houses and continue on to reach the entrance to the former Aylesbury House Hotel, now a new residential development.

On the opposite side of the road from this is a stile beside a gate, crossed to access a footpath and farm track along the edge of a field. Follow this until it opens into a second field. From here the path leads a short distance along the left hand side of the field to a gap in the corner which leads into a further field.

Follow the hedge along the right hand side of this third field, which is ‘L’ shaped until you reach the inside corner of the ‘L’. The path now continues in the same direction, straight over the field to the opposite, outside corner of the ‘L’.

Here a gap in the hedge leads over a bridge and into the woodland. On the other side of the stream is a ‘T’ junction of paths. Turn right and follow the relatively straight path until it reaches another ‘T’ junction, by a marker post. Again turn right, down the slight slope and then to cross back over that same stream once more.

The path now leads from here into a more open wooded area, as it winds between trees and eventually to a gate, a gap beside which brings you onto Old Warwick Road. Carefully cross this busy highway and turn right for a short distance along the verge. This brings you to another gate and an adjacent stile, leading into the canal and the track over its drawbridge.

This bridge, also known as a ‘Lift Bridge no 28’, leads to Drawbridge Farm, and is worth a close look. It, like the sluices on the lock gates a little further down the canal towards Lapworth, is lifted by use of a windlass. The bridge is heavy and, despite hydraulic assistance, boaters find it hard work to get it lifted.

Finally, turn right onto the towpath and follow the tranquil canal to the next bridge and the exit into the Wharf Tavern car park to complete the route.