Tampol two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked this SlowWays route back in September (sorry about the late review). This is a lovely route that largely follows the Coventry Canal. At both ends of the route there are plenty of amenities to enjoy, especially so at the Tamworth end - just a short distance from the route's end point is Tamworth Castle and Castle Grounds park which is worth a look. There is a second route (Tampol One) which is virtually identical, however this route took me past the shops at the Polesworth end of the route. A recommended SlowWays route.

I walked this route from Tamworth to Polesworth and really enjoyed it. The route is easy to follow, with the vast majority along the canal towpath, and is extremely pleasant.

There's a public bathroom at the Pooley Country Park visitor centre. Coming from Tamworth, I left the canal towpath just before the M42 and crossed to the other side and navigated through the country park on the south side of the canal. Then, I continued on the south/west side of the canal and rejoined the route south of the visitor centre.

Overall, a great route.

We walked Polesworth to Tamworth on a dry cloudy December day. Very easy level walking with no gates or stiles to impede progress the surface is compaced stone along the canal and pavements alongside roads. I could tweak the route at both ends using Abbey Park and the footbridge at Polesworth and underpasses and the Castle Park at Tamworth. The basics are here so you decide on minor alternatives. The road into Tamworth was quite busy mid afternoon. I did explore a detour along a footpath passing the 16th century Pooley Hall but sadly the hall is hidden, only a war memorial adds any interest. I also had a break from the towpath through Pooley Fields Nature Reserve, fields is misleading as the area is woodland, so recommend neither. To explore the Priory marked on OS maps cross the canal bridge but Wikipedia says of the remains “both the ruined priory and dovecot are on the Heritage at Risk Register due to vandalism and water damage”.

Very nice route, nearly 100% on canal towpath. Easy to follow with pubs and shops on route.

A really nice walk starting in Tamworth. The first section is quite noisy but you are kept away from traffic before turning left into leafy lanes under the railway viaduct. The next section is along relatively quiet side streets past many shops and pubs before reaching the Coventry Canal. The canal takes you all the way to Polesworth. The section in Tamworth is well used and very friendly. Well tended gardens back onto the side opposite the towpath. As you leave the urban section you head into the countryside of Hodge Lane Nature Reserve. Heading into Warwickshire from Staffordshire (the border appears to be a stream which passes under the canal) with birdsong for company, the atmosphere is relaxed. Shortly into Warwickshire you pass Alvecote Marina which has a pub if you need refreshments. After more woodland and having passed under the M42 you soon find yourself in Polesworth. The village is pretty with a crossing of the River Anker and is well served for eateries and shops. The meeting place is on the High Street, a turning to the right from the main thoroughfare of Bridge Street. This is one of the most enjoyable Slow Ways I've walked.

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