Walk Description
Starting from the Family Hub, we’re turning left along Middle Ride, taking care when crossing Yarningale Road. As the road swings round to the right, we’re following the footpath straight ahead, through the blocks of flats until we reach some grass on our righthand side. Here we need to cross over St James Lane and head down Robin Hood Road.
This is a road that has lots of useful places to know about – there’s the Willenhall Social Club on the right (a great place to host parties), St John the Divine’s Church on the left.
Then, on your right, you’ll see the Willenhall Dental Practice, a row of shops which includes a post office, pharmacy and small supermarket. Here you’ll also find the Betty Ennis Foundation Centre – home to drop in sessions, a food bank and social supermarket.
Our walk continues along Robin Hood Road until we reach Euston Crescent where we turn right. Ahead of us we see the park known as Rock Spinney. As we reach the wall directly ahead – we can go either left or right to find a gap that enable us to go into the park. There’s a great play area here for the children and plenty of space for your dogs to have a good run about.
In the park we’re headed left, across the grass towards some trees. You’ll see a path worn into the grass that you can follow into the trees. If there’s been heavy rain this area can get very boggy (even be underwater when the river bursts its banks) so do take care as you go. The path takes us to a footbridge that crosses the River Sowe. Please note that whilst a single buggy can be manoeuvered around the gate, double buggies and wheelchairs won’t be able to – please see the Wood Side Accessible Walk as an alternative route for you to take.
Crossing over the bridge we turn right and walk along the path that runs alongside the outdoor pitches of the Alan Higgs Centre. The footpath takes us down to the main entrance and from here we make our way up onto the main road, Allard Way, and use the pedestrian crossing to make our way to the opposite side of the road, where we follow the footpath to our right.
Take care crossing Jasmine Grove, and continue straight on, following the path as it heads down towards an underpass that takes us back to the opposite side of Allard Way. Before you enter the underpass – take a look to your right hand side. There’s a plaque here that commemorates the filming of the 1969 classic film, The Italian Job. The scene of the Mini driving through the sewers of Turin – that was actually filmed right here in Coventry. A new sewer system was being installed in the city and, before it was commissioned into use, it was used to film those now infamous scenes. Who knew you had such an iconic film location right here on your doorstep!
We go through the underpass and follow the path that is ahead of us into the park, crossing over the River Sowe once more. This is another great little green space that we’re heading into – a great place to walk your dog or go for a jog.
Next up, on our right is Corpus Christi – first the Catholic Primary School and then the church itself, followed by the social club (which has plans to offer drop in community sessions). We then come upon another green space and turn right into it. We’re then headed under the railway line and then turning left to follow the path along the grass and beside the pylons. At the car park, we cut off right, and follow the road up onto Meadfoot Road. Here we turn left and follow the road round to the end. A quick left turn brings us onto St James Lane. Here we turn left and use the pedestrian crossing to safely cross the road.
In the hedge in front of us you’ll notice a gap and path heading towards the blocks of flats in front of you. We follow the path, turning right before we get to the buildings to cut across towards Eureka Nursery. Turn right onto Middle Rise and then we’re back at the Family Hub once more where you can pop in for a hot drink before continuing with the rest of your day.
Read more ...
