Ancient Mysteries In Between
No doubting this walk is spectacular at either end. Leaving the majesty of Kenilworth Castle and arriving at one of the finest high streets in the land at Henley-in-Arden.
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| Never tire of the castle views |
The 12 miles in-between carry functional Warwickshire walking and OS Map mysteries that are vague on the ground. We have;
The Pleasance - A hunting lodge and pleasure garden developed in the 1300s and dismantled by Henry VIII. All that remains are earthworks and a moat.
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| The Pleasance |
St John's Well - a medieval pilgrimage site, fabled to have waters with healing powers. Nothing to see on the ground but some internet sleuthing showed that it has been cement capped.
Wroxhall Abbey - some fine walking through maintained parkland. The abbey is just visible through the trees. Former home of Sir Christopher Wren.
Beaudesert Mount - A Motte and Bailey Norman Castle. When this is reached, you know that civilisation is close to hand. Just the hill remains, and to be fair, the view isn't up to much. The housing estates of Henley.
Other things - Rowington Church (locked). Canals. The M40 - which when the guide-book was written was merely a pipe-dream. The hand drawn maps show "projected line". Lets hope it didn't cause as much drama to 1970s walkers as HS2 has now.
Henley-in-Aden High Street flatters to deceive for the pub connoisseur. You would expect more from a lengthy high street that contains many fine Medieval half timbered and Tudor constructions. However, there is now a Good Beer Guide entry to (re)-explore. My advice - avoid anything with Swan in the name.
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| One End of the High Street |
Today, with an hour to explore before the train home, I can investigate two.
The Nags Head - A C17th century pub with barstaff with a sense of humour. My request to have a Proper Job is met with "Don't we all need one of them". She found it that amusing she told all the other staff. And then made badges out of bar mats. Get the feeling that all future punters will get this treatment.
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| Half Timbered |
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| Cue new Warwickshire Jokes |
The Three Tuns - is Solihull's Pub of the Year and the GBG Stalwart of recent years. I have to say the Church End Brewery Goats Milk was in superb condition. That's award winning too.
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| A more modern Three Tuns |
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| A settling Goats Milk - the Train won't wait |
Walk Details
Distance - 12.5 Miles
Geocaches - 7 and 4 Adventure Lab Caches
Previous Stages - Stage 1
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