COTSWOLDS / CIVIL WAR WALK / 3.5 MILES
Edgehill Theatre of War Walk
A short walk with a surprisingly big story. This circular route climbs from Radway to the top of Edge Hill, crosses to Ratley and drops back through the woods by Jacob’s Ladder.
At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
At 3.5 miles, this isn’t a long walk, but it packs plenty in. You start among the stone cottages of Radway, climb hard through the trees to Edge Hill, then make a quieter loop through Ratley before returning along the escarpment.
The view from the ridge is part of the reason to come. The fields below were the scene of the Battle of Edgehill on 23 October 1642, the first major action of the English Civil War. Looking across the vale gives you a much better sense of the ground than a history book ever could.
There are a couple of steep sections, two stiles and paths that can turn muddy after rain. Allow around an hour and a half to two hours, and don’t rush the descent at Jacob’s Ladder.
Starting in Radway, the route passes St Peter’s Church and Radway Grange before climbing the wooded escarpment to the Castle at Edgehill. It then follows quiet lanes into Ratley, crosses open fields on the Centenary Way and returns to Radway through the woods.
The distance is modest, but the climb to the ridge and the descent at Jacob’s Ladder give it more bite than a flat village stroll. Good footwear is worth bringing, even in summer.
Mapped and ready
See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before setting off and save an offline map for the walk.
Useful overnight bases
Places to stay near the route
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Edgehill and Radway
Edgehill, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
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Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Leave Radway
From the centre of Radway, walk towards St Peter’s Church and fork left into West End. Continue beside the grounds of Radway Grange. The lane bends left past a pond and a row of thatched cottages, then becomes a stony track.
Climb towards Edge Hill
Pass through two kissing gates and continue across the field to a third gate. Cross the sloping field towards the tower at the Castle at Edgehill. Near the left-hand boundary, keep the same line and climb steeply towards the trees.
Through the woods
Go through the gate into the wood. Cross the path junction and follow the Macmillan Way markers uphill to the road. With the Castle at Edgehill on your right, turn left for a short distance, then take the footpath on the right between Cavalier Cottage and Rupert House.
Into Ratley
At the next road, turn left and continue into Ratley. Turn right at the T-junction, follow the High Street downhill and around the left-hand bend, pass the church and keep left at the triangular junction.
Pick up the Centenary Way
With the Rose & Crown on your right, turn into Chapel Lane. Where the lane bends left, continue straight ahead up the steps to a stile. Keep the fence on your left at first, then cross the field to a stone stile in the boundary wall.
Cross the fields
Turn right onto the Centenary Way. Cross the field towards the trees, then swing left around the field edge to a galvanised kissing gate. Cross the next field to a footbridge and climb the slope to a gap in the boundary.
Return to the escarpment
Turn left along the road, passing the bungalows and Battle Lodge. At the junction, cross carefully and take the woodland path ahead, which follows the top of the escarpment.
Descend Jacob’s Ladder
When you reach the steps on the left, turn right and descend steeply by Jacob’s Ladder. Continue to a gate, then head straight down the field to a kissing gate. Pass through a second kissing gate and follow the path beside the private garden to a drive. Turn left on the road to return to the centre of Radway.
Before you go
Practical information
Parking
Parking in Radway is limited and mainly on the street. Please park with care, leave room for farm and emergency vehicles, and don’t block driveways.
Paths and footwear
The route uses field paths, woodland tracks and quiet country roads, with two stiles. The climb onto Edge Hill is steep and Jacob’s Ladder can be slippery on the way down. Walking boots or grippy shoes are the sensible choice after rain.
Dogs and children
Keep dogs on leads through Radway and Ratley, and under close control on the Centenary Way, particularly where livestock are present. The steep ground and stiles make this unsuitable for pushchairs. Older children who are comfortable on country paths should manage it well.
Food and toilets
The Castle at Edgehill is on the route and currently serves food and drink, but check its opening times before setting off. The Rose & Crown in Ratley was closed for refurbishment when we checked in September 2026, with reopening planned, so don’t rely on it without checking first. There are no dependable public toilets along the walk; customer facilities may be available at the Castle when it is open.
Map
OS Explorer 206 covers Edge Hill and Fenny Compton. The interactive route map above is useful for following the line, but take an offline copy or paper map where possible.
Parking
Limited on-street parking in Radway. Park considerately and keep entrances and passing places clear.
Tickets and booking
Check the Castle at Edgehill and Rose & Crown directly before relying on their current opening or facilities.
Seasonal considerations
Take water on warm days and an extra layer in changeable weather. Grippy footwear is sensible after rain.
Toilets and refreshments
There are no dependable public toilets on the route. Customer facilities may be available at the Castle at Edgehill when it is open.
Terrain
Village lanes, steep woodland paths, field tracks, two stiles, several gates and a footbridge
Accessibility
The stiles, uneven paths and steep woodland climb and descent make this route unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Facilities
Limited on-street parking in Radway; food and drink may be available at the Castle at Edgehill when open.
Dogs
Keep dogs on leads through Radway and Ratley and under close control across fields, particularly where livestock are present.
Road conditions, tolls or permits
The walk includes short stretches of quiet country road. Cross carefully at the junction near Battle Lodge.
Safety
Wear boots or shoes with good grip, take care on the steep climb and Jacob’s Ladder descent, and carry an offline or paper route map where possible.
Important cautions
Field paths can be muddy after rain. The climb onto Edge Hill is steep and the descent at Jacob’s Ladder can be slippery.
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Useful answers
Edgehill Theatre of War Walk FAQs
How long is the Edgehill Theatre of War Walk?
The circular route is 3.5 miles (5.7 km). Allow around 1½ to 2 hours, longer if you stop for the views or refreshments.
Is the Edgehill walk difficult?
It is a moderate walk. The distance is short, but there is a steep climb onto Edge Hill and a steep woodland descent at Jacob’s Ladder.
Can I take a dog?
Yes, but keep dogs on leads in Radway and Ratley and under close control across the fields. Livestock may be present.
Is the route suitable for pushchairs?
No. The walk includes stiles, uneven field paths, a steep climb and a steep woodland descent.
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