Distance 8.5 miles/13.7 km
Typical duration 4 hours 30 minutes
Start and finish Newbold Comyn Park, Leamington Spa
Start postcode CV32 4EW
For step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/leamington

In a nutshell

Tracing part of Warwickshire’s Centenary Way, this walk follows paths along rivers and canals that link Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick – two historic towns with plenty of interesting sights. As they’ve expanded, the towns have started to merge into one big urban area, as you’ll discover along the way. There are great views towards Warwick Castle, as well as the chance to visit the town’s impressive St Mary’s church.

Why it’s special

This walk combines two beautiful towns, historic buildings, pretty parks and pleasant riverside strolling. Starting in the east of Leamington, the Georgian facades of its centre soon come into view. Rapid expansion began in the 1800s when it became fashionable to visit the town for the “medicinal qualities” of its waters. Take time to explore Jephson Gardens, which were created as a place for the wealthy to “‘take the air” and named after Dr Henry Jephson, who did much to promote the spa as a healing centre. As you leave the garden, you can’t miss the grand Royal Pump Rooms, dating from 1814. These once had 17 hot and three cold baths, later becoming a swimming pool as the spa craze declined. The building is now used as an art gallery and museum.

You’ll meander along the banks of the river Leam, passing under a viaduct that carries trains from Coventry, and further along you’ll cross a huge aqueduct over the river Avon. As there are five river Avons in England, this one is often called the Warwickshire Avon or Shakespeare’s Avon. Drawing closer to Warwick, there are fantastic views of the medieval castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it’s one of England’s top tourist destinations.

Much of Warwick was destroyed in a fire in 1694, and it was rebuilt with houses of brick and stone replacing timber structures – and many of these have survived in the centre of town. The route leads you past St Mary’s church, which looks more like a cathedral – Beauchamp Chapel inside is one of the best preserved medieval chapels in the country. Climb to the top of the tower for views across south Warwickshire.

You’ll then walk down Northgate Street, an imposing route that is home to Shire Hall and council offices housed in what was the County Gaol. This marks the start of the return journey, which is mostly along towpaths.

Reward yourself

There are lots of great pubs and cafes on the route. A good place to stop is the Wild Boar on Lakin Road, Warwick.

Get there

Leamington Spa is served by many bus services from nearby towns. The walk passes Leamington and Warwick mainline train stations.