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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

WARWICKSHIRE RAMBLE
DRAYCOTE WATER


Wednesday 26th March 2008
................................Walk No. 709

Warwickshire Ramble No 14                       Total 139 miles


Time Taken:  3.25 hrs   Distance:      Enjoyment:      Weather:       Dull & Cloudy
 9:15 am - 12:30 pm        7 miles              85%                   Chilly in Drizzle

Temp:  Cloud:     Rain:   Visibility:  Ground Conditions:    Wild Life:     Alpacas
 8oC       99%         1%        Poor           Average     Swans, Buzzard, Scaup Ducks

Total AA:      Total MH:    Total LD:      Total AW:      Other:       Total Distance:
 1027.5 mls    931.5 mls     1887 mls        162 mls     1159.5 mls     5167.5 miles

Companions: (Derek)   Ken Powers

Points of Interest and LINKS:
Draycote Water                              Draycote Reservoir                  Draycote Photos
Draycote Meadows                          Thurlaston Village                Thurlaston Grange
Thurlaston Windmill                             Toft Alpacas                            Tufted Ducks
Sustrans Cycle Route 41                         Alpaca                               Hedge Laying
Description:
Parked at the official Draycote Water Country Park car park, off the A426 main road, after a welcome breakfast at Tesco Warwick. Couldn't find the meter to pay the parking fee at first. Drove straight past the small metal box at the entrance (£1.50). Started walking from the south/east corner of the reservoir, by the cafe and visitors centre, walking clockwise around the reservoir. Soon passed the multitude of sailing dinghies all waiting for their owner to strip off their weather protective sheeting before a trip on the water. No boats out today. Weather forecast poor with a strong threat of rain later. Remarkably, the water was very calm, hardly a ripple. We continued along the reservoir wall, along its southern edge, passing an elderly couple ambling along, even slower than us, taking in the views and wildlife. Plenty of Mallard Ducks and Coots, but it wasn't long before a swan circled around us and very gracefully landed on the reservoir. Magic, even, priceless. Just before we reached the north/west corner we passed a Great Crested Grebe diving for food in the reservoir. At the corner we turned west away from the reservoir, along the recently constructed Sustrans Cycle Route 41 towards Draycote Village. Lovely village, situated below the level of the reservoir water, protected by the west dam. Picturesque brook running through the village, surrounded by flowering daffodils. From the village we walked along the lane towards Bourton on Dunsmore, stopping for a bite and drink at the corner just before the old railway embankment. At the old railway we joined the Cycle Route 41 again, walking towards Rugby. Good elevated location to observe and enjoy the Warwickshire Countryside. At the next lane crossing, between Draycote and the A45 Trunk Road, we walked along the lane back towards Draycote for a short distance before turning left into Draycote Meadows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Take a few minutes to read the information board just inside the gate. Probably make the walk so much more interesting. We continued through a small spinney, passing Draycote Fields Farm to the end of Biggin Hall Lane. Walked the length of the lane passing Grange Farm, Biggin House and Biggin Hall, including a number of attractive bungalows. Right into Main Street and left into Church Lane, passing Rose Cottage, St Edmund's Church and the Windmill. Continued on the path half right from the end of Church Lane to the motorway underbridge and the broad path to Ryfield Farm. Stopping for a short while to admire the Alpacas and the smart newly laid hedge. As were turned right at the farm towards the reservoir Ken spotted a Buzzard circling overhead. We were again following the Cycle Route 41 towards the reservoir. As we approached a Sheep Dog was acting strangely and aggressively towards us. I was cautious but Ken realised he just wanted a stick to be thrown. Once we had started throwing the stick it was a never ending job. We were spared the impossible task when we met the dog's owner, a elderly blind gentleman with a white stick. After a short chat we continued around the edge of the reservoir back to the car, looking for unusual bird species. We spotted a few Tufted Ducks and another Great Crested Grebe.

Location:
www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start & finish from Visitors Car Park 446565/269170 , - via Cycle Route 41 - Draycote Village 444240/270130, - via Thurlaston Village 446800/270960. (Click on location and use Zoom).

Hazards:
Be aware the Country Park car park my be very busy during weekends and holidays. Alternative parking in Thurlaston High Street, but be considerate to the villagers concerns.

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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2008
Devised: March 2008