FF: Christmas-week Hike : Edgehill near Gaydon/Banbury (7-miles)

Take full advantage of this opportunity to get out and meet new people (during the otherwise sleepy Christmas week) with this amazing countryside hike, which is one of my favourites.

Starting and ending outside the Castle pub (OX15 6DJ) we'll trek round a tried and tested 7-mile looping route that strings together amazing scenery and stunning long-distance views over the surrounding landscape.

When we reach the end (which is right where we started) we'll top it off with a well earned sit down at the pub for a refreshing drink / relax over a bit more chatter with our new-found connections.

Hit the 'Attend' button now so you don't forget.

What you can expect...
Having led the group around this route several times over the last three years, I can confirm it is one of the best. The sound of silence is broken only by the wind in the trees, the tweeting of distant birds, or by a startled deer scampering the full width of an open field and into the safety of the vast woodland.
As its name suggests - we will encounter a few hilly bits scattered throughout the route which can generate a bit of puffing, but that shouldn't be an issue if you are walk-fit.

Getting there...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Leaving that question until the day before the event is probably too late. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.
If you are a driver, Edgehill is x minutes drive away...
Stratford 14; Warwick 15; Leamington 15; Rugby 24; Coventry 27; Central Birmingham 39.

Other things to note...
- Dogs are not allowed on this route.
- Young'uns must not be younger than 18.
- Bring a homemade sandwich (leftover turkey sarnies?) and a drink / snacks and we'll pick a suitable spot along the route to post up for a quick break and a munch.
- There is the odd spot that will be muddy at this time of year if rain has lingered, so ditch the trainers and don your waterproof walking boots anyway.

Oh and parking...
Completely free on the roadside outside the pub, and there's plenty of it in this remote location. Even if its busy outside the pub, just park further down the road (or round the corner if necessary) and walk back up.