Rugby's Motorway Sandwich Circular Walk
18 people attending
2 places left
We have some new walks within the Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire areas over the course of the year, we have to kick off 2018 a walk within the Rugby area which is the first one of two planned walks within Rugby.
This walk starts in Hillmorton and will take in several sights across a circular route with a distance of just over 10miles. The walk is not particularly hilly and is reasonably steady walk throughout with no particularly hard or long hills either to climb or walk down.
So, you’re probably wondering why on earth are we walking around & in between two major motorways? Well many of you know motorways from driving/ being driven along them, so how about life underneath or watching over them? Pockets of absolute beauty can be found below the motorway. This is a walk that is quite unusual but if anything, your curiosity is peeking you to find out what the walk will be like?
HIGHLIGHTS
The walk will feature several highlights and points of interest to look out for along the route;
· Hillmorton Locks (Duplicate in natured highly unusual)
· Great Central Way Cycle/Footpath
· Viewpoints over the M6
· Catthorpe Interchange (Recently remodeled)
· Disused Lilbourne Railway Station Platforms
All photos except 2 are taken on the pre-walk and are my own, with the other 2 photos on the event page are from 'Google' free to share search system.
Do check out the other walk can be found by clicking on the link below and features over to Rugby's western side taking place on Saturday, 26th May 2018
http://outdoorlads.com/event/treble-lawford-circular-walk
There are several options of getting to the starting point for this walk, even on a Sunday;
BUS
Stagecoach Service '3' this run's every 30 minutes on a Sunday from Rugby Town Centre towards Hillmorton.
Connection Times to meet with the walk:
Rugby Church Street by (HSBC Bank): 10:20
Hillmorton, Coton Road: 10:31
Please alight at 'Coton Road' bus stop and walk down Brindley Road which changes name to The Locks at the railway bridge past the car park for the church and join the canal towpath just before the canal bridge to the meeting point.
Buses return from the same stop at xx:01 & xx:31 with the last bus back to Rugby Town Centre at 17:01
Your best option for a ticket would be aeconomical Rugby Dayrider which is £4 and will also be valid on Stagecoach buses from & to the Railway Station.
http://www.stagecoachbus.com – please select Rugby at the top for applicable fares & times.
TRAIN
Services are available to make the walk direct to Rugby from; Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, London Euston, Milton Keynes & Northampton please check train times & fares at;
Please note that you will need to either walk upto Rugby Town Centre from the railway station to catch the Stagecoach Number 3 - of which the walk should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. However, you can catch a Stagecoach Service 4 too town where you can connect with Stagecoach Service 3.
If you feel energetic and fancy a short walk to the start location from the Railway Station this will take you around 50minutes and is just over 2.5miles. (Please do message the event leader who can provide directions and guidance).
CAR
Please do car share if you can as this does help the environment and is a great way to meet and get to know your fellow walkers.
There is a large free of charge car park at Hillmorton Parish Church and a short 100 yards walk to the starting point.
*IMPORTANT NOTE*
Please check you travel times/plans a few days before to ensure you allow enough time for travelling, particularly if travelling on the train or bus.
Please note that prices and times advised are subject to change but are correct at the time of publishing.
An important note is that if on the walk you do not wish to appear in any photographs please do let the event leader know. I have set up a photo sharing site which can only be accessed by other members on each event to upload photos from the walk and can be shared with other members. I shall put on the ODL social media Facebook sites a couple of photos from the walk so please do let me know if you have any questions or do not wish to feature.
A key query that does come up quite a bit from new and existing members is regarding the waiting list when all the full guaranteed spaces are filled. The most important point is please if you are not able to attend the walk that your de-register ASAP as this will allow people on the waiting list to move up.
If you do find yourself on the waiting list and you move up onto the guaranteed places list, then you should receive an email to notify that you are now granted a place on the walk.
Even if a few days before you are on the waiting list please watch out for an email from the leader as depending on other event leaders already on the walk places maybe increased to accommodate for this, so it is always worth just checking but I shall endeavour to notify members if this is the case by email/messenger via the site.
What to bring
Below is a list of the recommended walking gear/ equipment your need for this walk along with helpful guidance;
ESSENTIAL KIT
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking/walking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regard to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
RECORMENDED KIT
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside or a waterproof cover would do the trick and can be purchased from around £5 from most outdoor attire shops.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
A lot of this will depend on the weather in terms of temperatures and conditions so if particularly warm & mild the more warmer items would most likely not be required. Try to bear in mind that although it maybe a bit cool/fresh before beginning the walk, your body temperatures will rise so easy to remove layers as mentioned above is the best way.
You may find it useful and will further enhance your walk experience by bringing the following items if you would like to do so;
· Camera
· Map of walk – OS Explorer 222 Rugby & Coventry or OS Landranger 140 Leicester, Coventry & Rugby.
· Binoculars
· Walking Pole(s)
Food & drink
When we depart Badseys Wharf there will be no further opportunity to re-stock or obtain food and liquid supplies so please do bring a packed lunch or you may wish to utilise the cafe that can be found opposite our starting point accessed over the canal bridge called 'CanalChef Cafe which does a good range of sandwiches & full cooked breakfasts. The website link is below;
FOOD & DRINK RECORMENDATIONS
It is recommended that you bring to the walk the following to keep you hydrated and nourished throughout the walk;
· Packed Lunch
· At least 2litres of fluids (sadly alcohol doesn’t count) to keep you hydrated
· Couple of energy snacks or bars to keep you going.
It has been known for the leader to have a supply of sweets and chocolates to keep you going, and perhaps maybe some homemade cakes, who knows.
BREAKFAST
If you fancy a bit of company, then myself (Richard) and Thomas will be having a spot of breakfast at 9.45am at Olivia’s Coffee House situated Shenstone Avenue in Hillmorton. We will then walk down to the starting location so do send me a message if you would like to join us and will provide further information.