Dorridge (Public Transport Walk). A Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

 A WALK DESCRIPTION. This circular walk starts through Dorridge Park then follows a board walk through woodland. Once out of the park our route continues generally south on field paths and through further strips of woodland, with a few short sections of road, skirting the edge of Hockley Heath then crossing the Stratford Upon Avon Canal by Drawbridge Farm. We continue through more fields to St Mary the Virgin church at Lapworth. This grade 1 listed building began life in 12th century, with a separate tower added in 14th Century. The churchyard is noted for its snowdrops early in the year. Leaving the church via field paths and a cricket ground we join the Stratford canal and walk on the tow path beside a flight of locks to our lunch stop by the canal basin at Kingswood. We will then follow a byway south for about 1 km before turning left to rejoin the Stratford canal, which we follow back to the canal basin. From here we have about a mile of road walking, before turning west along an avenue track to Packwood House, a National Trust property. After some further lane walking we divert to pass the historic church of St Giles by Packwood Hall, then follow a lane back to Dorridge Park and the station. Depending on time, refreshment options at the Boot Inn at Kingswood, the National Trust Café at Packwood House or the Railway Inn at Dorridge. 11 miles, little obvious climbing (only 440 ft total ascent). Leader: Peter Searle.