WALKS: In a recent Ilmington residents' survey there were many requests for a regular walk along the beautiful paths around the village. The first walk on Sunday attracted about 25 walkers and a clutch of dogs. The youngest walker was aged two and completed the hilly two and a half mile circuit with no difficulty.

The route from the Red Lion started off along the winding narrow lane, that was lined with late blackberries, towards Compton Scorpion. There were then footpaths by the man-made lake at Southfields Farm before the steep ascent of Ilmington Downs. There were frequent halts to admire the splendid views far across the valley to Brailes Hill and the site of the Civil War battlesite (1642) at Edge Hill on a distant horizon.

From the drive of Foxcote the walkers could see the great Palladian mansion that was built for the Howard family in the early 17th century. Another climb led to the ridge on the drover's track called Pig Lane. Nearby is the highest point of Warwickshire at 750ft and a Roman burial ground called Nebsworth.

It was all downhill through the sheeplands from here to the village and the Red Lion where landlord Percy had the kettle boiling for a well-deserved tea in the garden.

The walkers now look forward to the next Ilmington walks which are planned for the third Sunday each month.