Polath two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked from Atherstone to Polesworth on a fine spring day. An easy walk mostly by the canal. My one minor quibble is that the route up to Polesworth misses a trick - the paths over the river and through the park are prettier than the road bridge and are surfaced and step free, and it would be easy to pass the abbey rather than using the noisy pavements. There are no facilities in the middle third but there are plenty at both ends.

From the meeting point in Atherstone market place, we go south down Church Street then right on Long Street. We need to cross at some point before the railway station, where we follow the side road under the railway then turn right down onto the canal towpath. We follow the towpath most of the way into Polesworth. It is unsurfaced and a little muddy in places, but very easy to follow, as it stays on the north side of the canal all the way.

Eventually we reach Grendon Road, where we turn right leaving the canal. We turn right onto Bridge Street (or take the path through the park over the footbridges) and right again onto High Street. The meeting place is not ideal - there is a bus stop but no seats. The meeting point is where the road/path to the abbey goes through the buildings to the right.

A lovely SlowWays route which largely follows the Coventry Canal. Urban walking at both ends is very short and simple, and there are pubs, cafes, convenience shops and takeaways with plenty of opportunity for refreshments at the beginning or end of the route. I walked the route in August and the path was completely dry, however in the winter the towpath may become muddy.

A great SlowWays path to walk!.

I walked this route from Polesworth to Atherstone. I really enjoyed it; I thought it was a fantastic walk.

Polesworth and Atherstone are both lovely towns, and all the middle of the walk is along the canal. I was really pleased with the countryside views afforded from the canal, though, and so I thought this route was particularly picturesque and pleasant for walking!.

A very direct and easy route to follow. Starting (or ending) down the High Street of Polesworth which has pubs, cafes and shops. Having crossed the River Anker via the old bridge, there is a short section of pavement to walk before joining the towpath of the Coventry Canal. The route is well used and can get a bit boggy at times. The going was soft on the December day of the review! The surroundings have some variety in the short distance with North Warwickshire countryside around the River Anker and dotted villages. There are signs of old industry and the West Coast Mainline supplies passenger and goods trains at a pleasant distance. Having left the canal, the distance to the meeting place in Atherstone is short. The route passes the northbound (to Crewe) and then southbound platforms (to London) of the railway station. On the day I walked it, the section which passes under the railway had had to be pumped out of water...a rare occasion, we were told, so no need to change this route! The walk along Old Watling Street has pubs, shops and cafes. The meeting spot in the Market Place is adjacent to two excellent pubs! A great finish to a 5 star route!.

This is a simple easy walk to follow. No lingering urban walking at either end. No stiles, no cattle, no gates, as I recall. It is alongside water and after heavy rain the path surface was muddy. Lots of interest along the way, fields and the river Anker to one side while the canal and rail line provide passing activity of boats and trains. A most enjoyable walk which would be even better on a dry summer's day. An option at Polesworth is a walk through the Abbey Green Park via the gatehouse and footbridge. At Atherstone beware the low bridge under the railway does occasionally flood there is a safe, dry diversion route.

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