What better way to clear away the cobwebs than a winter walk? After all, a winter walk gives people the chance to take in picturesque views of frosted hills, glistening woodlands, and twinking trails – not to mention the huge health benefits that come with getting out in the fresh air.
If you’re visiting The George at Kilsby, then team your visit up with a winter walk in the local area. Surrounded by glorious countryside and quaint villages, Kilsby has a whole host of nearby beautiful winter walks readily available for you to enjoy. Here are some of our favourites:
Kilsby Village
If you’re visiting with little ones, then a long walk might not necessarily be top of your list. But if you still like the idea of getting some fresh air, then why not enjoy a simple stroll around Kilsby Village? An undeniably charming village on the border of Rugby and Northampton, Kilsby in itself is a lovely place to explore on a winter’s day. And if you want the kids to burn off some energy, then wrap up and head to Kilsby Village Park, just off Rugby Road. With a delicious children’s menu available, The George at Kilsby makes the perfect pitstop after a play in the park.
Kilsby to Barby Circular
Distance: 3.7 miles
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
If you’re looking for a short-ish route, then try the Barby to Kilsby Circular. Start at The George at Kilsby, and head down The Ridgeway into the neighbouring village of Barby. Head back to Kilsby through the surrounding fields, before ending at The George for a much-deserved post-walk bite to eat.
Kilsby, Barby and Ashby St Ledgers
Distance: 7 miles
Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
For something slightly longer, incorporate Ashby St Ledgers into your walk. Head down The Ridgeway but instead of turning into Barby, venture into the fields of Ashby St Ledgers. Here, you can choose to walk through or past Ashby Home Wood, then carry on going until you get to Main Street, before passing through flat farmland and open countryside back to Kilsby.
Kilsby, Ashby St Ledgers and Crick (optional extra: Cracks Hill, Crick)
Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: Approximately 3 hours
Make your way from Kilsby, towards Ashby St Ledgers and into Crick. When you reach Crick, there’s the option to explore Cracks Hill. You can choose either to head straight to the viewing point at the top of the hill before heading back to Kilsby or for those wanting to get in a few more steps, incorporate an additional 6.2 mile return loop to Yelvertoft. This route is a mix of unpaved and paved paths, as well as road surfaces.
What’s Cracks Hill all about? Reach the top of Cracks Hill and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of Crick and the surrounding villages – for best views, head there to catch an early sunset.
If you just fancy the view but not the walk, then there’s always the option to drive to Cracks Hill, which is just 10 minutes away from The George at Kilsby.
Rugby Borough FC and the Oxford Canal
Distance: 2.4 miles
Time: Approximately 1 hour
Just a five-minute drive from The George, between Kilsby and Hillmorton (Rugby), you’ll find the home Rugby Borough FC. Park up and make your way towards Barby Lane, before enjoying a tranquil walk along the Oxford Canal, until you reach Hillmorton Road (the A428). From there, you can walk back up to Rugby Borough FC, where the route ends.
Wherever your walk, be sure to start or finish at The George, Kilsby
The George at Kilsby provides the perfect countryside setting for a pre or post-walk drink or meal. With a selection of ales, wines, spirits, soft drinks and hot beverages to choose from, as well as a lunch and dinner menu bursting with flavour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter.