Edstone Aqueduct Circular Walk 2

Edstone (or Bearley) Aqueduct is one of the earliest cast iron canal aqueducts in the country and is the longest in England. It has a low level towpath and crosses a river, railway and a road. It is one of the local wonders of the canal network. This longer of two walks here takes in part of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, Wilmcote Quarry (a Site of Special Scientific Interest), Wilmcote Village and the local countryside.

1. From Mary Arden's House, head along the path with the house on your left. This will bring you to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. Walk down to the towpath and head north along it with the canal on your left, passing the boats which moor here to visit the village. Follow the canal for about two and a half miles until you reach the Edstone Aqueduct.

2. If you are feeling fit you may want to make the short extension to Lock 39 (Odd Lock). Descend the steps from the aqueduct to the road, heading along it underneath the aqueduct. Take particular care on the road. Take the first left into Newham Lane, following it until you reach houses and turn left at Meadow Barn just after the thatched cottage, following the rough track taking you downhill.

3. Carry straight on along the farm track, passing double iron gates, continue uphill around the edge of the fields, keeping the hedge on the left at all times. Pass through the small farm gate and soon Wilmcote comes into view. Follow the hedge downhill to field corner until you reach the stile into the trees. Cross this and then cross the field to the road.

4. Turn right onto the road and almost immediately left onto the public footpath through the wooden gates. Where the track turns sharply right, bear left across the field at the way mark and climb uphill through woodland. Turn right over the stile and on reaching the road, turn right and immediately left through a kissing gate.

5. Keep the hedge to the left, eventually reaching the passageway between the bungalows onto Swanfold. Turn left onto Main Street and right passing the Mason's Arms. This brings you back to your starting point.

Getting there

Parking: Parking can be found in Wilmcote Village - please take care not to block driveways or park on verges. Parking is also available at the Mary Arden Inn for those who wish to visit the pub before or after the walk.

Public transport: Bus no. 25 from Stratford-upon-Avon. Telephone 01788 535555 for more information. By rail there is an hourly service from Stratford-upon-Avon. Telephone 08457 484950 for more information.