If you get fed up with shopping, or simply want a get-away from the crowds, next time you’re at Elliot’s Field Retail Park why not take time out with one of these three amazing nature walks?
Below we offer three different walks, all within easy walking distance.
First, there’s a walk along the historic Oxford Canal to the locks at Hillmorton.
Second, is a visit to the dramatic Newbold Quarry Nature Reserve.
And third a walk to a tranquil lake through Warwickshire Wildlife’s Swift Valley Country Park.
So, leave your shopping and your car and set off for nature, just remember you have up to three hours’ free parking at the retail park.
To start all three walks from the Retail Park you need to reach the canal towpath.
There are two options:
First, there is a path behind Dunelm at the end of the shopping parade.
Second, take the lane next to Starbucks. You will soon see a bridge. Take the steps on the left side of the bridge and you will find yourself on the towpath.
Walk One: the Oxford Canal to the Hillmorton Locks and back
Turn right and follow the towpath for two miles towards the locks at Hillmorton.
There are two stops for refreshments along this route; at Bridge 66 there’s the Canal Lounge and at the Hillmorton Locks there is the Canalchef Cafe.
Allow time to enjoy the Hillmorton Locks, one of the busiest and most picturesque on the whole canal network.
Walk two: a visit to the dramatic Newbold Quarry Nature Reserve
If you turn left along the towpath from the retail park with the canal on your right you walk towards Newbold on Avon.
Follow the towpath for about half a mile until you see a turning on your left which takes you into the Newbold Quarry Nature Reserve.
Turn left here and follow the path which leads to the quarry. At present you can’t walk right the way around as a small section of the path is closed. However, it is still worth visiting this former industrial site which is now a peaceful haven for wildlife.
After soaking up the atmosphere of the quarry you could continue along the canal path for another half a mile to reach the Barley Mow Pub for refreshments.
Return to the retail park the same way but this time with the canal on your left.
Walk three: to the lake through the Swift Valley Nature Reserve
A circular walk to a peaceful lake through Warwickshire Wildlife’s Swift Valley Country Park.
Follow the path on the right hand side of Dunelm to meet the towpath. Use the footbridge to cross over to the other side of the canal. Briefly turn left and then right. You will now see the old disused canal on your right.
When the path comes to an end, cross over the road and enter into the nature reserve with the old canal still to your right. You pass a picnic area to your left. Keep to the path and cross over the first bridge into the stunning grounds of the Brownsover Hall Hotel.
You can stop at the hotel for refreshments or continue through the grounds and out towards a housing estate. Head towards the canal keeping the houses to your right until you reach the woodland. This is an ancient woodland with a wide variety of native species.
Once you’ve passed through the woodland you will see a bridge. Don’t cross it. You need to continue walking following the path as it gently rises. You will see industrial warehouses to your right. The lake is just over the brow of the hill.
Return the same way until you reach the entrance the woodland. Here turn right over the bridge and then follow the footpath on the opposite side of the woodland, with the old canal on the left.
To your right there are open fields.
After 15 minutes or so you will reconnect with the main Oxford canal and make your way back to the Retail Park.
