FFW: Compton Verney and surrounding (7/8-mile loop)

If you enjoy a good hike with the kind of scenery that makes you stop and marvel in awe (and gets your camera snapping) then get this date in your diary. Whether you're new to Friendly Faces or you're a seasoned regular, click the Attend button now and take full advantage of this tried and tested hike which will get you (1) out of the house, (2) exercising, and (3) meeting friendly, like-minded people with ease.
Please note however that the parking available at the start point of this route is very limited, so this event is limited to 30 attendees with cars only. If you can add passengers to spare seats in your car then obviously we can get more people along. If you're reading this and the event is already full, write a note on the event comments to see if anyone already signed up can give you a lift.
Map-locations for the meet-point will be shared nearer the time.

What can I expect from this hike?...
This is a much-loved Friendly Faces classic - a super-scenic 7-8 mile hike consisting of the stunning Compton Verney grounds and lake (known as the Compton Pools) and the incredible surrounding countryside. The route also includes picture-postcard villages that you wouldn't believe existed in real life if you hadn't seen them.

This opportunity to get outdoors and meet new people will have you breathing in deep lungful's of fresh air as your eyes relax upon the scenery, and you'll be chatting away with like-minded people as you go. If you'd seen it and done it already, you would certainly encourage others to get involved too.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Despite the delightful views and peaceful natural beauty for the full length of the route, please be warned that this event is not for the faint-hearted, and there are a few steep hills along the way which some will consider challenging. So please consider your ability to cover this distance before signing up.
We'll take sit down for sandwiches/snacks at the half way point to break up the distance, but be warned that this is not a Sunday stroll.

I hope you qualify to attend. Notwithstanding the warm and sociable Friendly Faces group members (first-timers and regulars) that you will share this experience with - this is a truly magnificent walking route, and in a few months time you will look back on it and smile as you think back to it.

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.
In fact - do that now, because leaving that request 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.
If you are a driver, the start point is X minutes drive away...
Warwick 8; Leamington 9; Stratford 9; Coventry 21; Rugby 20; Central Birmingham 39.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS

1. '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 qualifying you to join, 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.
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.

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.