Friendly Faces of Warwickshire

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.

What better way to get out of the house and meet more people... whether you're a first-timer or a regular, get your name down to join this mixed casual group-tour around downtown Leamington on a relaxed Friday evening, and we'll descend together upon its most popular bars one at a time, staying long enough for a drink or two before we all move on to the next one.

I was super-chuffed to be able to bring this old favourite hiking route back in February after a 2-year absence, and because several people told me they were gutted that they couldn't make the February date - I've booked it in again as our special May Bank Holiday Monday route.

It should be noted (as per the title) that this route is VERY hilly and tough on the legs. So if you don't like hills or don't consider yourself an advanced hiker capable of keeping up with the pack - you should certainly stay at home.
There is also uneven terrain underfoot for several sections of the route, so it's very important that you wear some sturdy hiking footwear that protects you from injury. I make no exaggerations or exceptions with this warning, so if you want to attend this event but don't own any proper hiking boots (that cover your ankles) - buy some or stay at home.

This amazing hike will take us around a breathtakingly scenic and undulating walking route starting in the village of North End, and moving through the much-loved Burton Dassett and Holly Well, looping back to finish where we started. The dreamy remote and peaceful setting together with the outstanding views and scenery make this a superb route from start to finish.

If you're a keen and able walker/trekker (whether you're a first-timer to the group or not) then this walk is for you. Maybe you've smashed a Friendly Faces hike or two already, or maybe you've heard good things about the ones we've done and you want to get involved in these fantastic social occasions... step up and add this one to your list of accomplishments for 2026.
At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a warm group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.

When we're done, right next to the parking spot is the just-recently-opened (and very stylish) Lost Pug pub where we will grab a well earned sit down, drink, and last chinwag before setting off home.

Note: There are several farmers fields that we pass through along the route containing cattle, so while well-behaved dogs are welcome - it goes without saying that they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Also bear in mind that dogs will need lifting over some (but not all) of the stiles, so large dogs may be a struggle.

If you are fit and able, this event is not one you'll want to miss or to hear about from others, so hit that big 'Attend' button now to be kept informed.

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 certainly 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; Coventry 27; Rugby 28; Central Birmingham 38.

Where will we start?...
Use the map link below to find the meet point which is on Top Street, where there is free parking on the roadside. Please be respectful of others when parking, and where possible leave space so that others can park in-front of or behind you.