A easy route in Warwickshire. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Roadside parking by St Mary and St Margaret's Church, Combrook (SP 307 516).
Terrain: Village road, field path, track, bridge, hedge path, lane, road, castle grounds, woodland, footbridge, field edge, village road, farm track, woodland path, disused railway, manor grounds, field path Notable features: Combrook village, Hampton House Farm, Pittern Hill, Kineton, King John's Castle, River Dene, Butlers Marston, Fossedene Manor, Fosse Coppice, disused railway, dismantled railway crossing
A varied and enjoyable Warwickshire circular from the attractive estate village of Combrook, combining gentle field walking, a historic castle site, a quiet village and a fine return through the wooded grounds of Fossedene Manor. The outward leg across the fields to Pittern Hill and down into Kineton is pleasant lowland walking with wide views across the farmland, and the short detour to King John's Castle — its earthwork motte tucked into the woodland with unexpected metal animal sculptures adding a touch of whimsy — is well worth the small diversion. The path through Butlers Marston and the return northwest via the old railway line and across the fields to Oxhouse Farm passes through characteristically quiet Warwickshire countryside, with the River Dene footbridge providing a slightly tricky moment before the path winds through the pleasant grounds of Fossedene Manor and past Fosse Coppice, where the ancient Roman Fosse Way is close at hand. The finish back through Combrook is straightforward and brings the walk neatly back to the church where it began. A thoroughly enjoyable walk through a beautiful and unhurried corner of Warwickshire.