A moderate route in Warwickshire. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Back Lane, Long Compton (SP 290 326)
Terrain: Village lane, field paths, woodland climb, Macmillan Way, farm track, D'Arcy Dalton Way, quiet lanes (very little traffic), busy A3400 crossing (twice - great care required), woodland path, Shakespeare's Way, lanes, hill path
A thoroughly enjoyable walk in the Cotswold fringe countryside south of Long Compton, combining fine field paths, woodland and quiet lanes with one of the most remarkable prehistoric complexes in England. The outward leg northwest through Long Compton Woods and onto the Macmillan Way is pleasant before the route swings south through Yerdley Barn and east to William's Copse — watch carefully for the turn at SP 308 330 which we managed to miss, though it only cost us a short detour. The D'Arcy Dalton Way carries you west to the A3400 and the undoubted highlight of the walk — the Rollright Stones. The Whispering Knights, the King's Men Stone Circle and the King Stone together form one of the most atmospheric prehistoric sites in England, spanning nearly 2,300 years of history in a single field on the Oxfordshire-Warwickshire border. Allow plenty of time here and do attempt to count the stones. The return via Shakespeare's Way and the merged Shakespeare's Way and Macmillan Way over Baker's Hill and down to Long Compton is straightforward and enjoyable, with pleasant open views across the Vale of the Red Horse. A walk with real variety and genuine historical interest.