FFW: (Updated Location) Kenilworth Castle and countryside (7-mile hike)

Lets get outdoors for a late-afternoon Bank-Holiday Monday scheduling of this fantastic easy-going looping route around Kenilworth and experience its highly-acclaimed reputation on the walkers grapevine.
Note: Following the discovery that the original hike location for this date (Burton Dassett) cannot be completed at the moment (the farmer has put two bulls back into a mid-point field) - rather than cancel the event and all stay at home and sulk, our tried and tested (and much loved) Kenilworth route is a worthy replacement.
The weather forecast shows that the rain has backed off for tomorrow afternoon, so lets get out there and do what we do.
Same 3pm start-time. Read on for the updated details...

Starting and ending at Abbey End Car Park we'll cover a looping route that stitches together the best parts of a few other tried and tested routes, soaking up all the outstanding beauty in the area.
Add in an outdoorsy group of super-social Friendly Faces (both first-timers and regulars) to make some new connections with along the way, and it'll be a cracking day out for all.

When we reach the end, for anyone who wants to stick around for a little longer - we'll take a well earned sit down in a pub on the high-street for a refreshing drink over a bit more chatter with our new-found connections.

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

Getting there...
If you are a driver, you will certainly attain hero/heroine status if you write a message here on the event page offering your services - stating your location and specific locations that you can collect passengers from.
If you are not 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. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver in return for helping you out.
Also, if you need a lift (or are a driver offering lifts) : consider how appealing your meetup profile photo is. It may seem harsh, but the reality is that if you do not have a warm friendly smile or part/all of your face is hidden, then it is less likely that someone is going to want to either give you a lift or accept a lift from you.
Travel planning info for drivers :
Kenilworth is x minutes drive away...
Warwick 11; Leamington 15; Coventry 15; Stratford 25; Rugby 30; Central Birmingham 35.

Other things to note...

• Dogs (kept on a lead) are allowed, Kids must be 18 or over.
  - Anyone bringing dogs, remember that some people can be fearful of dogs and be hiding it well, so no matter how well-behaved you feel your dog is, keep him or her on a lead at all times and be respectful of your fellow-attendees.
  - Bring a sandwich/snacks and a drink and we'll pick a suitable spot along the route to post up for a quick break and a munch.
  - Compared to other walks of late, the terrain is very easy-going, but regardless of this - ditch the trainers and don your waterproof walking boots anyway.

Oh and parking...
I strongly suggest that all drivers install the RingGo app on your phone before the day, and use it to pay £4 for four hours in the car park when you get there. This should be comfortably enough time to complete the walk, but just in case (or if you want to hang out in the pub for a bit) you can always add an hour or more remotely from your phone if needed. Or you could take the easy option and just pay £7 for 24 hours to be covered for the day no matter what.
Please check traffic in the morning, and don't be late.

Here is the Google Maps Location for the Car Park meet point :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v1ZxvMuBmC2D13wH7

Everyone is looking forward to meeting you!

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. Check the event start time, and do not be late. Also 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.
In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point late 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 allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this event, but must (yes, must) be kept on a lead at all times. Kids must be over 18.

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 local 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.

6. Under 18's are strictly prohibited from attending Friendly Faces hiking and 'night out' events, without exception.
Any person who disregards this rule will be asked to leave, inclusive of any assumed accompanying adults.