Ryton Pools: lakeside and southern Ryton Wood circuit

A short circuit with two different settings: open water at Ryton Pool and the quieter paths of ancient Ryton Wood. From the main visitor-centre car park, walk north through the country park and around Ryton Pool, then follow the eastern park path south to the woodland entrance. Make the southern woodland loop, looking out for carved benches and feature posts, and return through the park beside Pagets Pool to the visitor centre. Allow about 1½ hours for the roughly 3¼ km route with pauses for birds, woodland details and refreshments.

Start at Ryton Pools Country Park’s main visitor-centre car park off Ryton Road, Bubbenhall, CV8 3BH. Use the country park parking, rather than the closed-to-visitors Ryton Wood car park. Parking is charged; check the machines for the appropriate stay. The courtyard has toilets and Farmers Fayre Café. Park gates close seasonally, including at 6pm in October; read the day’s entrance notice and return before closing.

The country park paths are mostly surfaced, with gentle gradients, but the woodland section is uneven and can be muddy, with roots and slippery ground after rain. Wear shoes with grip. Give cyclists and other walkers space on shared paths, keep dogs on a lead in the nature reserve, and leave wildlife and carved features undisturbed. Stay back from water edges and keep children close: swimming and paddling are not permitted. This circuit does not cross the A445 or Pagets Lane.

Planned using Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Ryton Wood walking-trail map and the county council’s visitor information. The woodland section uses the southern loop of the Trust’s trail, rather than its full figure of eight. Current facilities and access details: https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/homepage/8/ryton-pools-country-park