Other Countryside Access
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In addition to over 1,700 miles of public paths there are many other ways to access the glorious Warwickshire countryside. Here are some of the linear and site based means of getting out there.
Country Parks
Follow this link for more about Warwickshire’s country parks and greenways. Some sections of disused railway are owned or managed by Warwickshire County Council for safe family walking riding and cycling, for example The Greenway at Stratford-upon-Avon. |
Canal Tow Paths
These make excellent, easy to follow walks which are usually accessible to all. The tow paths are managed by British Waterways and link with the rights of way network to make circular and longer distance walks possible. Dogs are welcome and in some cases cycling is also permitted. Contact your local Waterways office for more details, or click here for information on canalside walking. |  | |
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"Greenways"
A network of quiet routes which can be used by non-motorised traffic is being created throughout the country by the Countryside Agency to promote more sustainable and healthy transport. These Greenways link from people's homes in towns and cities to the places they need to go to such as schools, places of work, leisure centres, stations, as well as out to the local countryside. |
Other access has been made available by recent Government initiatives:
Countryside Stewardship
Some farmers and land managers have entered into Countryside Stewardship Agreements which include linear or general access to land for quiet enjoyment. Follow this link for more detail about Conservation walks.
Common Land and other Access Land (the "Right to Roam")
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires the mapping of commons and other access land by the Countryside Agency. The Countryside Agency has more information on mapping, and the government have also produced some informative newsletters:
For more information, and to find out when the new right of access becomes available in Warwickshire, click here. |
Other organisations which promote access to the countryside for specific user groups:
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SUSTRANS
SUSTRANS is the national organisation promoting safe cycling routes via a network of trails following quiet roads, canal towpaths, dismantled railways and byways and bridleways. Two of the national routes come through Warwickshire. Click here for more details.
National Trust
The National Trust manages eight thousand hectares of land in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire and the West Midlands, which includes some spectacular countryside.
Nature Reserves
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have their headquarters at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, south of Coventry. Access is free to members and includes over 50 reserves. Follow this link for more information.
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The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers part of the southern tip of Warwickshire. They have their own volunteers who help to maintain and improve paths within the AONB.
British Horse Society and Ride-UK
The British Horse Society is a charity which promotes the interests of horse riders and owners. The Society has its own rights of way section. Ride-UK has been set up to create and promote a National Bridleroute Network. Click here for details of promoted routes and other riding opportunities in Warwickshire.
Geocaching
This is a relatively new countryside pursuit. It involves the seeking out of a hidden "cache" using Global Positioning System (GPS) references. Find out more at the UK geocaching website and the international geocaching web pages.
You can look for a cache at Hartshill Hayes Country Park.
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Parks, Recreation Grounds and Local Nature Reserves
Follow these links to find out more about areas managed by the District and Borough Councils in Warwickshire:
North Warwickshire Borough Council
Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council
Rugby Borough Council
Warwick District Council
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
If you want to go on a longer walk, Cicerone publish books on long-distance walks and treks. | | Adjoining Warwickshire
Whilst we believe Warwickshire to have the finest countryside, you may wish to extend your walk, ride or drive into one of the neighbouring areas. If so, then the links below may be of use:
Worcestershire County Council - Countryside
Gloucestershire County Council - Countryside
Oxfordshire County Council - Countryside
Northamptonshire County Council - Countryside
Leicestershire County Council
Staffordshire County Council - Countryside
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council - Parks & Open Space
Coventry City Council
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