This is an old Publication that is no longer available
Tim Glenn impressions from Hatrick Chronicles December 2005
In their own words, 'put together by a couple of layabouts called Graham Morgan and John Roberts'. Well, I don't believe a word of that, and, at the very least on the occasion that they got off their backsides and put this route together, it was a brilliant day's work. Town-inspired recreational routes can so often disappoint but this one is a blueprint of how to make the best of what you have, comparable to giving a couple of chefs some very basic ingredients and seeing what they can come up with. Messrs Morgan and Roberts have cooked up something very tasty and satisfying indeed, and during the last couple of years I have been back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths.
The Walk (Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth) can be started from just about anywhere on the circuit and I have used several different points myself, but from the perspective of the excellent booklet Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, on the edge of Leamington Spa, has been chosen. At the risk of offending people Warwickshire wouldn't necessarily be a walker's first choice but it isn't long after starting out that a feelgood factor about the area seeps in and maintains itself for the duration. There are lots of quiet paths in very pleasant surroundings (the opening sections to Offchurch and then Staveton are clear examples) before wandering over common and parkland to begin, on the outskirts of the town of Stoneleigh, affiliation with more populated but none the less agreeable habitats as the trail, unusually and for a refreshing change, makes light work of a lengthy section across a golf course, later twisting and turning with a brook for the best part of a mile into old Kenilworth. Curving up after the church grounds we then attempt to pass an absolutely excellent teashop on the right during the approach to Kenilworth Castle, a site which is certainly not one of those more-information-boards-than-ancient-relic affairs. Peaceful countryside, decent woodland, and another golf course create a rural break before entering the elegant environs of Warwick through one of its parks, with the route allowing a thorough tour of the town and more than a squint at one of the world's greatest historical sites, Warwick Castle - an absolute must-visit some time, but attempting to do that whilst participating in a twenty mile walk would not even begin to justify the entry fee. A relaxing river path is a nice way to leave Warwick, and after climbing a short staircase to a canal in the sky two parks either side of Leamington Spa's main shopping street, The Parade, and the famous pump room, completes what is an easy, and enjoyable wander between three stately towns of Warwickshire with the emphasis on exercise not endurance.
