Walk; Exploring the line of the old Oxford Canal loops near Rugby.

Categories

• West Midlands

The walk starts and finishes in front of St.Botolph’s church in Newbold on Avon, and is about 6 and a half miles.

The walk follows the course of the original Oxford Canal from Newbold to Brownsover, then back via the 1830’s straightening. We first view the old and new tunnels at Newbold, then follow the old route through the Yates Avenue estate where the bed of the old canal is clearly visible. After viewing the cast iron Brownsover aqueduct, we have a mile or so to walk through the modern industrial estate, and then we walk across the Cosford Aqueduct. It is amazing how much of this structure still remains, considering that it has been out of use for almost 200 years. After Cosford the old canal is in water as it still acts as a water feeder from the River Swift to the main canal.

There is parking in front of the church for car drivers, alternatively it is possible to get a bus (service 8/8A) from Rugby railway station to the centre of Newbold, then it’s a 5-10 minute walk up to the church.

The bus timetable shows a service 8 bus leaving Rugby rail station at 0942, getting to Newbold about 0950.

We will meet outside the church at 1000 to start walking at 1015 prompt.

Rail travellers have two options to get back to the station – either enjoy the full walk back to Newbold and get the number 8 bus back to the station, or leave us at Brownsover and take the number 1 or 2 bus back to the station.

Everyone will need to bring food and drink with them on the walk, but we can go in the Barley Mow pub at the end of the walk. People should be aware that some paths are uneven so stout footwear is recommended.

If you plan to join us for the walk, please email John Brightley (brightley@gmail.com)