FFW: Bank Holiday Monday Hike : Kineton Circular (7-miles)

With summer pretty much upon us and incredible weather forecasts commonplace, it would be a travesty to stay at home and miss out on this classic, much-loved Friendly Faces hiking route.

What are the details for this event?...
It's an absolute belter, and has everything you could wish for in a countryside walk. Originally scheduled in 2023, our Kineton / Little Kineton / Butlers Marston route was the second-ever Friendly Faces route, and due to its popularity it has been repeated more times than any other route since. It is always enjoyed by new first-timers and also those returning to do it again. The Kineton countryside truly is a hidden gem.

Starting in the churchyard in the centre of Kineton we'll take a 7-mile circular route through the most amazing remote countryside and surrounding villages, including picturesque views and scenery sure to get your camera snapping.
When we get back to the start point (approximately 4pm depending on our speed) we'll have a well-earned sit down in the splendid pub garden for a post-hike drink.
The pub is of course optional for each individual, and while we all hope you can stay for a bit longer to chat some more - you will not be judged if you really do need to dash.

Here is the old briefing video that I put together to describe what you can expect in a bit more detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyrAysdFokw

Getting there?...
Drivers offering lifts from their local town will undoubtedly gain hero/heroine status, so if you have an empty space or two in your car please write a comment below with your preferred pick-up point.
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 asking if anyone is driving from your home town that could help.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.

If you are a driver, the start point is X minutes drive away...
Warwick 12; Leamington 12; Stratford 12; Coventry 22; Rugby 20; Central Birmingham 34.

Where do I park?...
Roadside parking is free all along Warwick Road, so park as close as you can to the meet-point and walk up. Please arrive early, and (if needed) pay a visit to the loo in the White Swan pub because there wont be any more opportunities throughout the hike.

The 1pm Meet Point :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FyZScMp1UygCAtht5

Parking along Warwick Road :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hoZwQJBiZZsGkRj7A

Feel free to drop me a private message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to make sure you don't forget.

EVENT SUMMARY / 5x IMPORTANT POINTS

1. Your first Friendly Faces event is free.
'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you're (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55, read the details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/

2. This event starts at 1pm. 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 will leave without you.
In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks on the day.

3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this distance in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.

4. Dogs are NOT allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event. This is due to close proximity with farm animals and public pathways taking us through farmers land.

5. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting waterproof footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance. The many Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent selection, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers may not protect you from a nasty injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be removed from the group.