Edgehill Theatre of War Walk

The Edgehill Theatre of War Walk is short on mileage but big on story. Starting in Radway, this 3.5-mile circular route climbs the wooded Edge Hill escarpment, crosses to Ratley and returns through the trees by Jacob’s Ladder.

The climb gets straight to the point and the final descent can be slippery, so this is more than a gentle village wander. In return, you get stone cottages, quiet lanes, open fields and views across land that played a huge part in English history.

The Battle of Edgehill took place here on 23 October 1642. It was the first major action of the English Civil War. Looking down from the ridge gives you a much clearer idea of the landscape and why the high ground mattered.

Edgehill walk details

• Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.7 km
• Time: 1½–2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Circular
• Start: Radway village, near St Peter’s Church
• OS grid reference: SP 370481
• Parking: Limited on-street parking in Radway
• Map: OS Explorer 206, Edge Hill & Fenny Compton

What to expect

The route begins gently through Radway before climbing sharply through the woods to the top of Edge Hill. From there it uses short stretches of quiet road to reach Ratley, then crosses fields on the Centenary Way before returning to the escarpment.

There are two stiles, several gates and a footbridge. Field paths can be muddy after rain, while the descent at Jacob’s Ladder needs care. Walking boots or shoes with good grip are the sensible choice.

Edgehill Theatre of War Walk directions

1. 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 curves left past a pond and a row of thatched cottages, with the old Methodist chapel nearby, before becoming a stony track.

2. Start the climb

Pass through two kissing gates and continue across the field to a third gate. Cross the sloping field towards the distinctive tower at the Castle at Edgehill. As you get close to the left-hand boundary, keep roughly the same line and climb steeply towards the trees.

3. Climb through the woods

Go through the gate into the wood and continue straight across the path junction. Follow the Macmillan Way markers uphill until you reach 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.

4. Walk into Ratley

When the path reaches the next road, turn left and continue towards Ratley. Turn right at the T-junction, then follow the High Street downhill and around the left-hand bend. Pass the church and keep left at the small triangular junction.

5. Join the Centenary Way

With the Rose & Crown on your right, turn into Chapel Lane. Where the lane bends left, continue straight ahead and climb the steps to a stile. Keep the fence on your left at first, then cross the field towards a stone stile in the boundary wall.

6. Cross the open fields

Turn right onto the Centenary Way. Cross the field towards the trees, then swing left and follow the field edge to a galvanised kissing gate. Cross the next field to the footbridge, go over it and climb the slope to a gap in the boundary.

7. Return to Edge Hill

Turn left along the road, passing the bungalows and Battle Lodge. Continue to the junction, cross with care and enter the woodland path ahead. This section follows the top of the escarpment and is much easier going than the climb from Radway.

8. Descend Jacob’s Ladder

When you reach the steps on the left, turn right and begin the steep descent by Jacob’s Ladder. Take your time if the ground is wet. Continue to a gate, then walk 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 and follow it back into the centre of Radway.

Parking and facilities

Parking in Radway is limited and mainly on the street. Park considerately, leave driveways clear and make sure farm and emergency vehicles can get through. There is no dependable public toilet on the route, so plan on that basis.

The Castle at Edgehill is directly on the route and serves food and drink, but check current opening times before travelling. The Rose & Crown in Ratley was closed for refurbishment when this guide was checked in September 2026, with reopening planned, so do not rely on it without checking first.

Dogs, children and accessibility

Dogs can come along, but keep them on leads through Radway and Ratley and under close control across the fields, particularly where livestock are present. The stiles, uneven paths and steep woodland sections make the route unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Older children who are happy on country paths should be fine, although the climb and descent need proper footwear. The route is exposed in places, so take water on warm days and an extra layer when the weather looks changeable.

A little more history

The battlefield is more than a name on the map. As you cross the ridge and look over the Vale of the Red Horse, the shape of the ground starts to make sense. The Battlefields Trust has more background in its Edgehill resources if you want to read about the armies and what happened next.

For more mapped routes, browse our Cotswolds walks and guides.