Dassett Hills, C WALK. (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

C WALK DESCRIPTION: Starting from the village of Avon Dassett we head north-west following the Centenary Way enjoying some very good views to the west.  Just before reaching the Dassett Hills we take a short break by the 12th century Burton Dassett church.  An interesting church, surprisingly spacious for this seemingly remote and peaceful spot;  the church is usually open so a chance to see some good remains of medieval wall paintings which must have escaped the attention of the zealous agents of the reformation!  We then make our way into the hills with a short climb onto Bonfire Hill to enjoy breathtaking views of the country park all around and the landscape further afar.  A short distance along the ridge is Windmill Hill (the windmill is gone) and the structure known as ‘The Beacon’, a landmark on the Warwickshire skyline. According to Google, this may have been built as a tower mill and later used as defensive lookout tower in the English Civil War .  The Beacon is now a Grade II Listed Building.  Another pause here to take in the views.  A very short climb to Magpie Hill with its toposcope follows.  We take a picnic lunch around here.  Our route then continues south-easterly along a lane which we turn off towards Burton Old Covert (Fox Covert), a very pleasing section of easy walking, to arrive at the attractive village of Fenny Compton for a well-earned drink at the Merrie Lion.  Leaving the village by lanes and field paths we will be heading for Long Spinney and then further field and bridle tracks back to Avon Dassett.  The walk finishes along a lane a short distance from the village.Walk distance :   7.25 miles. Total ascent approx. 700ft which is spread throughout the walk. Picnic lunch followed by pub stop. Leader Brenda Cameron. The fare is £15.