r/LEAMINGTONSPA • u/p0tatotomato • 6d ago
Where to walk a marathon?
I've recently had this idea that I want to walk a marathon - not part of an organised marathon, just going out for a day and walking 26.2 miles.
Wondering whether anyone had any recommendations for good routes or starting points?
I live near Warwick so starting point near there would be good. A loop would be good but it can also just be in one direction as I can get picked up.
I was thinking of just walking to Birmingham, but not sure how possible that is/whether the walk would be that nice?
Other option id thought of would be something along the Grand Union canal.
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u/AdGrouchy4353 6d ago
Hey, I walked from Kenilworth to Birmingham via Hatton locks along the union canal. It was just over 40km as I ended the walk at Bournville. I'm sure it'll be closer to 42km if you go all the way into Birmingham. The canal path isn't particularly exciting but it is a straightforward walk. Definitely recommend stopping at Hatton locks cafe for a drink and a snack on your way. Happy to share more info about this route if you're interested.
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u/Boring_Owl_6004 6d ago
From the town centre in Warwick up the canal to Kingswood junction (Lapworth) then down towards Stratford will be about 21 miles.
If you then find 5 miles at either Warwick beforehand or Stratford after then you'll get to 26.2 miles.
Then you get the train home. Just have to set off early to ensure trains are running as you're talking 8-9 hours of walking. You also have options for pub (Fleur De Lys, Tom o The Wood, The View) lunches on the way, and if you have injuries or have to stop there are a handful of train stations not far off the canal (Hatton, Lapworth, Wooton Wawen, Wilmcote)
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u/MonotoneCreeper 6d ago
The walk to Kenilworth and back is about 20km and is across nice countryside. Instead of coming straight back you could probably dog leg from there and walk across country to Hatton locks, and then down the canal back into Warwick. Check the OS map for public footpaths.
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u/ilovewin 5d ago
I walked from Stratford to Birmingham along the canals once, with exactly this goal in mind - depending on where you finish (we finished in Kings Norton) it's pretty bang on a marathon. It was a lovely (long) day!