Here is a stroll ideally suited to a sharp and sunny day in the heart of winter. Covering just about two miles, across tarmac surfaces, it takes in the best views that the Avon, flowing tranquilly through Stratford, has to offer.
However, it gives a different perspective by starting out of town.
Ryton Pools Country Park, in the heart of Warwickshire and just half an hour from Knowle, is a great place to visit all year round, whether for springtime bluebells in the woods, summer fun in the sun, autumn colour reflected in the water or a winter walk on solid ground.
The one and a half mile circular walk featured here is particularly suited to winter strolling when the going is soft. but also, at any season, for those less able to tackle rougher ground. It uses only well maintained hard surfaces and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Passing the hamlet of Shrewley are three trunk transport routes from different eras. This is one of those places, like the renowned Watford Gap, where geography forced planners in each generation to choose the same pass through natural features. Our walk takes in all three and it begins at the Durham Ox, ideal for refreshment before or after your stroll.
Most folk who love the outdoors are familiar with Hatton Locks, but often see them on a ‘walk down and back again’ basis. Fewer are familiar with this delightful circular stroll.
It combines farmland, woodland and parkland with historic buildings, and a half dozen of the locks into a 3.25 mile route, starting at the Hatton Locks car park (small charge) or the Hatton Arms car park.
On a sunny day, even if the rural footpaths will be damp, the centre of Tamworth offers a pleasant and varied day out, strolling on paved surfaces. It provides a delightful waterside and sculpture park stroll, along with options for a castle visit, food and even shops.
Tamworth Castle stands in a strategic location, high above the confluence of the Rivers Tame and Anker. It is open weekends only until April, then daily except Monday through the summer. Its 15 historically furnished rooms are set out to reflect, in turn, Saxon, Norman, Tudor and Victorian life in the castle. Read More
For a walk in winter, paved paths are a significant bonus, but it is not easy to find a good, varied and interesting walk on dry and firm footways. However, a five mile stroll along the tarmac paths of the delightful New Hall Valley and through of its Country Park is just that. It takes in formal parkland, rough meadowland, some woodland, a river valley, a lake and a railway.
This walk begins at the car park of Pype Hayes Park, just off the Chester Road, not far from Junction 5 of the M6. It can be shortened by turning back earlier or lengthened by an extra mile by extending to Sutton Coldfield Town Centre.