Walk 1040 - printer friendly version

Leamington Spa circular Walk

Author - Millennium Way

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km

Ascent - 100 feet / 30 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SP330659
Lat 52.290249 + Long -1.5176034
Postcode CV32 4EW (approx. location only)

This easy circular town walk can be completed in under two hours but it is better to take at least a half day so that you can explore some of the historical sites along the way. Allow time to linger in the attractive parks and enjoy the tranquillity of the Grand Union Canal and River Leam. There are numerous opportunities for refreshment along the route or you may prefer to complete the walk and try the Newbold Comyn Arms. For the first part of the walk, you will enjoy a short section of The Millennium Way where it passes through Leamington Spa.

A - Exit from the car park adjacent to the Newbold Comyn Inn and turn R to go past the Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre on your L. Continue along left side of access road towards Leamington with trees & grassy area on L to exit at top far corner gap to Willes Road. Cross road and go L for a few yards to take entrance R into Jephson Gardens. Continue through Jephson Gardens on the path directly ahead to exit opposite The Royal Pump Rooms.

B - Go L on road to pass over bridge and take first road R (Spencer Street) opposite All Saints Parish Church. Go L on Lower Avenue, pass under railway bridge to find junction of roads then go ahead on R hand side of Tachbrook Road. After some 50 yds, before bridge, take entry to tow path on R. Go down onto tow path and turn R (do not go under Bridge 41.) Go along tow path of this delightful section of the Grand Union Canal and after approx half a mile go under bridge 42 then immediately R to meet the main road (Old Warwick Road) where you leave The Millennium Way.

C - Walk along a little way to safely cross road via pedestrian crossing then L towards roundabout and R to follow down Princes Drive. Go under footbridge and railway bridge to reach Princes Drive viaduct spanning the roundabout. Go under R hand arch of viaduct then cross over Park Drive to enter Victoria Park. (The park was opened to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1899). Once through the gates follow path L to continue past children's pool and play area. Immediately past play area cross over grass to reach riverside path. Stay along path with River Leam on L to pass cafe, and at waymarker post take L fork to go under road bridge. Go down the steps and turn immediately L across bridge then R to continue along path with river R. Pass rear of Royal Pump Rooms to turn R at main road and over the bridge past All Saints Parish Church. Stay ahead passing the Jug & Jester pub and continue over traffic lights and under railway bridge into Clemens Street. Keep ahead to find bridge over canal and just before bridge take the narrow gap L, by the railings, and drop down onto the towpath of the Grand Union Canal to go L, to walk with the canal R.

D - Stay on towpath for just under a mile and approx a quarter of a mile past bridge 37 keep a lookout or an exit L and take the steps down to join the main road. Turn L along main road and cross over to opposite pavement continuing along with hedge R. After approx 200yds take the path R (signed Riverside Walk) to walk through small parking area. Stay ahead to cross wooden footbridge over River Leam to enter Leam Valley Local Nature Reserve. Immediately after bridge go L just in front of the information board and follow the track keeping river on L. Where the track forks, stay L and take the metal kissing gate then cross small bridge. Here you leave the river as it bends L and walk uphill to enter a children's play area. Continue through the play area to the access road and turn L. Shortly you will arrive back at your starting point near the Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre.

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