Delightful countryside near Henley-in-Arden

Venture outside these areas, and it's a different story. Much of the network is in a dismal state and this is never more apparent than in summer.

So, where to go for a trouble-free walk? Things are even worse in Shropshire, which has long been notorious for the state of its paths. As for Herefordshire, only a shameful 37 per cent of paths are judged 'easy to walk'.

In Gloucestershire, Cotswold paths are excellent but elsewhere the highways authority has plenty of work to do. That leaves Warwickshire, and it scores pretty well, with 83 per cent of its footpaths in good shape.

There are certainly no problems on this Warwickshire walk which explores the delightful countryside near Henley-in-Arden. It's a gently undulating landscape, with small fields, copses and ancient hedges. There are fine views from Bannam's Wood and the River Alne adds tranquillity to the meadows south of Henley.

The towpath of the Stratford Canal is used near Wootton Wawen, where the canal is carried across a road by an aqueduct. Wootton Wawen itself is full of interest and only a short detour from the towpath.

For much of the walk you will be using the Heart of England Way, which runs for 100 miles (160km) from Cannock Chase to the Cotswolds. You will also encounter the Arden Way and the Millennium Way, which overlap with the Heart of England Way. Towards the end of the walk you'll join the Monarch's Way, which runs for 610 miles (976km) from Worcester to Shoreham in an approximation of the circuitous route followed by Charles II when fleeing from the Roundheads after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

DIRECTIONS

The Heart of England Way (HEW) crosses the Birmingham-Stratford railway at Henley Station. If you arrive by train, simply use the footbridge to exit the station at the far side of platform two. If you arrive in Henley by car or bus you will find that the station is signed from the High Street.

Beyond the railway, the HEW passes between allotments before taking to the fields and all you have to do is follow the frequent waymarkers. Always remember to look for the distinctive HEW logo to avoid branching off onto other paths.

After crossing the A4189 at Hunger Hill, the HEW takes to the fields again for over a mile before crossing a lane near Morton Bagot. A brief climb then leads to Bannam's Wood. There is a public footpath through the wood but the HEW uses a permissive route along the outer edge. This was created to minimise disturbance to woodland wildlife but it also benefits the walker as there are excellent views to be had.

When you come to the end of the permissive path turn right and keep straight on to meet a road. Turn left, then very soon left again over a stile. The path soon forks and the HEW goes to the right, crossing a brook then heading south, mostly by field edges, to pass wooded Spernall Park and Round Hill before meeting Burford Lane.

Turn right for 70m then left over a stile. Follow the right-hand hedge for 200m until it moves away to the right. Don't go with it but head for the far left corner of the field instead. The path divides here, with the HEW bearing right. Choose the Arden Way instead, which goes straight on to meet a road.

Leave the Arden Way, turning left to Shelfield Green, then join a footpath on the right. Go past a smallholding and into a cornfield. A well-made path cuts a broad swathe to the far side of the field where you turn left on the Monarch's Way.

Follow it to a road and turn left through Little Alne. Turn left again at a road junction, then first right as the Monarch's Way takes to the fields again. Having crossed two fields, turn left for a few metres to find a stile on the right. Go diagonally across two fields then turn right on Pennyford Lane.

Pass under the railway and stay on the lane as the Monarch's Way turns off to the left. Cross the River Alne then shortly turn left on a footpath which follows the river before rejoining Pennyford Lane.

Turn left to reach Five Oaks Cottage then turn right to the Stratford Canal. Turn left on the towpath and follow it past Wootton Wawen to bridge 51. Leave the canal here, turning left on a track to Pettiford Lane.

Turn right, cross Pettiford Bridge then take the first footpath on the left. Go diagonally across a field to meet the River Alne then follow the river to Blackford Mill Farm.

Turn left, pass Blackford Mill then turn right on a footpath which crosses the Alne and leads to the road just south of Henley. Turn right into town. If you're going to the station, turn left at Becks Croft, Shallowford Court or Bear Lane.

FACTFILE

Start: Henley-in-Arden Station, grid ref SP148659.

Length: 9 miles/15km.

Maps: OS Explorer 220, OS Landrangers 150/151.

Terrain: mixed farmland, excellent paths, no real hills.

Stiles: 35.

Parking: car park off Henley High Street.

Public transport: Henley is on the Birmingham to Stratford railway and it's cheapest and easiest on weekdays to use Central Trains services via Birmingham but you can also go via Evesham and Stratford, using buses or a combination of bus and train; a good option on Sundays is bus 166 direct from Worcester to Stratford, then by train to Henley; Rail Enquiries 08457 484950, Traveline 0870 608 2608.

Refreshments: Henley and Wootton Wawen.

PLEASE note: This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be correct at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss or injury, however caused.