FFW: Cotswolds / Broadway Tower Loop (VERY hilly 7-mile hike)

** IMPORTANT FINAL UPDATE **
Four very important points to share about this hike so please read through now...

1. It has been pointed out to me that the event description is missing the car park details, so I have added them in now. Please plan for this as parking in Broadway is limited.

2. As always - we won't wait for late people who didn't plan properly. It's a 12:00 start, and the first-choice carpark is a 15-minute walk from the start point so make sure you leave the house with enough time for that, and check the traffic reports before you leave.

3. Weather-wise, the forecast says it will be warmer than usual (a sweltering 10 degrees!) and also drizzly on and off throughout the afternoon, so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and also proper ankle-protecting hiking footwear (also waterproof) as there may be muddy patches along the route.

4. Finally, don't forget that this a very hilly and challenging hike and can be too demanding for some to handle. If you have struggled with any of our other routes in the past (or are in any way unsure of your fitness-level or hiking ability right now) then please sit this one out and instead sign up for one of our easier routes scheduled in March.
Read on below for more details about this route.

*********************

Be warned that there is good news and bad news about this event.
The bad news first : This route is in the top three most challenging hiking routes undertaken by the Friendly Faces.
As usual this route has been tested beforehand, and throughout the route there are three VERY tough ascents - the first of which climbs gradually for about half a mile, finishing in a few flights-worth of steps. This first incline alone is sure to beat anyone who is not a fit and able regular hill-walker. Please consider this before clicking the attend button. Running out of energy and giving up half way through this route is not an option, and having to keep stopping for long breaks because your stamina is low will not make you popular with the other attendees.
As a point of reference - if you have conquered our other very challenging / undulating 7/8-mile hikes with the Friendly Faces (such as the Malvern Hills or Burton Dassett routes) without any problems - then you should be ok with this one as well, but please be warned that this hike is definitely not for the casual strollers.
If anyone would like to know more on the difficulty level of this hike, please drop me a message and I'll be happy to describe.

The good news : This route is in the top 3 most scenic hiking routes undertaken by the Friendly Faces..
Make no mistake, the reward for battling up those tough hills is an abundance of quite incredible scenery. Anyone who has visited the Cotswolds before will tell you that it is a special place, this superb route is a perfect introduction to this area of natural beauty, and it has to be seen to be believed.
If you are a regular walker, you can be sure of a stunning day out exploring some of the finest countryside that this country has to offer.. Amazing scenery, picturesque views, fresh air in your lungs, the sound of birds singing and cattle in the distance... nature at its finest.
An incredible outdoorsy place that will leave you in need of a good sit down and rest at the end, and you'll feel a warm satisfied glow at having seen it and conquered it.

The town of Broadway directly south of Birmingham is beautiful, and there are several car-parks scattered around the town, however each one is small and therefore often busy. It is recommended that you look for street parking where possible (making sure to check the signs) and failing that, look for a space in the car-parks in the order of priority listed below.
Also worthy of note - the meet point is a 20-minute walk away from all of the car parks, so you are strongly advised to plan to arrive in town at least half an hour early so that you've got time to find a parking space and walk to the meet point. Its not nice to make the group wait because you didn't plan your journey. If you don't make it to the starting point for midday we'll have no choice but to start without you.

Need a lift?...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Do that now, because leaving that question until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.

Drivers...
If you are a driver, the town of Broadway is x minutes drive away...
Stratford 30; Warwick 42; Leamington 49; Coventry 51; Central Birmingham 60; Rugby 65.
Don't forget to factor in any pickups on the way, and also add half an hour extra upon arrival.
ALWAYS plan your journey and check for traffic on the day!

Other things to note...
- Unfortunately dogs are not allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event due to there being lots of wild animals and livestock all along the route.
- At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a like-minded group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.
- Trainers will not suffice for this route. I always advise in the event descriptions that you invest in good, purpose-made, ankle-protecting footwear, and there are always a few who either ignore it or don't read it and arrive in trainers. Don't let that be you.
- This is one of several hiking events that you are welcomed and encouraged to join as we all keep fit and active, and soak up the amazing English countryside.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you don't forget.
If you're a fan of good quality challenging hikes, then trust me when I say that this will be a truly amazing day out that you will not forget.

Meet-point (Broadway Memorial) :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ehon62iLAc2aAeQ98

1st-choice Parking (Milestone Carpark) :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/b4kwBC2NMUr9b8Qf9

2nd-choice Parking (Leamington Road Carpark) :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7WycLM9GM65uBfYX9

Parking Note: Due to the limited parking in Broadway, if you are aware of other parking options that you consider reliable enough, then you are encouraged to research and plan for those as you prefer.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS

1. To find out how to become a full Friendly Faces group member, read here... https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
2. This event starts at 12:00. Do not be late. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we may leave without you.
3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, in good health, and free from injury. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
4. Dogs are NOT allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event.
5. Trainers (or walking shoes that do not cover your ankles) will not suffice for this route, so please bring (or invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting waterproof footwear. This is an essential requirement for attending this hike.