‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 5th May 2018:
Enjoying bluebells and the cacophony of bird song in the late Spring woodland (which exist no more)
Banburyshire Rambles Photo-Journal
Paul Mobbs’ photographic record of his walks around ‘Banburyshire’ and ‘The Irondowns’, and occasionally, as part of his work around Britain, the areas beyond.
As HS2 clears the Jurassic 'Irondowns' it enters a very different landscape of rolling hills and valleys cutting the glacial sediments and Mercian Group rocks – creating intrusions as it crosses the broad, flat-bottomed valleys of the rivers Leam and Avon.
It's become more difficult get from Banbury up this way over recent years, mainly due to the removal of bus services. Some time ago the bus to Rugby was discontinued. That was followed more recently by the removal of the Banbury-Southam-Leamington service. That's a pity; there's some beautiful walking to be had around here!
Consequently Leamington Spa railway station is the easiest jumping-off point for walks in this area. For those wanting to enjoy the delights of this area I'd advise you to go to Leamington, and then take one of the radiating regular bus services to Kenilworth, Rugby, Southam or University/Coventry. The top of the 'north' area is most easily accessible from Berkswell and Hampton-in-Arden rail stations.
To view a scene click on one of the numbered blue dots on the map. This will take you to the page for that scene. To return to this index just click 'back'. Otherwise browse the list below to view the scenes in this area.
Northern Area Scenes List:
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 5th May 2018:
Scene 6. The Leam Valley from Hunningham Hill
Taking in the expanse of the Leam valley, from Lillington to Eathorpe
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 5th May 2018:
Scene 7. Ridgeway Lane, North of Longhole Bridge
One of the most beautiful cross-country routes in the Leamington area is about to be ‘re-engineered’
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 5th May 2018:
Scene 8. Longhole Bridge and the Grand Union Canal
A peaceful intersection for countryside recreation is about to get a noisy neighbour
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 5th May 2018:
Scene 9. Ridgeway Lane, South of Longhole Bridge
Admiring the late Spring trees of Long Itchington and Ufton Woods
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 17th February 2019:
Scene 40. River Leam, Offchurch
Walking out from Leamington this has been my jumping-off point – where many possible routes diverge to the north and south & straight on. Every possible route from here is disrupted by the influence of HS2.
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 17th February 2019:
Scene 41. Manor Farm, Offchurch
The view to Cubbington across the Leam Valley from near Offchurch
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 17th February 2019:
Scene 42. Fields Farm, Offchurch
A panorama across ‘The Wall’ that will bisect the Leam valley
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 17th February 2019:
Taking in the ‘block in the landscape’ where HS2 crosses the Leam on a high viaduct and embankment
‘Last Chance (HS)To See’, 17th February 2019:
Scene 44. Cubbington South Wood
Arcing back towards Leamington I take a moment to walk around the wood in the path of HS2