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Wooton Wawen & Austy Wood (2nd May 2011)

Start from Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Wooton Wawen B95 6BY (5 miles). OS Explorer 220 (Birmingham, Walsall, Solihull & Redditch) Grid ref: 158 631
Meet at the craft centre in the courtyard (this will be obvious when you get there!). We will set off at 1pm though you may wish to get there earlier to browse round the craft centre or grab a drink.
Parking is at the craft centre, or if the well known 'Bluebell walk' is open it will be well signposted to a nearby field. N.B. There is no charge to park - any charges are for the walk on private land (see note at bottom of page). This is NOT our walk though those not wanting to do the full distance may wish to opt for this.
The walk: This is a circular walk of about 5 miles on good paths including towpaths, road and bridleway. The ground is bumpy in places and there are gates and steps to negotiate so it is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. If we get lots of rain in the next week there will also be parts of the route that are muddy though it is currently easy going.
Setting off from the craft centre we head briefly along the main road crossing over the River Alne to get good views of Wooton Hall. Opposite the entrance to the hall we head briefly along the Monarch's Way before crossing back over the river, crossing Pennyford Lane and turning right on to the towpath on the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal.
Staying on the towpath for about a mile and a quarter we pass a lock and then cross an aqueduct, leaving the towpath just after the aqueduct via steps down on to Salters Lane.
The next stretch of about a mile along Salters Lane is a quiet road but has no footpath so please keep to the right and avoid walking more than two abreast. Please keep a careful eye on your children here. Part way along we get to The Golden Cross pub which will act as a convenient rest & refreshment point. It is also here that we cross the busy A3400.
We leave the road in between Newhouse & Edstone farms following a long driveway. We are back on the Monarch's Way at this point which heads up to Cutler's Farm where we turn left heading uphill towards Austy Wood.
The bridleway heads a little into the wood and, if we are lucky, the bluebells will still be creating a beautiful sight. Stay on the bridleway ignoring a footpath off to the left. This heads on through the woods before heading down, in between hedgerows, to the canal again.
At the canal turn left along the towpath. You can either leave at the second little bridge, turning right and soon joining a road just opposite the craft centre, or stay on a little longer to the Wooton aqueduct and another pub! You can the join the main road, turn right and soon find yourself back at the craft centre.
Bluebell walk:
If open this covers private farm land up into the heart of Austy Wood. There is a £5 'donation' charge which goes to local charities. The walk is about 1½ to 2 miles long. When in full bloom the bluebells are a wonderful sight.