Edge Hill's Civil War battleground
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Our view
"Climb a spectacular wooded escarpment and enjoy fine views over a Civil War battleground"
Walk directions
Walk through the village of Radway towards the church. Veer left here into a road named West End and pass alongside the grounds of Radway Grange on your left. Curve left by a pond and some thatched cottages. The 19th-century Methodist chapel can be seen here. Keep following the lane as it becomes a stony track and go through two sets of kissing gates into a field. Walk ahead to a third gate and continue ahead across the sloping field towards Radway Tower, which is now a pub called the Castle at Edgehill. Look for a manhole cover near the left-hand field boundary and maintain the same direction, climbing steeply towards the wooded escarpment.
Go through a gate and enter the wood. Continue straight and follow the markers for the Macmillan Way up the slope to the road. With the pub on your right, turn left for several paces along the main road, cross over and take a right-hand path running between Cavalier Cottage and Rupert House crosscountry for several minutes until you meet another road. Turn left at the road and walk along to Ratley. At the T-junction, turn right onto the High Street and follow it down and round to the left. When you reach the church on your right, take the left fork of the road at the triangular junction.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Field and woodland paths, country roads, several stiles
Landscape
- Edge Hill escarpment
Dog friendliness
- On lead in Radway and Ratley, under close control on Centenary Way and on road sections
Parking
- On-street parking at Radway village
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
The scene may look peaceful now, but just over 380 years ago the fields below the tree-lined escarpment known as Edge Hill were anything but quiet. This tranquil corner of south Warwickshire was the setting for the first major battle of the Civil War in 1642. The Battle of Edge Hill On the...
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Walking in Safety
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
The sparkle of sunlight on a gentle river as it meanders through beautiful countryside; the reflections of sailing boats on a lake; relaxing with a pint in the garden of an old English pub in a picturesque village; brightly coloured narrow boats making their way through a flight of lock gates; the imposing silhouette of an historic castle. These are the scenes that make Warwickshire a delight.
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