Berkswell Circular Walk
This village near Coventry has a number of good waymarked footpaths to try. The historic village also includes some notable features including a Norman church, a Grade II listed 16th century inn and the Berkswell Windmill which dates back to 1826. There's also a pretty village green and some picturesque thatched cottages to admire in this delightful settlement.
This circular walk from the village uses sections of the Heart of England Way, the Coventry Way and the Warwickshire Millennium Way to take you through the surrounding countryside.
The walk starts in the village where you can pick up the Heart of England Way and follow the waymarked footpath north past Berkswell Hall to Blind Hall Farm. The route then continues to the neighbouring village of Meriden where you will pass Meriden House and Hall. The village is also notable as the geographical centre of England
Here you can pick up the Warwickshire Millennium Way and follow the trail east towards Millison's Wood before turning south to Flint's Green and Benton Green. Here you pick up the Coventry Way and follow it west back to Berkswell.
For more information on the history and landmarks in the village see the wikipedia entry.
Postcode
CV7 7BB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBerkswell Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Berkswell Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Berkswell Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Berkswell Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Berkswell
- 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
- 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
- Balsall Common - This village near Coventry is surrounded by some lovely countryside with a major long distance trail running right through it.
- Hampton in Arden - This West Midlands based village includes a train station, a good 17th century village pub and a pleasant local nature reserve for easy walks.
- Stoneleigh Abbey -
- Barston Lakes - This walk takes you around Barston Lakes near the village of Barston in the West Midlands.
Pubs/Cafes
Back in the village head to the Berkswell Inn for some post walk refreshment. The Grade II listed inn dates back to the 16th century. The timber framed building has some interesting history such as when it hosted Cromwell’s troops in the English Civil War, and when Blitz-affected Coventry citizens slept on its ancient wooden floors during the second World War. There's a charming interior with ancient oak beams, log fires and private nooks and crannies. Outside there's a lovely garden area for warmer days.
Shakespeare refers to Warwick’s emblem ‘The rampant bear chain’d to the ragged staff’ in Henry VI, and a giant wooden bear climbing a pole can still be seen outside the pub today.
They serve a fine Sunday roast and can be found at Spencer's Lane with postcode CV7 7BB for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The countryside trails make for a fine dog walk and the local inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the 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.
Photos
The lake, Berkswell Hall
Berkswell Windmill. The windmill is a grade II Star listed building and a scheduled monument.
Part of Berkswell Quarry
Approach to St John the Baptist church in the village. The 12th century Norman church is noted for its two-part crypt.
Berkswell Village Stores and Tea Room
Meriden war memorial
Remains of an avenue, Berkswell Hall
Ponds west of Hill House