Harbury & Chesterton (Nr Leamington) - 5 miles

This is an easy walk exploring the countryside to the south of Harbury . Much of the route follows surfaced tracks or bridleways through fields so we should be ok if there has been a lot of rain :-). The walk passes a series of attractive wooded lakes in the valley near the hamlet of Chesterton where an avenue of trees is particularly photogenic. The walk then visits an isolated church which is thought to date from the 12th Century - the village it served moved away in the plague but a mansion house survived until demolition in 1802. An evocative arched gateway can still be seen together with the remnants of medieval fish ponds and the sheep in the close cropped streamside fields always look like a scene from times gone by. A bridleway gradually climbs back into Harbury where a tall converted windmill rises above the centre of the village.

Due to the distance we will not stop for lunch but bring water.

Bus 655 Daventry - Leamington to Harbury (Mon - Sat) Stagecoach

🔍 How to find us
Meet at 10:30am at Car parking at Harbury Library
Postcode: CV33 9HW
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/52.236701,-1.455377

🅿️ Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available.

👞 What should I wear?
Wear walking boots/shoes or sturdy trainers - bringing a waterproof coat is also recommended.

Additionally...
If it's cold: gloves, hat, scarf, warm trousers and a fleece/warm top.
If it's hot: sunscreen, hat, a pair of shades and a thin top - it may get hot.

🥪 Do I need to bring food?
Snacks and water are recommended.

🚶 How hard is this walk?
This walk is suitable for everyone.

I have never walked with the group before and/or don't know anyone, can I still come?
Yes! This group is a great way to meet new people, socialise, get out in nature and improve your fitness. We welcome any and all people to come along.

🚗 I can't get to the walk, are lift shares available?
There are a few methods to look for lift shares:

• Post a comment on the event
• Join our Discord and post in the #lift-sharing channel, don't forget to specify the walk you are looking for a lift for.

We also encourage people that are coming along to offer lift shares to others when possible.

🐶 Can I bring my dog?
Unless stated in the description, dogs are welcome provided they are well behaved around people/other dogs and kept on a lead/under control in areas where there may be livestock.
⚠️ Some walks may have stiles, and you may need to lift them over. ⚠️

📞 How can I contact the event organiser?
Walks are led by volunteers, and not all of them use Meetup.com. The best way to contact the walk leader is:

• The Rambler's website (https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/harbury-chesterton-nr-leamington#contact)
• Leaving a message on the event.

It is unlikely the walk leader will read messages on the day, especially minutes before the event starts, so please try to contact them in advance with queries.

🗒️ Who runs this group?
We are known as West Midlands Walking Group (WMWG), and are a Ramblers Association group, ran by volunteers. As well as walks almost every weekend, we regularly have social events and trips away multiple times per year. You can find more information on our website: https://www.wmwg.org.uk/
You are allowed to attend 3 walks before you need to become a member of The Ramblers (around £35~ a year).
The Ramblers is a walking charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoying walking in green spaces, as well as preserving and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well-loved paths, tracks and trails across England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more on their website: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/

If you have any questions, please send us a message on Meetup.com.