- Turn left at the roundabout and pass under the railway bridge
- Turn right immediately after the bridge and proceed down Brookfield Road
- Turn left when you reach County Landscapes
- At the foot of the County Landscapes plot turn right and follow the path between two steel fences.
- The path curves to the left and then passes between two lakes at the back of the former Sketchley dye works
- Cross the stile and footbridge. Carry on up the right side of the field. Notice the undulations in the ground which are remnants of a 'ridge and furrow' medieval field system
- Splendid tall pine trees border the path as you proceed along the field-side with the hedge on your right
- Climb over a stile and carry on
- Pass through a steel kissing gate at the field corner and proceed forward
- Pass through a second similar gate and turn right on reaching the minor road (Sketchley Lane)
- Don't take the foot path on your left, go straight ahead crossing the road and joining a tarmac pavement
- Turn left where the cycle sign says A5 South
- Cross the A5 (Watling Street) with extreme care. Turn to your right at the other side
- Carry on in the same direction as before and you will come to a footpath sign on your left after about 50 yards
- Descend to the stile and cross the footbridge in to the field
- Cross the field heading west at an angle of approximately 30 degrees from the road. A tall tree in the field beyond marks the spot where you will find a low fence at a gap in the hedge
- Cross in to the next field and proceed down the field side with the hedge on your right
- At the corner turn right and at once left to cross the next field, once again with the hedge on your right
- Go right in to the corner of the field. Look out because it is easy to miss the foot bridge which may be obscured by a hawthorn hedge. Cross it and turn left.
- Follow the narrow path to a stile and then carry on along the canal bank to the bridge (No. 14).
- Turn right and cross the bridge. Once over the canal turn immediately left. To join the canal towpath climb over, under or through the two strands of barbed wire and then over the low wooden fence.
- Follow the towpath back to and underneath the A5 where you can climb to the road and cross the canal to the first pub.
Opening:
Brewery:
Beers:
Notes:
Mon - Sat 11:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:30, Closed Mon - Fri 15:00 - 17:30 01/10 - 31/03
Marston's
Two or three from Marston's including Pedigree and a guest from Jennings.
Don't fail to sample the Jennings guest beer; it's a rare opportunity in this part of the country where Marston's beers predominate. The regular guest is Cocker Hoop, a refreshing pale beer which has a hoppy flavour with a hint of citrus. If you like a dark beer and are fortunate enough to find Sneck Lifter on offer then order a full pint straight away.
- Pass under a railway bridge and continue
- There is a lake opposite and a canal basin
- Leave the towpath at bridge No. 16. Climb to the road and turn right on to Nutts Lane
- Follow the road to the T junction with Coventry Road (B4666) where you will find The Wharf Inn on your right
Opening:
Brewery:
Beers:
Notes:
Mon - Fri 16:00 - 24:00, Sat - Sun 12:00 - 24:00
Marston's
Two or three from Marston's including Pedigree and a guest from Thwaites.
Janet and I rank Thwaites 8th out of more than 100 breweries from whom we have sampled more that two ales, so again what ever else you drink do sample their beer if you get the chance. Particularly look out for Flying Shuttle, Nutty Black or Lancaster Bomber.
- Bearing to your right, go straight over at this cross roads
- Turn left in to Regent Street at the next junction.
- You will find The Baron of Hinckley on your left after about 130 yards.
Opening:
Brewery:
Beers:
Notes:
Sun - Thu 09:00 - 24:00, Fri - Sat 09:00 - 01:00
Free House
Abbot, Ruddles Bitter, Pedigree and three or four guest ales.
This modern Wetherspoon's pub offers a good choice of real ales and food at low prices. The turn-over is high and the beers are fresh and well kept. Look out for offerings from top breweries who's beers you might find here - Oakham, Eccleshall, Arkell's, Hook Norton and Phoenix. Don't rush to try beers from Shardlow.
- Turn right at the corner by HSBC and then follow Station Road down to its junction with Hawley Road, at which point you should be within sight of your starting point.