Millennium Way Full Walk
East to West
Walk Overview
Walking the full 100 miles of the Millennium Way East to West
Walk Instructions
Middleton Cheney to Chipping Warden
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 151 - Explorer 206
Video: Planning to Walk the Millennium Way
Video: Middleton Cheney to Chipping Warden
Middleton Cheney is 2 miles east of Junction 11 on the M40. Henry's Cafe is close by the start for a breakfast! Facing the front of All Saints Church, take Church Lane to the left of the church. Go past Rectory Lane and continue down to reach the T-junction opposite No. 24 - named Stoneleigh. Turn R here into Glovers Lane.
At the end of the lane the pathway crosses the main road and takes the unmade vehicle track to R of the footpath sign, passing between the gardens of domestic properties and then along a narrow passage at rear of houses, with tall wooden fence L, to find a gap with damaged gate into large field.
After taking the gap go immediately left with hedge L, following path around field edge under power lines to find and take stile. Go ahead with hedge L to exit by stile to road.
Cross road to drive and after 10 paces take stile R, signpost marked "Footpath to Thenford".
Follow field edge with fence and stream L to take double stile/ footbridge and go ahead with hedge L and fence R to a stile. Take stile and go with field edge to field corner by dilapidated stone barn. Take stile L to stone bridge. Cross bridge and go R with ditch R to former gateway.
Take gap at former gateway and go 1/2 L across field towards tree line to find field corner.
At field corner go R with hedge & trees L. At end corner of hedge & trees continue on same line across field, aiming left of trees in field corner, to go through hedge gap.
Cross field corner to take small timber bridge on R over stream and turn L with hedge L. Find and take stile and go 1/2 R across field to road aiming for footpath sign.
Cross road and stream and go diagonally R up field, between two telegraph poles, to top field corner gateway with track. Go through gateway and follow round track, to pass bungalow R to farm driveway.
Follow driveway to road.
Cross road and take stile into field (this stile can be wobbly). From stile head to gap in R corner of field keeping hedge R. On leaving first field, cross track and go straight to gap in far hedge keeping to the L of a telegraph pole in field. Go L on drive to road. Cross road and take track marked "Bridleway". Cross Townsend Lane and continue ahead signed "Hill Farm Only".
Where track bears L to farm, take gate to go ahead with hedge R under overhead power lines and pass spinney over to L aiming for two isolated gate posts. Go through gateposts and descend field to metal gate. Take gate and cross over disused railway to exit by gate and go with hedge L.
Staying in same direction for half a mile after crossing the disused railway line and you will eventually find a solitary waypost on the left, with multiple waymarks. Here we leave the original Millennium Way, which is still on OS maps, to avoid HS2
Turn L here, to follow the waymarked diversion route, walking uphill with hedge R (picnic spot at the top!) eventually descending to a waymarker at field corner. Cross stream though narrow gap then go 1/2 R towards wood. Stay with a rising path with wood L .
When you reach farm buildings turn R to pass in front of farm and stay downhill on paved track passing small pond L. Follow track to Y junction with triangular shaped rock on L then leave track by waypost aiming for access point to horse gallops.
Cross the gallops and across field to take two further access points to cross gallops. Go 1/2 R across field to exit by gap to L of large metal gate to lane.
Cross over lane to go R past three triangular stones, an attractive waypost and a posting box set in a brick structure. Stay down surfaced track to pass a church and large mansion ( Edgcote House ) then immediately past mansion turn L to pass through green kissing gate.
Stay along track between beech hedges, through gateway and down tree-lined track to cross bridge over River Cherwell and stay on rising track. Keep an eye on your right for a silver plaque mounted on a concrete plinth which marks the site where a Wellington Bomber crashed in 1945.
Stay on surfaced track gently uphill though woodland to exit via metal gate next to lodge (dated 1846).
Pass a lovely church on L to enter the village of Chipping Warden. If you stay with the stone wall on R you will find the Griffin pub.
Chipping Warden to Priors Marston
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 151 - Explorer 222 & 206
Video: Chipping Warden to Priors Marston
With your back to the Griffin pub go R to junction of roads. Go straight across and pass Rose & Crown. Take Appletree Road on your R and follow road round L bend and then go through gap to cross by-pass road. Go ahead again on Appletree Road and when road swings R, take signposted footpath on L.
Go to L of buildings into alleyway, then over stile, continue with fence L to another stile. Take stile, which might be partially hidden by an open gate, into spinney. Go through spinney to field. Go ahead across centre of large field, aiming for a large oak tree close to far hedge/fence to find and take fence stile behind large oak tree. Go 1/2 L, keeping to the R of a small midfield spinney and walk to the L of a large banked pond. Curve R to find gate/gap in far L corner of field.
Take gate with fence R to mid field stile and then to mid fence stile with 2nd stile into field, continue with fence/hedge R to find and take stile to L of gate to road. Turn R 20 paces on road, then go L take stile, and go ahead to pass cattle sheds keeping to the L edge of the field. Go with field edge and go through the first gate into field (there is movable electric fencing at this location so use plastic hand grips to pass through).
At field end, before copse, turn R then L - go with copse L down hill through gateway and then go straight on to find bridge over steam near large oak tree in hedge opposite. Cross stream, continue 1/4 L to L field edge, continue with hedge on L. Watch for gateway L approximately 3/4 way up field, but do not go through gateway, instead turn immediately R at 90 degrees across field.
Go through hedge gap and continue same line past mid field tree to middle hedge gate. Continue with hedge L to field end. Bear 1/4 L across field to road.
Go R and take first R on road. Go down road and before the stream take large gap L to field with hedge and stream R. After 100 paces head slightly left across field to mid fence gap and across old railway line. Go straight through into large field heading slightly left towards left hand corner of field. (This field can be heavily cropped, so you can go round the left hand side of the field. Here the footpath has been diverted due to HS2, so turn left and take track to road (running from Claydon to Lower Boddington.) At road, go straight on and follow round right hand bend . After half a mile, (MAY 2023 THIS ROAD IS BLOCKED BY HS2 WORKS SO PLAN AHEAD) just before a large barn on the right, leave the road to the right along a new path enclosed by fencing, which lies between a works access road and the large barn (or you could just walk on to the crossroads by the Carpenters Arms - restricted opening hours - and turn right to rejoin here ** in W30). At the end of this corridor path, turn left and go across a low bridge. The diversion has now ended.
Go straight with fence left to take wooden kissing gate before buildings. Take kissing gate and go with fence R, then half right for 100 paces to find mid fence wooden kissing gate leading to driveway. Turn L on vehicle driveway to road **).
Cross over road and go ahead on lane, signposted "Bridleway", between houses which becomes vehicle track - continue onto footpath, with fence either side, to road.
Go R on road for 1/2 mile into Upper Boddington to main road (100 paces off the route to your right is The Plough Inn). Go across main road down Frog Lane. Bear right down waymarked footpath to junction just past converted chapel.
Turn L on road. At end of houses pass through a gateway and after some 30 paces take gate R and go through copse to cross first footbridge and continue along track to take right field corner wooden gate. Continue with hedge right through gap into field. Go diagonally 1/2 left across field to take a second footbridge into next field, then going ahead to cross a third wooden footbridge. Continue left around edge of next field heading for the waymarker post in top left corner. Go left through hedge gap keeping along edge of field with hedge right. Exit field by corner gap and go ahead steadily up field valley to gap in trees to find single plank ditch bridge. Cross plank bridge to field and go with wood left around field edge. At the far hedge gap go left on bridleway keeping hedge and trees right.
Go with hedge R to exit field through trees to corner gap . From gap go R for some distance keeping wood R to emerge though corner gap into field. Go ahead over field to mid fence gate in far hedge, after taking gate turn R, pass dew pond R through small gate and follow grassy corridor with hedges L and R. Corridor swings R leading to gate with hedge R. Continue ahead downhill through avenue of trees and new fencing and several fields to gate by road.
Cross road and go ahead over field in the direction of the pylon on the horizon to the right of the telecoms tower, to find L corner gate. Through gateway, pass in front of barn on R to driveway. Take stile immediately R and go 1/2 L across field, passing telegraph pole, to corner stile. Over stile and second stile, then ahead with hedge and power lines L to corner gate. Take gate opposite and go 1/4 R, walking to L of and parallel with power lines*, to mid fence gate, to farm driveway - turn R for 30 paces then L through gate along line of power lines to far side of field.
*At this point, if there are cattle in field, and you prefer, keep to field edge with hedge and fence R
At far side of field do not go through gate near telegraph pole but turn L and go with hedge R. Take stile out of field and after 120 paces ignore metal gate but take next stile R through to metal gate into paddock.
On entering paddock keep to R of mound and after mound go 1/2 L heading between two telegraph poles to take metal gate to bridge over stream. Continue line but go to R of house and find stile L. Take stile to track/drive to road, turn R on road. At next junction turn L to come to Priors Marston War Memorial.
Priors Marston to Long Itchington
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 151 - Explorer 222 & 206
Video: Priors Marston to Long Itchington
The Hollybush pub and Marston House B&B are close by. Pass the end of Hellidon Road and then fork R signed Lower Shuckburgh and Napton. Continue on Shuckburgh Road passing a phone box, School Lane and Vicarage Lane.
Locate a pillar-box on L. Immediately before the pillar-box, turn L and follow the waymark down a made up track, alongside Priors Hall. At the end of the track, cross the stile and bear 1/2 R to pass along the rear boundaries of houses to exit by stile.
Pass through two more fields by stiles. Then head for gate and stile in hedge. Either use the stile or the gate to enter a pony paddock and exit by stile and go 1/2 L cut to reach timber bridge ditch crossing. ( * This bridge is badly damaged, is unsafe to cross and has been reported to the County Council. ) Follow the hedge line R to the L corner of the field and you will connect with a bridleway.
Follow bridle way L towards Napton and you will pass a footbridge and stile on the L. Carry straight on the bridle way and you will now be back on the Millennium Way.
Follow the bridle way as it curves R and continue in same direction for a long while (this track can be very muddy after wet weather), passing an unusual family memorial.
The path descends, eventually giving onto a field of pasture with hedge and fence L.
Go with hedge and fence L down field towards the village of Napton just visible through the trees. Come to metal gate. Take gate and head 1/4 R down to find metal gate in far hedge.
Take gate across track and then wooden gate to go with hedge R for 130 paces to take gate. Go ahead with hedge L. You are no longer heading directly for Napton. Exit field by bottom left corner gap.
Continue ahead with the hedge L, to reach metal gate.
Pass through gate into another large field. Continue along the edge of this field with the fence immediately on your right. Notice a farm appearing off to the left. When you draw level with the farm, you will be at a metal gate which gives onto a minor road.
Take gate to road continuing in the same direction as the path you have just left.
After 400 yards come to T junction and go ahead direction signed Napton / Stockton. Pass three cottages L (The Fens) and immediately take driveway to a large house called Eureka. *Go ahead thru the waymarked big black metal gate up driveway and go R down by garage with hedge R to come in 20 paces to stile. Take the stile and follow waymarker 1/4 R across the large field keeping to R of a hollow. (*Alternatively it is possible to take the large metal gate R straight into the large field). In the dip ahead find and take bridge over brook and then go 1/2 L up field passing to the R of a derelict pylon to exit by far L corner gate to road.
Go R on road over canal bridge and immediately L down onto canal. Go L under bridge and ahead with canal right - ahead is Napton on the Hill with its high set windmill. Follow down a flight of locks and pass The Folly Inn on your left at bridge 113. Continue on the towpath skirting around Napton. At bridge 111 pass under the A425 Southam to Daventry road and immediately take gap L and climb steps by the converted Bridge Inn to the road.
Turn R on road after approx 50 paces cross stile R. Down sometimes overgrown passage way into field and go with hedge L. Take corner stile and go with fence and hedge L to field corner - go R 40 paces and take stile and bridge L. Go 1/4 L across field crossing track. Continue ahead passing mid field power pole. Maintain line to come to ditch / bridge gap to R of single tree. Go 1/2 R across field to L of two trees to find kissing gate. Take gate and go with hedge R to end of field. Stay in field and go L for 30 paces to take wide metal gate R.
Go with high hedge R. At hedge corner continue same line ahead across field. Take mid fence bridge. Here you may wish to go right around the edge of the field, or to follow the RoW go 1/2 R to find hidden stile some 30 paces in from hedge end post, take stile and go directly ahead across field to find metal gate by phone mast (you may wish to go right around field edge). Take gate to vehicle track and go ahead on track, passing cemetery then Stockton Parish Church to the now closed Barley Mow Pub. Go past the pub R and then school L. At convenience store take road L, up Mount Pleasant, ignoring side roads, come to grassy passageway with houses L, leading through spinney to field. Go L with hedge L and wire fence R to stile and road.
Cross road (A426) and take gap to go down steps, ignore path into wood on left and go ahead with hedge L. Though corner gap continue with hedge L and fence R. Follow corridor over two bridges then through shrub, maintaining line. Leave woods, go ahead on grassy way with spinney L. Exit spinney and after 50 paces go R to find gap, take gap and go immediately L with hedge L. After some 70 paces take gap into woods to find stile. Take stile and ahead through woods, cross track and exit by metal kissing gate to lake. Go R with lake L to take gap into car park with drive way ahead leading to road. Go L on road pass Blue Lias Inn, over bridge and take gateway L to canal. Go R with canal L. After just less than half a mile, arrive at Bridge 25 by the Two Boats Inn and The Cuttle Inn on the other side of the canal.
Pass under the bridge (A423 Banbury to Coventry) and immediately find the small brick-built cubicle next to the towpath. Turn R off the towpath at this point and then turn left past the cubicle to take kissing gate into paddock. Cross paddock and take two further kissing gates on either side of a farm track. Go ahead over field and wooden foot bridge to exit by kissing gate and ahead on grass track between trees towards a modern white house with a distinctive rear projection and find kissing gate.
Take kissing gate, and turn L to follow a lane serving private houses.
In a short while, this lane (Thorn Way) gives into an open area known as The Square, with The Harvester Inn on the right. Turn left out of The Square down the village road to Holy Trinity Church. There is a convenience store here.
Long Itchington to Leamington Spa
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 151 - Explorer 190 & 222)
Video: Long Itchington to Offchurch
Go past Holy Trinity Church and take Bascote Road L signposted 'Bascote'.
Cross bridge over river. In 70 paces turn R and go down to take kissing gate into field. Go thru a new metal gate in wooden fence then with fence R to find kissing gate R. Take kissing gate / bridge / kissing gate and ahead with ditch / fence L, ignore kissing gate L, but continue ahead up field with river now on R to take far mid fence kissing gate by river bridge, to minor road.
Go R to cross road bridge and pass 30mph signs, follow road round to R to come to T junction, go on L on Short Lane and at end of first house garden take passage way L. At end of passage way take kissing gate and go 1/2 L across field to find metal gate by pumping station.
Take metal gate and go ahead with farm buildings R - here is White Hall Farm B&B. Take kissing gate and continue ahead with fence L and buildings R along grassy corridor.
Go with hedge R and fence L to field corner. At field corner go L. In 200 paces take track over ditch R.
Go ahead with wood L, after 110 paces carefully look for difficult to see waymark L. Take way mark into woods. Follow path through woods with river L to come to tubular bridge over river. Cross bridge and turn L. In 20 paces go past remnants of kissing gate, over tarmaced path on disused railway line (this is the Lias Line Greenway), to find rusty kissing gate. Note lovely new Millennium Way footpath sign!
Take kissing gate and go L. Follow field round with hedge L for 40 paces to come to field corner. Stop! ( At this point the landowner has suggested a permissive path going left, to then keep to edge of field emerging onto Stonebridge Lane then going right along lane - you can use this permissive path if the main route is heavily cropped or ploughed ) - otherwise, to stay on the main route, go 3/4 R across field, under power lines to find mid hedge gap by telegraph pole. Take gap and go 1/2 L across field towards distant white house, find mid fence stile. Take stile and continue ahead maintaining line to exit by another telegraph pole to road. Go R on road. As you start to go uphill, take signed gate R on track. Go ahead on uphill field track and exit by gate to lane to main road.
Cross road and ahead on tree lined lane, pass Snowford House L and ahead on Ridgeway Lane which is a rough and muddy vehicle track, to eventually cross high bridge over Lias Line Greenway and coming to tarmac drive leading to road (Hill Farm shop and cafe is L 100 paces and R 400 paces up a drive). Go R on heavily used road (Fosse Way) with no footpath, to cross roads. Go L on onto another busy main road and after some 100 yards look for hidden stile in hedge on L (next to telegraph pole).
Cross stile and go 1/2 R to far corner and then R 50 paces to find bridge stile. Cross this stile and go ahead to find hedge gap. Through gap and go with hedge R to take stile into large field. Go ahead to find far hedge gap and road. Go L on road for 15 paces to find road R.
Take road, pass Sunrise Cottage and enter old Hunningham, a pretty village. At end of road find church. Take kissing gate to R of church yard and go with fence L. At end of fence go ahead 1/2 L downhill to find kissing gate adjacent to a wide gap.
Here we take a diversion owing to a damaged bridge near Bridge Farm.
Turn left and walk through the meadow with the river to your right. At the end of the meadow take the kissing gate ahead and continue with hedge left towards a gap with exposed culvert. After the gap head up the hill towards the top corner of the field and through another kissing gate. Continue along field edge with trees and river right, and find another kissing gate just after the path goes round to the right. Go through this gate and turn left, walking with fence left until the path veers right towards the bridge over the River Leam. Continue past the bridge and bear left to exit the field by wide gated gap and continue along rough track keeping trees right.
( End of diversion )
Ignore the instructions in brackets & italics below
( Take kissing gate and go with River Leam L. Go ahead (ignore stile R), cross down slope to water meadow. Cross meadow to take stile, opposite Red Lion pub, to road.
Go L to cross road bridge over River Leam, pass road L and immediately past Severn-Trent booster station take kissing gate L.
Go diagonally left across field to find kissing gate by telegraph pole.
Take kissing gate and cross narrow field with buildings L to take kissing gate. Go ahead across field centre to find kissing gate. Take kissing gate and go 1/4 L to find metal kissing gate by wooden bridge in far hedge. Cross bridge and take metal kissing gate. Follow the Millennium Way waymarker to go diagonally 1/2 L across large field to far corner.
At corner, take waymarked kissing gate and go over small stone ditch bridge to stay forward to next field crossing a narrow track to go with hedge R.
Reach gap where overhead power cables enter next field, go through this gap and bear L under power cables to stay with hedge L.
At crossroads of paths, with small waypost L, take wide gap L to walk downhill through short section of woodland.Exit woodland by bridge over river to field. Bear R to exit field by wide gated gap and stay along rough track with trees R. )
After the diversion we rejoin the MW.......
Pass small brick structure next to two trees and go forward to reach junction of four paths by farm buildings. Ignore first path coming in from L by metal barn and instead take second path / bridleway to walk between barns. You just joined a fully waymarked diversion due to HS2. It is on our GPS but not OS maps.
Stay up track past Fields Farm eventually to reach surfaced road opposite bungalow called Ashlawns. Turn R on road for 3/4 mile towards Offchurch (this road is subject to HS2 traffic lights for the foreseeable future) to reach a junction with Welsh Road.
Turn R into Offchurch to reach The Stag pub.
Video: Offchurch to Kenilworth
Go past The Stag pub down Welsh Road and a few paces past Corner Cottage go through kissing gate to field. Stay ahead across field to go through another kissing gate. Stay up grassy path with trees R, the path soon veering slightly L to eventually exit onto surfaced driveway. Turn R down driveway for 300 yds and turn L on reaching a tall tree with interesting sculptured trunk.
Go along grassy path with ditch L and cross a couple of semi-surfaced tracks with access gates to follow path through area of woodland to take kissing gate next to large metal gate. Cross small bridge over River Leam and stay on path with river L to cross larger bridge. Turn R keeping river R to enter large grazing field and make for large lone oak tree at far end to take kissing gate next to metal gate on L.
Go forward with hedge R to exit by gap next to wooden fence, continue across field on wide path to reach waymarker, then go over small stone bridge to take gap. Go L for 120 paces to reach corner of wood ( just before a wooden bench L ) then turn R passing a small pond to keep straight on along what was once a golf course fairway, keeping trees R to arrive at a small bench & litter bin next to track.
Ignore gaps on R and stay forward along track to pass waymarker on white post to continue under canopy of small trees. The waymarked diversion finishes as a path comes in from the R.
Stay along track to reach car park on L and then ( separated by hedges & a gap ) reach a second car park L.
At end of second car park leave path by gap next to 5 bar metal gate on L, through car park keeping to R edge to reach surfaced drive. Go R on drive, pass Paul Putz Play area L and continue to Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre (Comyn Arms pub to your right).
Leamington Spa to Kenilworth
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 140 & 151 - Explorer
Continue in the direction of Leamington, walking on wide shared path on L side of road, enjoying trees L. Watch for Newbold Terrace East on R and when trees end go 1/2 L across grass strip to walk with shrub / trees L. At corner enter into tree line and follow path L down to corner gap to find Willes Road.
Cross road and enter Jephson Gardens. Walk ahead all through gardens and exit opposite Royal Pumps Rooms. (Premier Inn is opposite on right)
Go L on road to pass over bridge and take first road R (unsigned Spencer Street) opposite All Saints Church.
Go L onto Lower Avenue, pass under railway bridge to find junction of roads.
Go ahead up right hand side of Tachbrook Road. After some 50 yards, before brow of bridge, find entry to tow path on R.
Go down onto towpath and turn R (Do not go under Bridge 41). Morrisons and Costa Coffee are on the right shortly. After 2 miles go under Bridge 49 and immediately take path up to road.
Go L on road passing M&S at filling station, to large roundabout. Continue ahead 300 yards to find Woodloes Lane on left.
Take Woodloes Lane and continue over A46 Kenilworth Bypass, eventually forking L to Woodloes Farm.
100 yards before farm, turn R across field passing under telegraph cables to exit field through shrubbery with brick wall R, then ahead across field to pass to L of mound to find kissing gate. Take gate and follow waymarker L round edge of field to exit by far field corner gap. Go ahead passing to the left of corner pylon and continue ahead.
Just before next pylon, take path L to enter woods and follow well-defined pathway through woodland. Exit wood and continue ahead with hedge on R (ignore signed path R onto golf course) to pass a pond to your left. Go ahead to find kissing gate in corner of field and continue ahead. Some 80 yards before wood, after grassy bank, go 1/2 L down field to cross old stone bridge then ahead to kissing gate by lone tree. Take kissing gate and go ahead across field to exit by kissing gate to driveway.
Turn R and follow concrete track to junction with Rouncil Lane. Go R on road for 50 paces to take metal gate L. Go ahead on gravel track with fence L and hedge R to to exit by metal gate.
Go ahead with hedge R to end of field. Take metal gate ahead passing large farm on R (Oaks Farm) to find corner concrete bridge. Cross bridge ahead to find metal gate. Take gate and go ahead to field corner to find second metal gate.
Take gate and go ahead with fence R (ignore kissing gate R to playing fields), continue ahead with fence and hedge R to find metal gate. Take gate and go ahead with hedge R, pass between fenced paddocks with hidden dew pond R and go R along grassy corridor to exit by gate to driveway..
Go L down drive, through wood and then pass car park and Kenilworth Castle entrance to reach main road. Go L around castle perimeter to come to Queen & Castle pub and other tearooms. Uphill to R. is the Old Bakery/Abbey Hotel B&Bs.
Kenilworth to Meriden
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 139 & 140 - Explorer 221
Video: Kenilworth to Meriden
Go up main road to bend to take Purlieu Lane L. Go under power cables and after 20 paces take kissing gate R.
Go L up field to gateway. Go ahead maintaining line, through mid hedge kissing gate and ahead across to find copse at field corner. Enter copse and exit by kissing gate to field. Go with hedge R to find kissing gate R. Take gate and go L across field towards houses to kissing gate to road.
Go R on road for 10 paces and take kissing gate L to field. Go with hedge L to field corner. Cross ditch bridge L. Go through small copse and ahead with hedge L. Through next copse and go down field to find mid field gap with ditch bridge. Cross bridge and go up field to hedge. Go L around field edge with hedge R to exit by field corner gap.
Go R up field with hedge R and turn L at corner to pass under power cables - watch for mid field waymark sign. At waymark sign go R in direction of houses to field corner. Go with hedge L to pass houses.
Take waymark sign L through hedge and pass through copse adjacent to Rudyfn Manor, to turn R on reaching driveway. Some 20 paces before passing under power lines, at junction with drive R, go L across field passing exactly 10 paces to L of lone oak tree. Stay ahead across field to reach a yellow topped waypost by field corner edge. Go ahead and after 10 paces take gap L then immediately R with hedge R to go around large field edge to take far mid hedge stile/gap. Go over ditch bridge and take gap. Go 1/2 R to far R field corner to take two kissing gates.
Go ahead with hedge R to find and take mid hedge gap/kissing gate R. Cross field centre to gateway/gap to cross A452 road. Take kissing gate to go though tree lined copse to field.
Go with hedge L to take field corner kissing gate and go R hugging two sides of field to far field corner stile. Cross stile/gap and bridge ditch. Go 1/2 L across field to hedge gap by large oak tree and ahead to take field corner metal gate. Cross to ditch bridge to drive way. Cross driveway and take kissing gate to the L of driveway.
Go L with hedge L to take field corner kissing gate. Go with hedge R to field exit gap. Take gap and immediately go L with hedge L to field corner. Remain in field and go R with hedge L to pass under power lines to take field corner ditch bridge.
Go with hedge L to kissing gate to Hob Lane. Here we join a fully waymarked temporary diversion of the Millennium Way owing to HS2 works. It is on our GPS but not on OS maps. Go R on Hob Lane and after 50 paces turn L into driveway of Beanit Farm. After 60 paces take gate R to footpath then cross ditch bridge and through further gate.
Stay along enclosed footpath, cross small bridge then turn R to reach wide track. Go L to stay on track eventually to take metal kissing gate to join a newly constructed fenced track (The Greenway.) Turn sharp L on to track and continue for some way as the track swings L & R to eventually reach pedestrian lights / crossing at road (Waste Lane).
Turn R up Waste Lane (take great care on this busy road).
On road, cross bridge over the old disused railway line and the new HS2 route.
Once over the bridge continue up road to pass bus stop & posting box then turn L onto footpath down narrow passageway. Go over stile and stay with hedge L to take corner double stile. Stay forward to take next stile / gated gap keeping hedge & fence L to reach corner. Take narrow stile and go R to reach road (Hodgett's Lane).
Turn L down Hodgetts Lane for some while until you cross the bridge over the main existing London to Birmingham railway line in cutting below.
Here you rejoin the original Millennium Way and continue on to junction of roads. This is Carol Green.
Turn R for a short distance to T junction. ]
Turn L and after 20 paces take driveway R to cross stile and kissing gate to vehicle track. Go ahead on track to take kissing gate and ahead shortly to exit track by kissing gate to field. Go to R of power pole to cross field to take kissing gate.
Take further kissing gate and plank bridge. Go ahead with fence L / hedge R to find unused field corner kissing gate.
Take gap / plank bridge / kissing gate and go ahead with hedge R for 150 paces across an unkempt field under power cables. Come to mid hedge gap on R with kissing gate and various way marks. Remain in field, turn L for 30 paces, across field to ditch bridge located 10 paces in from R field comer. Cross ditch bridge and go ahead with wire fence L across overgrown field to exit by kissing gate.
Go with hedge R to find top R swamp boards to kissing gate. Take gate and go with power lines L and hedge R. At end of trees take plank bridge and kissing gate R and go L. Continue with hedge L, under pylons and at field corner, go ahead over field, aiming some 70 paces R of white house to find corner gap, Take gap and follow path around through trees to driveway. Go R on driveway to road.
Go L on road for 40 paces, take stile R and 2nd stile into field. Go with hedge R to exit by corner gap. Ahead over field under power lines, through hedge gap and 1/4 L to go with hedge L. Just before field end, by a nice benchseat, cross hedge stile L.
Go with hedge R and watch for mid hedge kissing gate R. Go L with hedge L to find kissing gate. Cross into grassy passageway leading to back garden, keep to L of garden and house to road. Go R and after 250 paces take kissing gate L through to gateway.
Go straight upfield to take mid hedge kissing gate. Go ahead with pylon power lines L to far field hedge kissing gate onto road.
Go L pass Shirley Lane and after 100 paces take driveway R through kissing gate. Pass barns L and follow vehicle track with hedge R.
At field corner gap continue ahead down mid field toward copse / hedge. Turn R after 25 paces and take ditch bridge L and then kissing gate into field. Go with wood L and ahead across field to R of lone oak to find way mark post at edge of wood.
Go L with wood R. After some 90 paces at corner of wood go L across centre of field to far R corner kissing. Take gate and go R with hedge R on grass then gravel track.
Follow track through two fields. At end of 2nd field take gate and go ahead with hedge L. Just before farm gate, go 1/2 R across field to kissing gate by high trees to R of large house (called Fentham).
Follow grassy passageway to road. Go L past St. Laurence church. Where road swings R go ahead through gate onto another grassy passageway to open field.
Go R and follow round field edge. Half way along long field edge find narrow gap R. Take gap and ahead with hedge L to exit by corner kissing gate. Ahead with hedge L to L corner kissing gate. Go 1/2 R to find kissing gate to road.
Cross road and take stile into field go with fence L and ahead to take mid hedge stile. Go 3/4 R to exit field by mid fence gate
Go downhill to tree edges L of chalet houses and ahead with wall R to take wooden kissing gate and ahead with hedge R to find large kissing gate. DO NOT go through gate but follow top edge of field to find top L kissing gate. Cross concrete track to pathway with hedge R. After 100 paces take stile R to pathway to road. Go R to roundabout.
Turn R to find The Green, the "standing cross" and the Cyclists Memorial at the centre of Meriden. This is the traditional centre of England and also now the centre of our long distance trail. 50 miles down, 50 to go. Take a photo! Coffee shop, Fish and Chips and convenience stores right there.
Meriden to Hockley Heath
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 139 - Explorer 220 & 221
Video: Meriden to Black Boy near Knowle
Go down main road to The Bulls Head pub/hotel. Cross road and take driveway to Meriden Hall.
At the end of metal railings take signed passageway R leading to kissing gate. Go ahead through kissing gate on line between two large Oaks on L and sweet chestnut tree on R, then 1/2 L to wooden bridge and kissing gate.
Cross bridge, go half R across corner of field to metal gate.
Turn R at road and after 50 paces take path to L. This is fenced with gravel workings on R.
On reaching lane through a gate-in-gate, turn R and follow lane through gate, past two bends for about ½ mile to come to junction before copse L. At junction take path L with quarry L to find gap with bridge to stile. Take stile and go across small field to take wooden bridge. Stay ahead to come to and take kissing gate.
Here we have reinstated our original route. Go L on exiting kissing gate to stay with HS2 on your right. Continue in that direction passing ponds and stay with Sixteen Acre Wood L. Eventually, where there is a pond R, you will go R then immediately L out into the field with HS2 workings. Go slightly downhill to a copse. Here go R slightly uphill with hedge R. Do not cross hedge line by waymarked footpath sign. Pass a lone tree and turn L at field corner, which is a short diversion to cross HS2.
Go slightly downhill with HS2 R until you can turn R to go through gap onto the old part of Park Lane. Go R again to go between metal fencing to cross HS2. Cross the road to the pavement opposite and continue, finishing this small diversion, to the roundabout with the main dual carriageway. Go carefully across the A452 and turn L on pavement for 100 paces, over the West Coast mainline, to turn R into Wootton Lane.
Within 50 paces turn L into Lane and follow driveway until you come to and take a kissing gate into field. Turn R with fence R and 50 paces before field corner go L down field.
Find and take kissing gate R through small coppice with bridge and stile to field.
Go ahead up field with hedge R to exit by gap to field. Go ahead down field with hedge L to find stile. Cross field with mid field stream / bridge and exit by stile. Go ahead with hedge R to exit field by corner stile. Go ahead with hedge and power lines R to exit field by stile to road.
Turn L and then take next road R (Magpie Lane). With a few steps diversion you can visit the Saracens Head pub. After white house on R go through kissing R into field. Follow path to go with L hand hedge and go through kissing gate to road. Go L and after about 85 paces take stile R.
Go round field edge with hedge R to come to large open field. Go ahead down field to take footbridge and kissing gate. Go ahead over field to find kissing gate and ahead with short length of hedge L to hedge stile. Take stile and go ahead with hedge L under pylons to exit field by corner gap.
Go ahead, continuing previous line with hedge R, to reach road, then go R. After 150 paces and just before Temple Balsall, turn L down farm track and through metal gate ahead following track round bends. Just after bend R take gated gap L to go on track parallel to power lines.
Follow track as it bears L into field and then go with hedge L for a while, to a stile at the end of fields to road. Turn R on road for a short distance to junction. Go R on Chadwick Lane and, on reaching house with pond on L, turn L on path to the R of driveway. This leads to an enclosed, sometimes muddy, path and into a coppice, then continue onto a farm track.
Turn R along track, under power lines - where track goes R go ahead through gate and follow path as it passes Dial House, to main A4141 Warwick Road (accommodation 500 yards right at the Kings Arms) turn L and, after 250 yards, take driveway R to Black Boy Inn.
Video: Black Boy to Henley in Arden
Go to left hand car park (L of pub, bridge and recycling bins) to find gap to canal towpath. Go L on canal path and continue past bridge 68 to bridge 67 and cross over this bridge. Walk up driveway to gate leading to road. Go L on road and turn L down Valley Lane, ignore road R, following road round and just before Valley Farm entrance gate go through kissing gate L into field.
Turn R with hedge R to find corner field kissing gate. Continue to kissing gate and bridge and maintaining the same line with hedges L go over numerous stiles and through metal kissing gate to finally arrive at road. Go R, pass Station Lane, over railway line and then take driveway R (The Grove) . Immediately before house gate take passageway to the R, to kissing gate, go with hedge L to reach kissing gate on driveway.
Go R and after 10 paces go L through kissing gate into field with hedge L, exit field through kissing gate to road. Go R on road, pass driveway on R to Uplands Farm, and shortly afterwards take kissing gate L into National Trust Packwood Avenue. Go down avenue of trees to come to Packwood House (11 miles from Meriden).
At Packwood House go right on road past carpark right and then Grove Lane left and after 100 paces take kissing gate L to field.
Go over centre of field to kissing gate under power lines. Go ahead with hedge L across hidden brook and go half R to power pole in corner by trees to find kissing gate leading into churchyard of St Giles Church Packwood
Face front door of church and go left on pathway to exit church grounds to car park. Take church access driveway to road. Go right on road to come to junction and go left and continue on to meet A4023 road coming in from the right.
Go straight ahead uphill signed Hockley Heath and follow road round left hand bend to meet main A3400 Stratford Road by the Miller and Carter pub. Turn left here to walk along main road past a convenience store and, crossing the pedestrian crossing, past a fish and chip shop and a Co-op to arrive at The Wharf Tavern. There is the lovely Marsin bakery over the bridge 50 paces off the route.
Hockley Heath to Henley in Arden
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 150 & 151 - Explorer 220
Go into pub carpark at right of pub to find small bridge L leading to canal. Go on tow path with canal R. Pass a drawbridge, Swallow Cruisers and under road bridge to come to swing bridge. Cross canal and follow vehicle track into Drawbridge Farm. Pass front of farm building and take kissing gate to left of right hand gate.
Go with fence L to find far corner stile. Take stile and go ahead down field to find far L corner stile by gate. Take stile and go L on narrow field with hedge L to find R corner stile by gate. Take stile and pass dew pond, continue with hedge L to find gate and bridge over steam. Take gate and go up field towards church tower of St Mary's Lapworth. Exit field by stile and go up small field to find stile to road. Go R on road.
After 120 paces go L on blocked pave drive to take stile to L of gate. Follow driveway past greenhouses to end to find ground staff buildings with gated courtyard. Turn L onto gravelled drive and go ahead 50 paces on driveway with hedge R. Find and take way marked hedge gap right and continue line down towards motorway. Take stile to vehicle track and cross motorway.
Immediately after crossing bridge take stile L and go carefully down steps. Keep to line of fence at bottom of steps. At end of fencing continue ahead over bridge/stile or gap to field. Go ahead across centre of field, passing through gate in gate, and then under pylons to further gate within a gate to exit. Head across narrow part of field to find kissing gate into scrub. Go ahead through scrub into field, and ahead with hedge L to exit by far L corner kissing gate to rough vehicle way. Go R on vehicle way down to lane by ford.
Cross the lane to take bridge and stile, turn immediately left and take kissing gate into the field. Go with hedge L around field edge up to far corner kissing gate. Take gate and bridge to go through short scrub into field, go L with hedge L. Approximately half way down field, pass large gap left and after further 25 paces find stile L. Take stile and go ahead with hedge L to take corner stile to road (lovely blackberries in hedge in August).
Go R on road to reach staggered crossroads. Go ahead on Irelands Lane. After about a mile go L on driveway to Irelands Farm. After some 15 paces take hedge gap R. Though gap and go L down field edge, under pylons to exit field by bottom L field gap onto driveway. Go R and after 5 paces go L. Walk on edge of field, not on grassy vehicle way.
Go up field edge to end of field to find gate in metal gate. Take gate, go ahead with hedge R, after 40 paces take kissing gate R. Go L with hedge L to follow round field edge to exit by corner kissing gate.
Go up field with hedge L to end of spinney. Go ahead crossing open field to hedge stile into copse. Through copse and exit by stile (enjoy panoramic view). Go ahead down hill, aiming to R of buildings, to find mid fence kissing gate, take gate and go ahead through two kissing gates to finally come to road.
Go L on road, after 15 paces at T junction take fork L and go ahead to pass between remains of disused railway bridge either side of road. Immediately afterwards take gap L to public footpath running parallel with driveway, leading round to stile into field. Go directly ahead over middle of field to pass 5 paces to L of the gate to find and take a corner stile R.
Go 1/2 L steeply uphill and continue ahead to top corner to take stile. Go slightly R to take fence stile into field then go diagonally 1/2 R ( desire line ) across field to take field corner stile. Go L along hill top with hedge L and views R. At bench go ahead down under power lines and then up to mounds hiding Motte & Bailey ruins.
Stay on top of mounds, until descending to L corner kissing gate leading to road. Go down road to pass lych-gate of St Nicholas Church, over stream, to finally join High Street at corner with St John the Baptist Church.
Henley in Arden to Coughton
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 150 & 151 - Explorer 220
Video: Henley in Arden to Coughton
Go R past Guild House to cross the High Street at the pedestrian traffic lights and go L. In 30 paces to turn R up waymarked alleyway signed "Station". Go through the White Swan car park and continue following signs to station, into Swan Croft. At end of alleyway cross road bearing L. Go up slope on R to cross Henley Station railway bridge (Station Bar is on the platform!)
Continue forward on fenced path with allotments on both sides and take gap by kissing gate, then metal gate into field keeping wire fence R. Ignore kissing gate in bottom corner and turn L to go in same field with trees R to find and take footbridge with metal rails R.
Take kissing gate and go slightly R up into sunken tree covered path. Cross awkward stile at top and go up steps to reach field. Go up field over summit, then stay ahead to pass through a fence gap and past isolated fencing with waymarkers and continue down to take tricky stile to road.
Cross main road carefully, then go up drive to R of Well Cottage (take a moment to look down old well) and cross interesting stile in brick walk to R of gate. Go ahead through stile into small Orchard. Continue forward over stile into paddock then go through metal gate and continue around edge of field with wire fence L eventually to take waymarked stile on R, near field corner and go R down steep steps and L across culverted ditch to cross another stile and forward to metal footbridge over stream.
Turn half R across field passing marker post and on to stile in hedge. Cross stile and go half L across field to cross stile in fence enclosed-hedge and continue half L to a stile by a gate in second fence-enclosed hedge. Go past bench and half R down field to cross stile and wooden planked footbridge over deep ditch.
Continue forward to cross stile in next hedge and go half R to field corner gap by lone Oak tree. Take gap and continue along field edge with hedge on R. Reach R corner and go through gap in hedge and continue along next field with hedge on R. Reach field corner and go through gap in hedge to lane.
Cross lane and take kissing gate. Go half L through small copse into field and turn R. Go uphill along field edge with hedge R. At top of rise take broken stile R and go L with fence L to find metal gate into Bannams Wood ,a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Follow the waymarked path as it winds through the attractive wood, staying ahead until you reach a clearing when you veer L to go downhill on rough bricked footpath to reach gate to road.
Turn R on road and walk with the woods R. Where the wood ends continue, to pass under power lines, to look for a narrow signed hedge gap L. Take gate into field and proceed along field edge with hedge R to field corner to find metal gate. Take gate and go half L across the next field to exit by wooden gate.
Go R on wide grass way, (parallel with power cables on L) to brow of hill ahead. At brow, go down slope to bottom to take wooden gate adjacent to start of hedge. Go ahead with hedge R to exit field by corner gap then continue ahead with paddock L and hedge R to exit next field by another corner gap.
Go 1/2 L across field on an ill defined path heading for an oak tree to the right of a wooden pole with an old rusty transformer attached. At field edge go left to find driveway.
Proceed down driveway past house with skylights (barking dogs are contained) to find large pylon with overhead cables. When you draw level with the large pylon do not continue to road, but go R between wooden fence and hedge to find metal gate. Take gate and cross driveway to take further gate opposite.
Go ahead to pass a solitary waypost and under power lines to far corner to find metal gate. Take gate and go with hedge L to find far corner field stile / gate. Ahead into garden of a large house. Go with hedge L, pass pond R to exit by gate L of house entrance gate.
Emerge at the junction of tracks and walk up the steep grassy hill between the trees with hedge R to field corner gap. Take gap and go ahead to summit passing to the R of twin electricity poles and stay forward to take gate in corner near two large trees. Cross stile and go downhill with hedge on R to reach metal gate and pass along a sometimes overgrown narrow fenced path at the back of a pair of cottages to exit by metal gate. Over field corner to metal kissing gate to road.
Go R pass cottage R and follow road round to take first metalled driveway L on corner by large house with outbuildings, leading to unused Church of St Leonards Spernall. Pass church on your R and immediately after church gate go through kissing gate. Go ahead with fence R to find metal footbridge. Cross bridge over the River Arrow and go ahead close to bank of River Arrow L, then into the narrowing of the field to take kissing gate.
Go 1/2 R across the next field to the corner by the half-dead oaks, to find gate. Take gate, turn immediately R with a hedge R and a fence on your L. Go to the field corner, stay in field, turn L and go with the hedge R. On reaching the next corner of the field take kissing gate to next field where there is a National Trust sign for Coughton Court. Go forward for a short way with a metal rail fence on your R to take another kissing gate. Go half L across the field towards the cottages on the far side to exit by kissing gate.
Pass in front of a pair of cottages, built 1913 and 1896, emerging onto the main Alcester/Studley A435 road (accommodation at The Throckmorton a few yards up the road). Turn immediately L and pass the car entrance to Coughton Court (which is well worth a visit) and continue along the very busy A435 with superb view of Coughton Court to L until you reach and cross pedestrian traffic lights.
Coughton to Inkberrow
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 150 - Explorer 205 & 220
Video: Coughton to Inkberrow
Close by is an ancient monument where travellers prayed. Go right, up Coughton Lane, for approximately 1 mile.
At T junction turn R on B4090 for 40 paces to find hedge gap L into field, go with hedge L. Where hedge finishes, just to your left you will notice a yellow topped marker post with Black & White Millennium Way waymarkers. Stay diagonally R of this post to take a hidden footbridge over ditch, with damaged rails, then go immediately R with hedge R passing a large tree with bench, to find another yellow topped post by a field gap.
Ignore gap and continue round field edge with hedge R - do not take gaps R. Pass a yellow topped waymarker post. At end of vast field continue through next field with hedge R and 40 paces before overhead power cables , take large gap by yellow topped waymaker post to continue now with hedge L. Exit next field by gate to L and cross driveway to find gate. Take gate and go ahead up track.
At end of track take gate L and bend R round base of field mound. Go uphill to find and take rough footpath to right of gully leading up through trees to find and take metal gate into woodland, through woodland to exit stile into field. Go L to take stile 30 paces in from left hand corner, into woodland. Exit woodland by stile and go with hedge R to find stile to road. You should notice that our waymarkers have changed from black and white to green and white as we have entered Worcestershire.
Cross main road, and take secondary road The Saltway passing the Nevill Arms. Turn L into Brandheath Lane and follow until end of lane. Turn R into passageway, through small gate into field, go ahead with hedge L. Take corner gate and continue ahead with hedge L to exit by stile, maintain line ahead under power cables. Exit field by bridge to go ahead by stiles through three fields to road.
Cross road and go ahead on track to enter field by gate, ahead with hedge L to exit by gate. Go ahead with gas compound on R to find field. Go R and ahead with hedge R, after 150 paces find gates R. Take gates and go L with hedge L to road.
Go R on road and follow until footpath on R (Bouts). Take path through copse until stile on L. Over stile and go R towards isolated houses. Find metal gate with fence stile R. Take stile and ahead with hedge L to find stile L. Take stile and go 10 paces R with ditch R to take stile into garden. Go ahead to exit garden alongside paddock with pond and jetty L to exit paddock by bridge over stream.
Go ahead over field to take gate and ahead over further field to find gated bridge in hedgeline. Go 1/2 L to join a track by Left field hedge. Head R up vehicle track (ignore gates L). Follow the track bending R to end gate. Take gate and pass in front of Big Bouts Farm to road. Go R on road. After some 325 yards, just before Lower Bouts Farm take gate L up grassy passage way leading to gate to field. Take gate and ahead with hedge L to find field corner stile. Take stile and through shrub, then L with hedge L to find gap/gateway leading to overgrown house driveway. Take hidden stile 5 paces to L of driveway entrance, to road (B4092).
Cross road, through gate, down driveway, keep cottage on L. Take gate into field. Go with hedge L to exit by stile to bridge. Go L to pass under power lines and take stile and metal bridge. Go with hedge L to exit by corner bridge stile. Maintain line across large field to far R corner to find concrete standing, with stile between two metal gates.
Take fence and go up grassy track, through wooded strip, pass under pylons, and exit by gate to field. Go ahead to far R corner gate. Take gate and go 1/2 L 50 paces on grassy track to find gap/gate.. Take gate and go R with hedge / trees R to corner, follow round corner and after 30 paces find stile in hedge R.
Take stile and go down steep hill to stile to road. Go L on road for just 10 paces to find stile L. Take stile and go R up field to find corner stile. Take stile and go ahead with hedge R to road. Cross road and take gate to go ahead with hedge L, and in second field take far L corner stile into first sports field and ahead with hedge R to exit by corner stile leading to second sports field.
Through sports field with hedge on R to corner. Take footpath to road. Turn R follow road to Stonehouse farm. Turn L on unmarked footpath to go with hedge R. Follow hedge round field edge to exit by stile leading to grassy track.
Follow track for 150 paces to housing at end of Tuer Way. (Inkberrow with its shop and two pubs is approx 500 yards away).
Inkberrow to North Piddle
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 150 - Explorer 190 & 204
Video: Inkberrow to Egdon
With back to houses at the end of Tuer Way, Inkberrow, go 1/2 L across track to take waymarked path R by new estate. Follow between properties and exit by steps to Withybed Lane. Go 1/2 L to find signed cinder track.
Take cinder track to find small wooden gate to R of 5 bar wooden gate. Continue on track to further small wooden gate to R of 5 bar wooden gate. Go ahead with hedge R to find stile in field corner. Go R, aiming for farm buildings, across field to take mid hedge ditch bridge and go ahead to find stile bridge stile into field. Go 1/2 R to find stile in fence. Cross track and follow Millennium Way signs between barns. At the end turn L and ahead to go through a five bar metal gate.
Turn immediately R through another 5 bar metal gate and go L with fence and farm garden left to cross track. Continue on same line with fence and pond R to take gate into field. Go diagonally R across field, under two sets of power cables to take corner gap. Take short corridor with trees L to field. Go ½ L down field corner to take wooden gate leading into coppice. Go ahead 5 paces and then R to find gap into field.
Go ½ L up field to find field corner way post (if crops are very high go round right side of field). Go 1/2 R with hedge R to take corner field gap. Go ahead with hedge R to track. Go ahead on track with farm outbuildings R to find gap to R of double metal gates leading to minor road by Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast. Go L down minor road 1/3 mile to T junction with A422. Cross very busy road and take metal gate opposite into field.
In field go ½ R across field towards R of buildings on horizon to find double gated bridge over stream. Cross bridge and go R up field, along shallow gully and under power lines to find stile.
Cross stile and go 1/2 L across narrow field to take double stile and plank bridge. Go ahead to take a further double stile and plank bridge then 1/2 L to take large metal gate in hedge.
Go with wire fence then hedge R to find stile. Cross stile and continue ahead with house to L to exit by far L corner metal stile to road. Go directly across road and follow footpath sign through gap into field. Go with hedge L, passing metal gate, to top field corner L.
Go R for 20 paces and take stile in hedge gap into the next field and continue directly ahead across the field to find stile by fenced off ponds before and after stile.
Take stile and proceed over centre of field towards mid hedge gateway. Cross stile to left of gateway and continue ahead with hedge R. At the end of the field take gate and cross narrow overgrown field with fence L to metal gate. Take gate onto road and turn R walking into the village of Flyford Flavell.
Continue past road junction and the Boot Inn on your L. Continue on to pass church and take driveway L. Go up driveway and around tennis court. This can be overgrown. At end of tennis court take gate R and ahead with fence L to find stile.
Take stile and pass between dew ponds. Go with fence and hedge R around paddock to find stile.
Take stile and go 1/2 L across field to far corner stile.
Take stile and go ahead with hedge R to gate. Take gate continue with hedge R to field end and kissing gate R.
Take kissing gate and next immediate kissing gate. Go ahead with hedge L to exit field by kissing gate. Go ahead with hedge L to exit by corner field gate and ahead to exit field by double fence stile. Go ahead down slope to road. Go L on road to come to cross roads at North Piddle.
North Piddle to Stoulton
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 150 - Explorer 190 & 204
Stand at cross roads in North Piddle with back to Church Lane. Go L for 100 paces take kissing gate R into field, go across field to metal kissing gate to copse, through copse to metal kissing gate and stream plank bridge then slightly right to avenue of trees through avenue to exit over a metal stile by a gate. Cross road and take gate opposite. Go ahead along tree-lined path to exit by gap into field passing to L of power pole to far corner field gap (you can see a glimpse of the church at Upton Snodsbury on horizon ahead).
Through gap and continue ahead with hedge L. Go around field corner to double metal gate. Go 1/2 R, take double metal gate and bridge over stream and after 10 paces take cinder track R to go with river R. (Here there is a slight difference to the Ordnance Survey Map so keep following these instructions). Follow track to hedge gap to road (there may be a fence here). Cross road through kissing gate. Go ahead through 2 fields - exit 2nd field at wide gap and then ahead towards lone tree L. Before tree find and take crop path diagonally R across field to take far mid fence metal kissing gate (Aim R of church on horizon). Go up field with hedge R to take corner wooden kissing gate and follow alley way between houses to road - Upton Snodsbury.
Cross road and go ahead into Church Road and continue into The Furlongs. Take wooden gate and ahead with houses R to enter field by large kissing gate. Go ahead across centre of field aim for centre of farm buildings to find gate (down the field 200 yards to your right is The Oak Pub and Tearooms). Go ahead through farm buildings to find driveway leading to road. Cross road and follow farm track with large field L. Take R hand of two gates into field.
Go ahead across field to find mid tree line gap. Go ahead in field with line of trees right to find a copse. Go ahead through copse and ahead 1/4 L to find bridge over river. Cross bridge and go ahead up field to find far L corner gate. Take gate and go ahead some 30 paces to find gate L and signed footpath. Through gate and follow round field edge with hedge R to find far R corner metal gate.
Take metal gate and bridge and go ahead to find large metal gate. Go through gate and go 1/4 L to find metal gate into copse. Through copse to find track Go R on track which becomes road passing houses L to come to junction of roads. Immediately take gap L by power pole and go with hedge L to find gap to road. Go R on road and immediately take gap into churchyard of St John the Baptist, follow round church to exit churchyard by gate to road.
Go L on road into the village of White Ladies Aston. Pass stone wall R, road bends R and after 50 paces take signed gap R. Ahead with red brick barn R, and continue with hedge R. Leave path where it swings L keeping on your line on ill defined path into far right corner stile / bridge to field. Go L with hedge L, pass thatched house L and come to field corner. Go R and after 20 paces take stile into garden, cross garden and exit by stile into gravelled area. Head straight across to find double stile in hedge. Go L to kissing gate (do not take kissing gate and do not exit field). Turn back to kissing gate go 3/4 L to pass field corner to take kissing gate to very busy A44.
Video: Egdon to Pershore
Go right on road after 250 paces take gate L into narrow field, Go diagonally half way down field to find gate R. Take gate and go into field. Go diagonally to far corner kissing gate leading to road.
Cross road and take kissing gate. Go ahead to pass to R of wired wooden fence to take mid hedge kissing gate / bridge into field. Go ahead, parallel with power cables, to find hedge gap. Take gap and ahead with hedge L to exit by field corner. Continue to follow track with buildings L. Main track turns L but continue ahead under power cables then turn L by telegraph pole onto drive by red building (Kit Kitchens). Go L on drive to road.
Cross road and ahead on bridleway track after 25 paces and after it bends R continue up the bridleway track until it ends. At the end track swings L into a field with a stand of trees to your right. (here the Millennium Way has been rerouted with OS map changes pending, so follow these directions). Go L into field with hedge left and go down the field to the hedge corner, where it turns left with a tree on the corner.
Do not turn L with the hedge but go ½ right and continue ahead across field to find and take brick bridge over the railway. Go ahead with hedge L to pass a 5 bar metal gate L. Continue ahead to an old metal gate onto a farm bridleway. Turn R after the courtyard L and farm buildings. Go past barn / Windmill Hill Farm. Go ahead past the front of more barns and down the field to metal gate. Follow the footpath to and alongside a wood L with hedge R.
At the end of the wood path swings L and R through a metal gate and over a bridge over a stream. Turn right follow the hedge line with hedge and stream right to a kissing gate. Take gate and turn L. Go up the field with hedge L, At the top of the field go L between hedges. Follow this to a metal gate on the R. Take a path between a fence and hedge to another metal gate into the churchyard. Go ahead to double metal gate out of the churchyard onto the road. You have exited at the side of the church of St Edmund at Stoulton.
Stoulton to Pershore
Ordnance Survey Map - Landranger 150 - Explorer 190
Face St Edmund Church at Stoulton. Go R down road to the B4084. Turn L and then first R to Hawbridge to pass Feli's Bar and Restaurant and after a further 100 paces take bridleway R, over stream, and take rough track L to field.
Go over very large field to lone tree. At lone tree go 1/4 R to find footbridge over ditch. Go over bridge, through undergrowth and ahead with hedge on L. By wood bear R and L round corner of wood. Continue with wood on L for 100 paces. Exit field by stile, and ahead with wood L to exit next field by stile. Continue ahead in large field with woods L to field corner, do not exit field, but continue around field edge to pass to rear of houses, to find gateway to road.
Go R on road for 150 yards and take stile L to path. Go with hedge L through several fields to road (you may encounter a number of electric fences in this section. Please look carefully for the insulated handles with a hook that enables safe passage through this fencing - do not attempt to climb over it.
On road go L and enter Wadborough. Pass the sometimes open Masons Arms pub, then telephone box and bench.
Carry straight on until the road makes a sharp right turn. Here take the bridle path ahead with Crome Perry wood on your right. Follow the bridleway through the wood, ignoring crossing path. At sharp left turn do not go ahead across plank bridge, but swing L and continue on woodland track, passing farm buildings R, to road.
Cross road, go 20 yards R and take field entrance L. Go ahead with wood on L, after 200 paces find hidden way mark L. At way mark go 3/4 R across field (can you spot Broadway Tower?) to find footbridge and stile. Go across field passing close to left lone tree aiming for hedge gap to find road.
Go L on road. Pass Crabbe Lane on L and after 15 paces find field entrance R. Go into field and go 1/2 L to field corner with plank bridge over ditch
Cross bridge, and then head across field to find footbridge 100 paces to the right of top left corner.
Here we take a short temporary diversion of the MW owing to a collapsed bridge at SO 917 456
Go 1/2 L to find line of trees with hedge R & ditch L. Walk between hedge R & trees/ditch L for 1/3 mile to reach lane.
You are now on Salters Lane.
Here turn R for approx 1/4 mile to take bridleway L ( a few steps after a double 5 bar gate )
You have now rejoined the MW
Continue down field edge towards Tyddesley Wood, with deep ditch L, under two sets of power lines to take kissing gate and footbridge over Bow Brook.
Enter Tyddesley Wood and go up bridle path through wood, across a logging road to gate and stile. This section can be muddy. Take gate and ahead on gravel way between light fencing, leading into vehicle way. Continue ahead on vehicle way to find gap R in fencing. Take gap and ahead on fence lined grassy track to take gate to L of a black and white thatched cottage (Woodman's Cottage).
Go down the lane to the main Pershore - Upton road A4104. (Please follow any diversion here (*) as the final part of the walk along the riverbank can be closed if there is flooding. See the instruction starred after W(228). Cross road and turn R. At the end of the Garden Centre take gate L and gate R to go L with hedge L to River Avon.
Turn L at river and follow bank upstream to eventually reach Pershore Bridge. Take steps, turn L on main road (A4084) and after some 50 paces go R to re-cross River Avon on the old road bridge to find car park and picnic site. You have completed the Millennium Way as you come off the bridge. Congratulations!
* If you need to divert due to flooding or any other reason. On reaching the A4104 as in W(227) turn L and after 200 yards turn R down Defford Rd B4536. Continue ahead to reach Nogains and follow this down to take the cut through ending by the Toll House and onto Bridge St. Turn R and continue down Bridge St. going out of town to end your walk by crossing the old road bridge on L over the river to the car park.
Congratulations – You have made it to the end of the Millennium Way
"Contact Us" if you would like your certificate and place on our Roll of Honour.