Balsall Common Walks

9 miles (14.5 km)

This village near Coventry is surrounded by some lovely countryside with a major long distance trail running right through it.
This circular walk from the village uses sections of the Heart of England Way and the Warwickshire Millennium Way to explore the surrounding area. On the way you'll visit the attractive neighbouring village of Berkswell and the Berkswell Windmill.
The walk starts in the village and heads west to meet up with the Heart of England Way near The Elms. Follow the waymarked footpath north east and it will take you to Wootton Green before passing Berkswell Hall and coming in to Berkswell. The historic village includes a village green, old thatched cottages, a Norman church and a Grade II listed 16th century inn for refreshment.
The route continues east to Benton Green before heading south to Carol Green, Beechwood and Berkswell Windmill. The Grade II listed windmill dates back to 1826. From here you follow footpaths north west back to the village.

Balsall Common Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Balsall Common Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Balsall Common OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Balsall Common Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Balsall Common

Coventry - This long circular walk uses a mixture of waymarked footpaths and minor roads to take you to some of the highlights of the city
Coventry Canal - Enjoy waterside cycling and walking along the 38 mile long Coventry Canal towpath
Brandon Woods - These woods near Coventry have a network of good footpaths to follow around the 178 acre site
Kenilworth - A short circular walk around the Warwickshire town of Kenilworth, visiting St Mary's Abbey, Abbey Fields and Kenilworth Castle
Coventry Way - This walk circles the countryside around Coventry taking you through some fine Warwickshire countryside and a series of interesting villages.
The walk starts at Meriden and heads towards Kenilworth with its impressive castle - described by architectural historian Anthony Emery as the 'finest surviving example of a semi-royal palace of the later middle ages, significant for its scale, form and quality of workmanship'
Brandon Marsh - This lovely nature reserve near Coventry has some nice footpaths taking you around a series of lakes and lagoons
Ryton Pools Country Park - Enjoy a cycle or walk around this lovely park in Ryton, Warwickshire
Hearsall Common - This area of common land is located just to the west of Coventry city centre and is a nice place for a peaceful afternoon stroll
Heart of England Way - Follow the Heart of England Way through the Midlands of England
Warwickshire Millennium Way - Follow the Millennium Way through the Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Northamptonshire countryside from Pershore to Middleton Cheney
Solihull - This large town is located in the West Midlands, near Birmingham
Barston Lakes - This walk takes you around Barston Lakes near the village of Barston in the West Midlands.

Pubs/Cafes

Ye Olde Saracens Head is a good choice for some post walk refreshment. The pub dates back to the 16th century and serves high quality dishes from an extensive menu. You can find them on Balsall Street with a postcode of CV7 7AS for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country trails are good for a dog walk and the Saracens Head pub referred to above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the north west there's the neighbouring village of Hampton in Arden. The village includes the lovely Marsh Lane Nature Reserve where there's nature trails, wetlands, bird hides and a wide variety of wildlife to see.
For more walking ideas in the area see the West Midlands Walks page.