| This walk follows the newly created National Cycling Network Route 52 from the University of Warwick to Kenilworth. It follows an old field path which has been replaced with tarmac or concrete and gravel to make a route accessable to cyclists, walkers or horse riders and in its later stages was the route of the old Kenilworth to Balsall Common railway line. It is all most impressive.This is a walk organised in partnership with Coventry City Council's "Healthy Walks" Scheme, and everybody is welcome to come along. See more here. |
The Varsity |
| We meet at 12 noon at the VARSITY on Gibbet Hill Road and set off at 12:30pm along the road. We use the pedestrian crossing and then follow the path that leads to student residences. Here I saw a yellow rabbit in April, an escapee or descendant of an escapee, no doubt. Soon our path leaves on the left and we walk the only short grassy length of path... |
The pond near Cryfield House |
| On the right is a pond, where I saw tufted ducks in April; and a wind sculpture as we skirt the grounds of Cryfield House, part of the University. |
Wind Sculpture |
Cryfield House |
| Then we go left for a short distance along an access road before turning right to pass the sports pavilion. We walk through the sports fields (what no rugby posts!) before entering true countryside. Soon we see a few ancient pollarded willows just before a pond, then we cross a lane to pass Cryfield Grange. |
Pollarded Willows |
Cryfield Grange |
At the top of the hill there is a group of sculptures of cyclists. The one on the right is James Starley, who I recognise from old photographs.
James Starley (21 April 1831 – 17 June 1881) was an English inventor and father of the bicycle industry. He was one of the most innovative and successful builders of bicycles and tricycles, and was based in Coventry. His inventions include the differential gear that is now incorporated in the back axle of every car, and the perfection of chain-driven bicycles. There is a statue ercted in his honour near to Warwick Row in Coventry. |
Cyclist Sculptures |
In this stretch note the cute little cattle grids just wide enough for a cycle to pass. |
| We then approach the railway line, where we turn left and climb the slope onto the old track bed. We follow the railway across the brand new footbridge over the main road. |
The footbridge over the Kenilworth Road |
| The old railway curves through a cutting to the junction with the main Coventry to Kenilworth line. Here we pass under the Common Lane bridge, which you can see was built in two stages. |
Common Lane Bridge |
The ford at Finham Brook |
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| Our path follows the railway line down to Finham Brook, which we follow upstream a few yards to the footbridge and ford that leads to Forge Road. Along the road leads to Mill End and the ENGINE, a typical traditional local pub with a good range of beers. |
The Engine |
| To return we follow the same route back to the VARSITY, which boasts a comprehensive food menu, with a great choice of wines and drinks for those of us making a day of it. |
