Henley in Arden Circular Canal Walk
This circular walk explores the villages, rivers, canals and countryside surrounding the charming town of Henley in Arden in Warwickshire. It makes use of the Heart of England Way and the Stratford Upon Avon Canal to explore the area on good, waymarked footpaths.
The walk starts in the attractive town centre where you will find the magnificent one mile high street with its collection of medieval buildings. Look out for several 15th, 16th and 17th century timber walled buildings, including the fine Guildhall. After admiring the architecture, the route then leaves the town, following the Heart of England Way in a north easterly direction towards Lowsonford. Here you pick up the canal towpath and follow it south towards the village of Preston Bagot. You'll pass the Yarningale Aqueduct, spanning the Kingswood Brook near the village of Claverdon. The route then heads through the countryside on public footpaths, returning to the town, via the site of the Norman Beaudesert Castle.
The Arden Way long distance trail starts in the town. This is an excellent way of exploring the beautiful Forest of Arden, visiting Studley Castle, Coughton Court and the River Arrow.
If you head south to Wootton Wawen, you can pick up the Monarch's Way. Here you can enjoy a nice walk along the River Alne.
The Warwickshire Millennium Way also passes through the town.
Please scroll down for the full list of walks near and around Henley in Arden Circular Walk. The detailed maps below also show a range of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in the area.
Henley in Arden Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Henley in Arden Circular Walk Open Street Map 
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Henley in Arden Circular Walk OS Map 
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Henley in Arden Circular Walk Open Street Map 
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Walks near Henley in Arden
- Arden Way - This circular walk takes you on a tour of the beautiful Forest of Arden in Warwickshire
- Heart of England Way - Follow the Heart of England Way through the Midlands of England
- Stratford Upon Avon Canal - Enjoy waterside cycling and walking on this 26 mile canal which runs from Stratford Upon Avon to Birmingham
- Warwickshire Millennium Way - Follow the Millennium Way through the Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Northamptonshire countryside from Pershore to Middleton Cheney
- Earlswood Lakes - Enjoy a stroll along these three reservoirs and into the adjacent woodland on this lovely walk in Solihull
- Coughton Court - Explore the beautiful gardens of the Tudor Coughton Court, before a lovely waterside stroll along the River Arden on this walking route in Warwickshire
- Tanworth-in-Arden - This pretty Warwickshire based village is located near Earlswood and Redditch.
- Edstone Aqueduct - This circular walk visits the Edstone Aqueduct on the Stratford Upon Avon Canal in Warwickshire
- Claverdon - This attractive Warwickshire based village lies just to the east of Henley in Arden.
- Studley Castle - This walk visits the 19th century Studley Castle in Warwickshire
- Lowsonford - This Warwickshire based village is located in a pleasant rural spot on the Stratford Upon Avon Canal
Pubs/Cafes
The Nags Head is a Grade II listed pub dating back to the 16th century. You can find the old black and white pub on the High Street at postcode B95 5BA for your sat navs. They serve real ale, quality meals and also have a pleasant garden area.
Also on the High Street is the White Swan, another historic pub dating to 1550. Charles II, William Shenstone and John Byng have all stayed here and it was once run by the actor Michael Elphick. Also of note is a carved daisy wheel in the beam of a cottage attached to the pub, a common 16th & 17th century symbol to ward off witches and evil, usually carved by a child. They are located at postcode B95 5BY.
On the route you could stop in Lowsonford at the noteworthy Fleur De Lys. The pub is well known for its quality pies and its delightful canalside garden. It's a great spot to relax and watch the boats go by on a fine day. The pub has some history too, dating back to the 16th century with a charming old interior which includes wooden beams, a real fire and quirky corners. You can find them on Lapworth Street with postcode B95 5HJ for your sat navs. They have a car park and are also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the south of the town you could pick up the circular Wootton Wawen Walk and visit the Edstone Aqueduct, the longest cast iron aqueduct in England. The route takes you along the canal towpath and the River Alne while also visiting the interesting settlement of Wilmcote. Here you'll find the historic 16th century house of Shakespeare's mother at Mary Arden's Farm. There's a working tudor farm here with many rare breed animals to see.
Just to the north west there's the neighbouring village of Tanworth-in-Arden. Here you can enjoy a circular walk around the grounds of the 17th century Umberslade Hall. The village itself is also worth exploring with its picturesque village green and 14th century church.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Warwickshire Walks page.
Photos
The Stratford Upon Avon Canal at Preston Bagot
Henley in Arden architecture. The town dates back to at least the 13th century, and its name is derived from the Old English 'Henleia,' meaning 'high or elevated meadow.' Henley’s position along the River Alne and close to the River Avon made it an important trading post in medieval times, with the area developing from a small settlement into a bustling market town. During the 16th century, Henley was granted a market charter, which boosted its commercial importance.
Yarningale Aqueduct
Narrowboats pass through Lowsonford lock
Claverdon. The historic settlement includes several 16th and 17th century half-timbered cottages and a noteworthy church which includes an English Gothic architecture bell tower dating back to the 15th century.
Henley-in-Arden Main Street and church. One of the town's most notable buildings is the Church of St. John the Baptist, a striking structure that has stood since the 14th century. The church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture, with its tower standing tall over the town and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, the church houses several historical features, including a memorial to the local noble family, the Cloptons. Henley also boasts a number of charming half-timbered buildings, reflecting its Tudor heritage, which add to its character and appeal.
The Market Cross and the Black and White bank in the background. The town is surrounded by scenic landscapes, with rolling hills, the meandering River Alne, and well-maintained green spaces such as the local parks, making it a peaceful location for residents and visitors alike. The nearby countryside is perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring, with paths that lead to scenic views of the valley and nearby woodlands. Henley’s location on the edge of the Cotswolds also means it offers easy access to the natural beauty of the region, making it a popular spot for tourists seeking a tranquil retreat.
Henley-in-Arden Heritage Centre. Henley in Arden is also known for its cultural and social life, with a range of annual events, including the Henley-in-Arden Golf Club's tournaments, local festivals, and community fairs. The town’s market square is a hub of activity, hosting both regular markets and special events, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the quaint atmosphere. The town’s proximity to Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham also ensures that Henley remains well-connected, making it an ideal place for those seeking the charm of rural England while still being close to major urban centres.