Tom O’The Wood pub in Rowington is where you can stop on your winter walk in Warwickshire (Image: Google Maps)
Warwickshire has been blanketed in frost and ice recently due to freezing temperatures, but the picturesque landscapes provide an ideal opportunity for a winter walk.
The region boasts numerous woodlands and trails perfect for a breath of fresh air and a chance to appreciate the great outdoors.
One such trail is the Heart of England Way countryside walk in Warwickshire, which features an 18th-century canalside pub along its route.
The journey begins at Baddlesley Clinton manor house and meanders through country lanes, field paths, and the Grand Union Canal, where walkers can take a break at the Tom O’The Wood pub.
The trail offers stunning views of the Warwickshire countryside and is dog-friendly. According to our colleagues at the National Trust, the walk can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours to complete, depending on whether you opt for the short or long trail, which spans 5km (8 miles).
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However, it’s worth noting that there are uneven sections with kissing gates, stiles, and steps, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Baddesley Clinton is a moated manor house nestled within a secluded estate in the Forest of Arden. It served as the home of the Ferrers family for half a century.
The estate boasts beautiful parkland and tranquil gardens, including a walled garden, fish pools, a restored vegetable plot, and a lakeside walk. It is also a haven for various types of wildlife.
Nestled in the idyllic village of Rowington, Tom O’The Wood is a quintessential country pub that sits snugly alongside the Grand Union Canal.
This charming establishment prides itself on serving up classic British pub fare, all homemade and crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients provided by nearby farms and suppliers.
Guests can enjoy their meals in the cosy conservatory restaurant or other inviting areas within the pub.
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Tom O’The Wood boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, earning it the coveted Travellers Choice Award for 2024. Patrons have rated the food, service, and atmosphere highly, with scores of 4.5/5 across these categories, while value received a solid 4/5.
A satisfied customer shared their experience: “Proper country pub with great food. We shared the camembert with pine nuts and pesto with bread, which was excellent. We both had the burgers, which were decent, and the kid’s menus were a hit. Excellent chips.”
One regular visitor added: “We’ve been visiting this great country pub for a number of years now and it never disappoints. I had lunch today – french onion soup, which was delicious, and the fish finger sandwich. It is a very welcoming, dog-friendly pub.”
The full Heart of England Way walking route, starting at Baddesley Clinton
For those embarking on the Heart of England Way walking route, the journey begins at Baddesley Clinton. Starting from Church Walk opposite the entrance to visitor reception, follow the path through the churchyard and kissing gate, then along the gravel drive to the road.
Turn right and proceed with Hay Wood to your left until you reach a junction, where you’ll turn right onto Rowington Green. Begin your journey by taking the footpath on your left, signposted for the Heart of England Way. Traverse across the field until you reach a kissing gate.
Continue straight across the next field and keep an eye out for a waymarked post at the hedge corner. Follow the field edge to the right and pass through a metal gate.
Ascend uphill, passing through another kissing gate at the top, and follow a line of mature trees downhill. At the bottom, turn left into St Lawrence’s Churchyard in Rowington.
Navigate through the churchyard until you reach the road, then turn right. Stroll along the pavement through the village until you encounter a lane on your right, marked Queen’s Drive.
Follow this past Glebe Farm until you reach the road again.Turn right onto the road and immediately left onto a waymarked bridleway past Lyons Farm. After crossing a small wooden bridge, continue along the bridleway until you return to Church Walk and Baddesley Clinton.
The Tom O’The Wood pub can be found at Finwood Rd, Rowington, Warwick CV35 7DH. The pub welcomes patrons from 12pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12-10:30pm Friday, 11:30am-10:30pm Saturday, and 11:30am-7pm Sunday.