FFW: Edgehill near Gaydon/Banbury (7-mile hike)

I am very pleased to set another date for this much-loved route that takes in the superb views from the top of Edge Hill, together with it's sublimely peaceful surrounding countryside. It will open your eyes to the amazing world of nature around us.
With its feeling of being so far away from civilisation - this route will take us into the charming countryside, along remote public pathways, far away from the hustle-bustle of daily life.

I've done this route many times and I still love going back. The sound of silence is broken only by the wind in the trees, the tweeting of distant birds, or of a startled deer or two scampering the full width of an open field and into the safety of the woodland.
For its outstanding views and its many varied location types, this one takes some beating.

IMPORTANT WARNING: Despite the breath-taking views and peaceful natural beauty for the full length of the route, please be warned that this event is not for the faint-hearted. i.e. You should not sign up if you have any recurring injuries that could flare up, or you do not have a good level of stamina for physical and enduring exercise.

Of course, we will take opportunities to stop and take breaks, however there are some long and challenging hills. Also, due to the relatively undisturbed nature of the pathways, large parts of the route require dragging your feet through long grass which can quickly tire inexperienced hikers.

I really hope you are fit, able and 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 hiking route, and in a few months time you will look back on it and smile as you think back to it.

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. Leaving that question until the day before the event is probably too late. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver as petrol prices are high at the moment.
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 :
The meet-point is x miles away from...
Warwick 15; Leamington 15; Kenilworth 22; Rugby 23; Coventry 27; Central Birmingham 38.

Other things to note...
- Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this walk, but must be kept on a short lead and require well-behaved owners. Remember that some people can be fearful of dogs and hide it well, so please be respectful of that and keep your dog on the lead and placid at all times.
- Ditch the trainers and don your waterproof walking boots. Ankle-protecting boots are always recommended for our hiking routes - no matter the time of year. If you intend to join more Friendly Faces hikes and don't own proper boots then it will be a great investment for the months ahead.

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.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you don't forget.

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.