Stratford Canal Walks from Hockley Heath

If you have never walked the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, you are missing one of the West Midlands’ hidden gems. The towpath passes right through Hockley Heath, making our bakery the perfect starting point or mid-walk pitstop. Whether you want a gentle half-hour stroll or a proper half-day ramble, the canal has a route to suit you — and it is all right on your doorstep.

The Route

The canal runs from King’s Norton in Birmingham all the way down to Stratford-upon-Avon, and the stretch through Hockley Heath is one of the most scenic sections. From the village, you can walk north towards Lapworth and the junction with the Grand Union Canal, or south towards Wootton Wawen and beyond.

The towpath is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs along most sections. In spring and summer, the hedgerows are alive with wildflowers, and you will often spot kingfishers, herons, and the occasional otter.

Before You Set Off

There is free parking at the front and rear of the bakery, so you can leave the car with us and walk straight down to the water — the nearest access point is only a couple of minutes away on foot. The towpath surface is mostly firm and level, but it can get muddy after heavy rain, so sturdy shoes or wellies are a good idea in the wetter months. Bring a bottle of water, and remember there are few shops once you are out on the towpath, so it is worth stocking up before you go.

Our Favourite Walks

• Hockley Heath to Lapworth (3 miles) — a gentle walk along the canal to the pretty lock flight at Lapworth. Allow 1.5 hours each way.
• Hockley Heath to Lowsonford (2 miles) — south along the canal to the village of Lowsonford, famous for its barrel-roofed lock cottages.
• The full loop (5 miles) — walk the canal to Lapworth, then return via the quiet country lanes through Packwood. About 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

History on the Towpath

The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal opened in stages in the early 1800s to carry coal, lime, and timber through the Warwickshire countryside. Today the working boats are long gone, but the heritage is everywhere you look: hand-operated lock gates, cast-iron split bridges that once let tow ropes pass through, and the famous barrel-roofed lock cottages around Lowsonford. The flight of locks at Lapworth, where the Stratford Canal meets the Grand Union, is one of the prettiest spots on the whole network and well worth the walk.

Refuel at Wedges

Whether you are setting off or finishing up, our bakery is right here on School Road, just a couple of minutes from the canal. Grab a coffee and a sausage roll before you start, or reward yourself with a slice of cake when you finish. If you are heading out for the day, we can wrap up a takeaway picnic — freshly made sandwiches, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and flapjacks — so you can stop and eat by the water whenever the mood takes you.

"There is nothing quite like earning your cake with a good walk. We are happy to help with both."

Dogs are welcome in our outdoor seating area, and we always have fresh water bowls out for four-legged visitors. The canal towpath is one of the best dog walks in the area, so you will be in good company.