‘What a view’ walk from Upton House and Gardens
A short walk with spectacular views and echoes of historic warfare. This is a trail for arable ambling, panoramic vistas and a view of the first battle site of England’s civil war. Begin from Upton House and Gardens’ car park (please check the closing time for the car park before setting off). The surrounding land is not in the care of the National Trust; take care to follow the Countryside Code.
Map
Start:
National Trust car park at Upton House and Gardens; grid ref: SP369461
1
After parking in the main car park, pick up the arrowed footpath by walking towards the pedestrian exit point. Just before the gate, turn right and walk along the wide verge inside the car park with the fence on your left-hand side. Aim for the corner post with an arrow on it. When you get there, turn right and then go through the kissing gate halfway along the fence, shutting the gate behind you. Some farm buildings will come into view ahead of you. Keeping the buildings on your left, go through the next gate. Follow the path down the hill and head for the stile set in the hedge on the horizon.
2
Cross the stile and take the straight path over two fields to Sugarswell Lane.
3
Cross the road then cross the field diagonally to the left to reach the field gate in the corner next to the woodland.
4
Go through the gate and follow the woodland track to the right all the way to the end and through the iron gate. Note that although this section is not a public right of way it is open to walkers by permission of the Upton Estate.
Jets and gliders
Shenington Gliding Club lies just a mile or so to the south (on your left) and occupies the site of RAF Edgehill which was a Second World War Bomber Command RAF base. It was used for both bomber training and operational bombing flights to Germany. In 1942 it was also selected for test flights of the first British jet aircraft, the Gloster E28/39 Pioneer invented by (Sir) Frank Whittle. His manufacturing company was nearby, as was his birthplace, just 30 miles away in Coventry.
5
You are at the escarpment of Edge Hill where a rewarding view of north Warwickshire unfolds. It stands at 700 feet (215m) above sea level and is the most north-easterly outcrop of the Cotswolds. If you are lucky the Malvern Hills will be in view some 40 miles (65km) away. Look out for gliders from the local club or birds soaring on the updraughts caused by the escarpment. You are also looking down on the site of the Battle of Edge Hill. When you are ready, proceed along the escarpment to the next iron gate and through the woodland passing the paddocks on the right and the stables on the left. Before he acquired Upton House, this was the property Viscount Bearsted chose for his Warwickshire retreat.
The Battle of Edge Hill
In October 1642, King Charles left Shrewsbury to march his army to London where he intended to confront the Parliamentarian army. The King unexpectedly encountered Parliamentary forces near Edge Hill. On 23 October, he descended the steep slope to engage in what was to be the first major battle of the English Civil War. Around 1500 combatants died and many others from both sides left the killing fields either to flee or to loot. After an inconclusive result, King Charles continued onward.
6
At the farm turn right onto the short metalled lane. At the T junction with another lane, turn left down to the A422 at Sun Rising Hill.
7
Turn right on to the A422, taking great care since there is no pedestrian footway. Follow the verge and cross the minor road on the corner until you reach the gate on the right. Walk along the boundary wall and through the gate.
The tower at Castle Inn
If you plan to visit Castle Inn, please check directly with them for current opening arrangements.
The A422 heads towards the Castle Inn, about a mile away. It reputedly marks the spot where King Charles' army descended the steep escarpment slope to engage Parliamentary forces at Edge Hill. The tower at the inn was constructed to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle.
8
Proceed down the fields and retrace your steps back to the car park ready to refuel at our Pavilion café. Please check our website for up to date opening times, the car park is locked outside of these hours.
End:
National Trust car park at Upton House and Gardens; grid ref: SP369461
