4.3
(20)
69
hikers
ACW Circular Walk 12C
01:39
6.31km
50m
Hiking
Embark on the ACW Circular Walk 12C, an easy hiking route that guides you through pleasant rural landscapes. This trail offers glimpses of historical landmarks, including the impressive Brinklow Castle, and takes you past the Old Stone Bridge Over the Stream. Covering 3.9 miles (6.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 150 feet (46 metres), you can expect to complete this hike in about 1 hour and 38 minutes. It's a perfect choice for a relaxed outdoor experience.
This easy route is suitable for hikers of all fitness levels, featuring paths that are generally accessible. You can enjoy a casual outing without needing extensive preparation. While specific parking information is not detailed, the trail is manageable for a spontaneous visit. Consider starting your hike in the morning to make the most of the daylight and enjoy the tranquil countryside.
The route's charm lies in its blend of natural beauty and historical interest, showcasing typical English countryside. Beyond Brinklow Castle, you will also encounter Grimes Bridge No. 26 on the Oxford Canal, adding to the varied scenery. This makes the ACW Circular Walk 12C a great option if you are looking for a short, engaging walk with a touch of local heritage.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.37 km
Old Stone Bridge Over the Stream
Highlight • River
Tip by
2.04 km
Grimes Bridge No. 26 (Oxford Canal)
Highlight • Cycleway
The nearest place in the direction of Stretton Stop is Johnson's Bridge No 27; 1½ furlongs away.
The nearest place in the direction of Wyken Arm Junction is Bridge No 25 (Ansty) (Motorway bridge over canal and railway.); 6¾ furlongs away.
There is access (via steps) to the towpath here.
Mooring here is tolerable (it's just about possible if really necessary).
There is a bridge here which takes a minor road over the canal.
Tip by
5.55 km
Brinklow Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
6.06 km
St John the Baptist Church
Highlight • Historical Site
The chancel is built of a mixture of limestone and sandstone rubble patched with bricks and tiles and has a modern steep-pitched tiled roof, modern coping and cross finial, and rebuilt buttresses. It is lighted on the east by a modern window of three pointed lights with a hood-mould and head-stops. The south side has a central buttress, and west of it are two restored lancet windows with a narrow doorway between them. The lancet to the west is divided by a transom to form a low side window. The doorway has a restored pointed arch, the splay carried down the jambs. The north side has a central buttress and another butting against the aisle wall, with a restored lancet window between them. The south aisle is built of red sandstone ashlar with a plinth of one splay, stepped down to conform with the slope of the ground. The wall is diminished in thickness by a weathered offset at sill level. It has a low-pitched lead-covered roof with a plain low parapet, with a moulded coping projected on a moulded stringcourse. The east gable is lighted by a partly restored traceried window of three cinquefoil lights under a hollow-moulded four-centred head. The south wall has buttresses at the angles, two intermediately, and a porch towards the western end. It is lighted between the buttresses by three windows similar to the one in the east wall. The porch has been rebuilt in brick and stone with a tiled roof and the entrance blocked to form a vestry. The south door, which has a four-centred arch under a square head, has been mutilated. The west end is similar to the east, but the coping is carried up as a lean-to instead of a gable. The buttress at the angle is diagonal, splayed to a point. The north aisle is built of rubble similar to the chancel and has a lean-to roof covered with lead, a battlemented parapet with trefoil panelled pinnacles at each end and crocketed finials. Originally there were two intermediate pinnacles, of which only the bases remain. The north side has diagonal buttresses at the angles, one intermediate and, towards the west, a porch. It is lighted by two three-light traceried windows with splayed fourcentred heads, the centre light trefoiled, the two outer cinquefoil; by a similar window on the east; and on the west by a trefoiled single light with a square head. The porch is timber-framed with a tiled roof, and the entrance has been fitted with a pair of modern doors. On both sides the timbering has been concealed, externally with roughcast and internally with plaster. The front retains its timbering, the entrance having a heavy moulded frame and four-centred head, carved spandrels and lintel, and a timber-framed gable plastered between the timbers. The door has a moulded four-centred head, square hood-mould, carved spandrels, and trefoil-panelled soffit and reveals which have been badly mutilated. In the centre of the hood-mould there is a shield with three swords (for Clarke).
The tower is built of light-coloured sandstone ashlar with a moulded plinth and battlemented parapet on a coved string-course; at each angle there are bases for pinnacles. It rises in four stages, diminished at each stage by weathered offsets on the north and south, and on the east and west at the first and half-way up the third only. At the angles there are diagonal buttresses rising in five stages and splayed off to a sharp edge, except at the third stages on the west side which have gabled trefoiled niches. The west doorway, in a deep wave-moulded splay, is constructed of red sandstone and has a moulded four-centred arch under a square head, with carved spandrels. It is flanked by wall aracading in two tiers of trefoil-headed roll-moulded panels. Above the doorway is a tall pointed traceried window of three cinquefoil lights with a hood-mould, the tracery and mullions being modern, and in the second stage a clock dial. The tower staircase is in the south-west angle, with a loop-light to each stage and a square-headed doorway opening on to the aisle roof. The belfry is lighted on each face by pointed traceried windows of two trefoil lights, and the ringing chamber by similar windows on the north and south.
Internally the floor of modern tiles has been laid to a continuous fall from east to west, probably taking the place of a series of steps, as the bases of the arcade pillars and windows are stepped down following the slope. The walls, except the arcades and tower, are plastered, the plaster being finished round all the aisle windows with scalloped edges.
The chancel (28 ft. 4 in. by 15 ft. 6 in.) has four steps from the nave and three to the altar in addition to the slope of the floor. The east wall has a dado of modern coloured embossed tiles, and the window a segmental pointed rear-arch. At the east end of the south wall there is a shallow recess with a segmental pointed stop-chamfered head, probably a blocked piscina. The lancet windows have splayed recesses with square heads, and the doorway a segmental pointed rear-arch. The roof is a modern hammer-beam, its trusses supported on carved stone corbels. It is continued under the chancel arch with twin trusses, panelled between with pierced panels and supported on slender stone shafts with carved capitals and moulded bases resting on moulded corbels.
The nave (48 ft. 3 in. by 17 ft. 7 in.) has a modern open roof with curved trusses resting on moulded timber corbels. Both arcades consist of five bays of pointed arches, of two splayed orders, supported on lozenge-shaped roll-moulded pillars, the arch splays dying out on the mouldings, which terminate in splayed stops on plain lozenge-shaped pedestals. At the junction of the south arcade with the chancel there is a circular stair up to a square-headed doorway which gave access to a rood, and half-way up there is a pointed opening to the aisle. It is lighted from the east by a small square-headed two-light window. The chancel arch is a modern pointed one, of two splayed orders, dying out on the north wall and on the south resting on a floriated corbel. The tower has a pointed arch of two splays to the tower and three to the nave, the inner order supported on three-quarter-round responds with moulded capitals and bases. The arch is of red sandstone with capitals of a light-coloured stone, and on the tower side in the apex there is a carving of an angel. The south-west angle is corbelled out in three steps for the tower staircase, the upper step being trefoiled, and below it there is a square-headed doorway. The pulpit and reading desk, of stone, are modern.
The south aisle (49 ft. by 12 ft. 9 in.) has a lowpitched open roof of five bays with moulded members and carved bosses in the centres of the tie-beams. It probably dates from the early 16th century; the boarding and some rafters are modern. The trusses rest on stone corbels on the south wall, and on the north the outer roll mouldings of the arcade pillars are carried up with capitals in place of corbels. At the east end, the north-east angle is splayed to accommodate the staircase to the rood. The windows have hollowmoulded reveals with four-centred rear-arches, the window to the east having its arch extended eastwards and carried down to form a recess. The east wall has an offset at sill level with a chamfered stone capping, and the window reveals are carried down as a recess. In the east window there are some fragments of early coloured glass consisting of two chalices and parts of a canopy.
The north aisle (45 ft. 7 in. by 9 ft. 11 in.) has a lean-to roof of five bays, of which two retain some of their original moulded members, probably early-16thcentury. The trusses are supported on stone corbels on the north wall and on square blocks of stone as capitals to the outer roll moulding of the arcade pillars. Over the door there is a painted coat of arms of George IV. The font, with a lead-lined basin, is built into the west side of the north arcade pillar opposite the door. It is of stone, with an octagonal moulded basin with paterae, and octagonal stem and base which has been rendered in cement. It has been re-dressed but is probably contemporary with the arcade. Near the door there is a small 17th-century oak chest with three hasps and fitted with lifting rings at each end. In the centre and east windows there are a few fragments of early glass, including a peacock and portions of a castle.
The tower (15 ft. 10 in. by 13 ft.) has a window with widely splayed reveals, and a rear-arch of two splayed orders; the recess is carried down to include the doorway.
In the chancel and aisles there are a number of 18thand 19th-century wall memorials.
There are five bells, all of 1705, by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston.
The registers begin in 1558.
Tip by
6.31 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.27 km
1.19 km
536 m
203 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.05 km
1.41 km
872 m
536 m
447 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 7 May
17°C
8°C
19 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty level of ACW Circular Walk 12C?
This is an easy hike, suitable for nearly all fitness levels. It features minimal elevation gain and generally accessible paths, making it a pleasant walk for beginners or those looking for a relaxed outing.
How long does it typically take to complete this walk?
The ACW Circular Walk 12C typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. This duration is an estimate and can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the route?
The trail is characterized by easily accessible paths. While specific details for this exact walk are limited, other ACW routes in the area often feature a mix of surfaces including asphalt, natural earth, paved sections, gravel, and unpaved paths. You can expect varied but generally manageable ground.
Are dogs allowed on the ACW Circular Walk 12C?
Yes, the ACW Circular Walk 12C is generally dog-friendly. However, as the route traverses agricultural land, it's essential to keep dogs on a leash, especially when passing through fields with livestock or near roads, to ensure their safety and respect local wildlife and farmers.
What are the main points of interest along the trail?
The route offers several interesting features. You'll pass by the historic Brinklow Castle, the charming St John the Baptist Church, and the picturesque Old Stone Bridge Over the Stream. You'll also encounter Grimes Bridge No. 26 (Oxford Canal), offering views of the canal.
Is there parking available for the trailhead?
While specific parking details for this exact starting point are not provided, trails in this area often have designated parking near village centers or public access points. It's advisable to check local maps or community information for the most convenient parking options near Brinklow.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes and warmer weather, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter walks are also possible, though paths might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before you go.
Does this trail connect with other walking routes?
Yes, the ACW Circular Walk 12C is part of a network of trails. It significantly overlaps with the 'ACW Circular Walk 12' and 'ACW Circular Walk 12A (short-cut for C12)', and also shares sections with the 'A Coventry Way' and the 'Oxford Canal Walk'.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this walk?
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the ACW Circular Walk 12C. It is a public right of way, freely accessible for hikers to enjoy.
What kind of scenery can I expect along the way?
You can expect pleasant rural landscapes typical of the English countryside in Warwickshire. The route traverses agricultural land, offering views of fields, hedgerows, and charming village elements, including historical sites and canal features.
Is the ACW Circular Walk 12C suitable for families with children?
Given its easy difficulty rating, relatively short distance, and minimal elevation gain, this walk is very suitable for families with children. The varied scenery and points of interest like Brinklow Castle can keep younger hikers engaged.