Coughton Court and Kinwarton Dovecote trail
Extend a visit to Coughton Court with a circular walk through the Warwickshire countryside to a rare surviving 14th-century dovecote. Along the way, you'll see three historic churches, including one that was built by Sir Robert Throckmorton.
Total steps: 14
Total steps: 14
Start point
Coughton Court visitor centre. Grid ref: SP083606.
Step 1
With Coughton Court visitor centre behind you, walk along the drive in front of the house, passing the 16th-century gatehouse and the church.
Step 2
At the end of the drive, you'll see the Roman Catholic church of St Peter, St Paul and St Elizabeth on your left. Cross the road into the field and walk diagonally left across the fields until you get to a footbridge. Cross this and rejoin the lane.
Step 3
Follow the lane for 300m (330yds), then turn right into Church Farm.
Step 4
Pass through the farm and carry straight on until you reach a fork. Take the right-hand path leading to a farm building.
Step 5
At the farm building, turn left along the edge of the field and then right. Walk along the field edge until you get to a left turn into the industrial estate.
Step 6
When you arrive at Estate Road, cross straight over, walk to the end of the road and then enter the field.
Step 7
Walk up the hill to join the Arden Way at the top. Go through the hedge and turn right.
Step 8
Follow the path, keeping to the left, until you come out on the Great Alne/Alcester road.
Step 9
Turn left and follow the road towards Great Alne. When you come to a right turn signposted Kinwarton, take this road down to a farm, bearing left towards the church. The dovecote will be straight ahead.
Step 10
A small door provides access into the dovecote, given to the National Trust in 1958.
Step 11
Retrace your steps to the main road, turn right along the road, then head back up Coughton Fields Lane on the left.
Step 12
After you pass the farm, climb the stile on the right and follow the Monarch's Way across the fields. You'll eventually come to a road.
Step 13
Turn left along the road and, after passing some houses, turn left again along a track.
Step 14
Follow this track for 3.2km (2 miles), passing newly planted woodland (a private venture to replant the Forest of Arden) and Windmill Hill. The track then joins Coughton Fields Lane. Turn right along the lane, then right again onto the drive back to Coughton Court.
End point
Coughton Court visitor centre. Grid ref: SP083606.
Trail map
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