FFW: Newbold Comyn / Offchurch Loop (5 mile hike)

Shorter than all of our other routes, this scenic hike takes in peaceful countryside paths, delightful scenery and of course attendees can benefit from the unmistakable warm and sociable company of Friendly Faces group members.
So whether you're a first-timer or a regular, add your name to the attendees list and enjoy this magnificent hike around the local countryside - with the added bonus of expanding your social circle in the process.

Depending on how we move as a group it shouldn't take us much more than two-and-a-bit hours before we are back to the meet-point again, and as usual when we reach the end of a Friendly Faces hiking route, we'll call in at a nearby pub (this time the very convenient Newbold Comyn Arms) for a well-earned drink and a sit down / final chin-wag, before heading home.
The pub-stop is entirely optional if you really need to dash, but of course it would be great if you can stay a bit longer.

Take note that there are two carparks along the "Newbold Terrace E" road, so pay attention to the google link meet point below to make sure you arrive in the right one to begin the hike.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzobP7nTf4ErFhJr8

Getting there...
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.
If you are a driver and can spare a seat or two in your car (perhaps in exchange for a few pounds in petrol money) you would undoubtedly attain instant hero status.
The meet-point is right on the edge of Leamington town centre, and is x miles away from...
Warwick 3; Kenilworth 6; Coventry 11; Rugby 15; Central Birmingham 29.

Important note about parking...
The carpark is free, but please bear in mind that parking inspectors often scour the carpark looking for anyone who has not parked within the lines of one of the designated spaces, happily sticking fine-notices on any cars not following the rules.
Even if you are in a marked space, but have parked with a wheel just slightly on one of the lines, that's all they need to see - and they will ticket you. Free car parks need to make money somehow, so don't let it be you who pays. You have been warned!

Other things to note...
- Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this walk, but must be kept on a lead. Remember also that some people can be fearful of dogs and hide it well, so please be respectful of that and keep your dog under control at all times.
- Compared to other hiking routes in the growing Friendly Faces library of routes, the terrain for this one is very flat. However, ankle-protecting boots are always recommended to safeguard against unexpected countryside hazards, which could leave you with a sprained ankle (or worse still a broken bone) deep in the countryside and miles away from your car.
When it comes to hiking footwear: function is more important than fashion, and you will see that all other attendees have already sensibly bought theirs.
You will hopefully be attending many more Friendly Faces hikes scheduled into the future, so if you don't own proper walking boots it will be a great investment.

Finally...
With your imagination wandering at the prospect of this super outdoorsy afternoon going into your diary - hit the attend button now so you don't forget.
Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions in the meantime.

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. Do not be late for the advertised start-time of this event. 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 first thing in the morning on the day.

4. Well-behaved dogs are allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this event - provided they bring well-behaved owners, in keeping dogs on a lead at all times.

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.