Warwickshire Walks, River Walk Leamington Spa to Warwick

Warwickshire is a great county for dog walks and hiking. This post is about the walk from Leamington Spa to Warwick. This walking route is reversible and just as delightful whichever way you choose to go. The route includes two town centres, a castle, two picturesque rivers, a canal aqueduct and oodles of wildlife.

The length of this walk is just under three miles; however, keen hikers can add to this at either end if you want to make a day of it. It is pretty flat. The most tricky part is the steps down from the Grand Union Canal to the River Avon.

Map of River Walk from Royal Leamington Spa to Warwick

My walk started at Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa and concluded at the East Gate in Warwick. All photos are from my spring 2021 visits to Warwickshire.

Waypoints and Features between Leamington Spa & Warwick Castle

There are some stunning sights on this walk. These are, as you see them, in order.

Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa

This is my favourite part of Leamington Spa and is absolutely gorgeous in the changing seasons. In spring the flowerbeds are vibrant; however, the autumnal colours are spectacular too. The ornamental gardens have lots to see, including fountains, lakes and other features. The park is also very dog-friendly, and you will meet lots of other dog walkers. You need to cross the park on this route to the main gate towards the Royal Pump Room.

Royal Pump Room Gardens

Home to a bandstand and the Royal Pump Rooms. This garden is a pleasure to spend time in. It is a pleasant park to cross; you need to head to the far corner towards the footbridge across the River Avon.

Walk Along the Footpath on The River Leam

After crossing over the footbridge from Royal Pump Room Gardens, you head downstream along the river. There are some fantastic views across the water, including over to St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

The footpath continues along the river and reaches Adelaide Bridge, a nice-looking bridge.

Victoria Park

After passing through an arch of Adelaide Bridge, you reach Victoria Park. This is another park in Leamington Spa. However, this one seems geared more toward the younger generation. There is a skateboard park and plenty of other fun things happening here. You need to walk through Victoria Park until you reach Princes Drive, where you cross the road and enter a clearly marked path.

Riverside Walk From Princes Drive in Leamington Spa

On this footpath, you get to see the weir on the River Leam. This is quite a sight. You then follow this path through some beautiful countryside away from the river. This eventually leads to the Grand Union Canal. Sadly, this path bypasses where the Leam meets the Avon.

Walk Along the Grand Union Canal & Aqueduct

This section of the canal is rather tranquil with a nice towpath. However, you only walk a short section of the Grand Union Canal. This is basically to cross over the aqueduct over the River Avon.

The views from the aqueduct upstream on the River Avon are very nice. You can also spot some of the river’s wildlife from here.

To get to the River Avon from here, you need to descend some metal steps back onto the river path.

These are quite steep, thus worth considering before embarking on this walk.

River Avon Path

The path alongside the Avon here is picturesque, and there are opportunities to spot wildlife, including some herons. The path then leads onto St Nicholas’ Park.

Walk through St Nicolas’ Park in Warwick

This is a massive park with loads of space and views of Warwick Castle and the river. The park has benches to rest your legs, a cafe and toilets if required. If walking with children, there are amusements to have fun on or a game of crazy golf.

Warwick Castle

After exiting the park on the A425, you get to view some of Warwick Castle from the outside, including the main entrance. Warwick Castle is a lovely building with an interesting history dating back to the Norman Conquest. For the best view of the castle without entering, if you head to the bridge on the A425 and admire it, it’s well worth it.

St Nicholas Church

From the castle, it is a short walk to the beautiful St Nicholas Church, which was built in the 18th century. The churchyard has some magnificent trees with nice blossoms in the spring.

Warwick East Gate

From the castle, you need to head up the hill to the interesting East Gate of Warwick. This is an old gate with a chapel built on top. Once here, you have access to either the town centre or the train station for onward travel.

Warwickshire River Walk Review

This is a great Warwickshire walk. If you love seeing nature or history, it combines both. It’s a pretty simple walk and is ideal to complete if you are staying in either town. You can easily get the train back to the start point.