11/02/23 - Centenary Way - Stage 16 - Leamington Spa

Countryside, canals and HS2 on the latest stretch of the Centenary Way

Just three weeks between Centenary Way stages and we have a change of seasons. Warwick in January was completed in sub zero temperatures with freezing fog. Leamington in Feb and people are out in short sleeve tops.

Once again, I can avail myself of public transport - beginning from the Town Centre station. Familiar paths along the River Leam to pick up the official start at Newbold Comyn Park. Heading east to Offchurch, I find some familiar Millennium Way markers, yet I remember nothing of these distinctive paths along the Leam. It looks like significant re-routing has been completed. I think we know who to blame.

Along the River Leam

Dont remember walking this on the Millennium Way

Yes, it's our old friend - the white elephant that is HS2. Another article in the Times today, another budget review, rumours of it not making the East Midlands, Manchester and (you couldn't make this up), Central London.

I don't know how the digger-men work up the enthusiasm to relentlessly fill the dumper trucks with soil.

Thankfully, Ridgeway Lane is still open to Cyclists.  And Ramblers.

Ridgeway Lane leads to the Grand Union Canal for an easy walking, if not rather dull stretch back to the Leamington Flesh Pots - where four Good Beer Guide Pubs await my ticking.

The Grand Union

Walk Information

Distance - 11.5 Miles

Geocaches - 6 and 2 Adventure Lab Caches

Pubs - See Good Beer Guide Blog

Previous Stages - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15