A moderate route in Warwickshire. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Street parking on Hackwell Street, Napton on the Hill (SP 466 612)
Terrain: Village streets, hill path (slippery after rain, can be overgrown), track to Napton Hill summit, Oxford Canal towpath, Grand Union Canal towpath, field paths, quiet lanes, very busy main road crossing (great care needed), uphill field path, Long Hill Wood, Beacon Hill, footbridge, good clear paths, sports field
A great circular walk that packs a lot of variety into its twelve and a half kilometres, combining the elevated views from Napton Hill with two contrasting canals, open field paths and a fine finish over Beacon Hill. The walk starts with an immediate climb up to the summit of Napton Hill, the distinctive hill that gives the village its name, before winding down through the wooded slopes — take care as the path can be slippery and overgrown — to join the Oxford Canal. A long and pleasant stretch of towpath northeast brings you to Napton Junction and then the Grand Union Canal north to Calcutt Locks, where the route leaves the water and heads out across open fields past Calcutt Spinney toward Lower Shuckburgh. The return along a quiet lane rejoins the Oxford Canal briefly before a very busy road crossing leads to the climb up past Glebe Farm and Long Hill Wood to the trig point on Beacon Hill. The descent from Beacon Hill is clear and enjoyable, though do not repeat our mistake at Halls Barn Farm of crossing straight over the road — turn left then right through the gate instead. A final stretch of good paths through the sports field and up Fell's Lane brings you back to Hackwell Street. A thoroughly enjoyable walk with great views of the south Warwickshire countryside.