On Sunday 17th September, 20 Pang Valley ramblers made their way to the Old Fourpenny Shop Hotel in Warwick for a 2 night walking break. We all started arriving around lunchtime, plenty of time to snatch a swift drink in the bar and some of us had brought a packed lunch. John and I were lucky in that our room, in the courtyard, was ready, so we sat outside at the little table to enjoy it.
We then gathered outside the hotel for the first walk, an introduction to the historic town of Warwick. Sue gave us some facts about the history, including a fire in 1694, and the castle which was home to the Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker and prison to kings, during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century. As we walked round, we saw a statue of the boxer Randolph Turpin, who became world middleweight champion in 1951, when he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson. Other highlights of the walk were the ancient Eastgate, views of the castle next to the River Avon, the Lord Leycester, one of the best preserved examples of medieval architecture in England. In the 16th century, it was given to Robert Dudley, a favourite of Elizabeth 1. We also walked past some Tudor houses, some of which had electric car charging points and Amazon parcels on the doorstep! In the second part of the walk, Sue and Gordon led us out of the town, where we visited a canal-side pub before negotiating a narrow lock gate (perhaps we should have done this before the alcoholic refreshments but no mishaps occurred). After walking by the water, we returned to the hotel by crossing the racecourse (no racing that day!) Did the lock gate and racecourse go in the risk assessment?!!
On the second day, most of the group assembled outside the hotel in bright sunshine. This walk went into the local countryside, across fields with pleasing views, past a trig point towards the village of Leek Wootton. By this time, the rain had started and Sue had started telling us about the lime trees in the churchyard, bought by men of the parish in the 1840s. The heavens then opened, so we took shelter in the church. Not only did we find the church open, but a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee were found in a small kitchen at the back of the church. We made some hot drinks, although some of us had to accustom ourselves to black coffee and tea as the powdered milk had seen better days. After we’d washed up and made a donation, we emerged from the church to find the rain had eased off so we continued the walk to our lunch stop in Kenilworth, a Mediterranean restaurant called Ego’s. Due to Sue and Gordon’s superb organisation, our pre-ordered lunch arrived and was enjoyed by all. Some of the group had chosen not to do the walk but joined us for lunch. Suitably refreshed, some of us had a look round Kenilworth, while others caught the bus to Leamington Spa. John and I decided to have a look round the Jephson gardens, a beautiful Victorian garden, home to many different species of tree and colourful flowerbeds. Others went to the Pump Room for tea and cake. The group then split again, with some electing to walk back from Leamington Spa to Warwick along the Riverside walk, following the River Leam, Grand Union Canal and River Avon, and others taking the bus.
On Tuesday, our last day, some of our members decided to miss out on the walks, favouring visiting the sights in Warwick, whilst others decide to visit Packwood House. So,14 of us set off for the morning walk.
The walk started at the National Trust Packwood house which was remarkable for its array of sundials and clocks; we set off on time! After a section of road walking we reached the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and walked along a section well furnished with locks before the junction with the Grand Union Canal. A short section of road walking took us to a stables with horses in paddocks showing signs of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation. From there a brief reconnoitring before crossing fields to Baddesley Clinton (NT). This was only a brief stop, sufficient to visit the tea shop (essential as the one at Packwood House was shut) look at the impressive moat around the house and ready ourselves for the return walk.This was similar in variety and brought us to the back of Packwood House through lovely parkland.
Only 4 of us stayed the course for the next walk, the others had places to go and needed to start their journeys.
The afternoon walk set off through similar terrain, fields and woodland appearing after the formal garden of the House. A highlight of this brief walk was the visit to the Church of St Giles, with its Tower of Atonement financed by Nicholas Brome, Lord of Baddesley Clinton who had killed the local priest/ rector (depending on sources) whom he found attacking/comforting/seducing (depending on sources) his wife. Perhaps more uplifting were some early wall paintings in the church as well as some fine stained glass windows. Again the walk finished going through some pleasing parkland before arriving back at Packwood House.
The hotel in Warwick itself was a delight, a small and friendly hotel. All the staff without exception were friendly and helpful. The food, a roast on Sunday evening and several choices on Monday evening were well presented, delicious and plentiful. Breakfast offered many cooked options and plenty of choice for continental.
Special thanks must go to Gordon and Sue for their hard work and dedication to ensure the trip ran smoothly. They visited the area many times during the planning stage and spent considerable time and effort into organising the lunch at Kenilworth and pre-ordering the food for dinner at the hotel. All in all, a very successful break.
Diana L and Elizabeth D