Earlswood Circular Walk
Route facts
Waterways:
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal »
Distance: 3.5 miles / 6km
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Circular route from: Malhouse Lane car park, Earlswood Village
The walk takes you through open fields and surfaced towpaths with some road walking. Some sections of the walk can be boggy in wet weather.
Walkers are asked to remember the Countryside Code:
- Always close gates
- Do not drop litter
- Do not light fires
- Keep dogs on leads
- Keep to the footpath
Always take care whilst walking along the towpath, especially around maintenance work which you may encounter. Please respect other towpath users and do not leave children unattended.
Earlswood Village is dominated by three feeder lakes which store water to supply the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. In 1997, the Earlswood Lakes Partnership was formed with British Waterways and local residents to manage the lakes for the enjoyment of local people and visitors from further afield.
Visitor moorings are available for boaters on the Canal between Bridges 16 and 17.
Getting there
Public transport: The starting point is half a mile east of The Lakes Railway Stationon the Birmingham to Stratford Line.
Waypoints
1. Engine House
From here, you can still see the remains of the sluice gates and ditches, once used to control the water levels of the 82 acres of water. Today, electric pumps are used to lift water to the canal feeder. These replaced the original beam engine, installed in the Engine House in 1821, which ran for 110 years.
2. Bragg's Farm
Bragg's Farm sits above the Canal at Bridge 15. It was once owned, with several other farms in the area, by the Burman family, who were active in the local community. At the end of the 19th century, Tertius Burman was a founding member of the Earlswood Cricket Club and chairman of several other local groups.
3. Lady Lane Farm
At Bridge 15, continue along the towpath for about half a mile. Take the public footpath to the right, into a lightly wooded area: this is boggy in wet weather. Continue over a wooden bridge to the far side of the mound and follow the footpath through the gate and down to Lady Lane. Turn right and walk along the road. Take the footpath to the left immediately next to Lady Lane Farm.
5. Reservoir Pub
In the early 20th century, the Lakes became a popular leisure destination for Birmingham residents, taking boat trips and walks, often arriving by train.
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