As seen on BBC Countryfile
On Sunday 29 May 2022, the Lias Line featured on BBC Countryfile when presenters Matt Baker and Ellie Harrison explore the greenway in Warwickshire.
Read the latest on our work to improve this route and find out how you can watch the episode.
About the Lias Line greenway
From Rugby station, turn left onto Murray Road, then left again onto Abbey Street.
There is a signed access point onto the Lias Lane Cycleway just before the road bends to the right.
The route follows a dismantled railway to the Wildlife Trust sites at Ashlawn Cutting and Cock Robin Wood, both havens for rare plants and butterflies.
After a mix of on-road sections and bridleways, you will arrive at Draycote Water, where there is a visitor centre. There is a cycle route right around the five-mile perimeter of the reservoir.
This is a great picnic spot, or in the winter you can look out for rare migrating birds from the bird hides.
From here, you pass Draycote Meadows nature reserve, a riot of wildflowers in late spring and early summer, and the beautiful village of Birdingbury.
Continue on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal through Long Itchington, a pretty village with a classic village green.
Find out more about the transformation of the Lias Line.
From Draycote Water, you pass Draycote Meadows nature reserve, a riot of wildflowers in late spring and early summer, and the beautiful village of Birdingbury.
You then travel on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal through Long Itchington, a pretty village with a classic village green.
You then join the new greenway with its biodiversity ponds (where we've spotted the great crested newt) and raised boardwalk which was built to protect the wildlife.
This will eventually take you over the Fosse Way once HS2 complete the bridge in 2024. In the meantime, to continue on the NCN, you will need to turn back and exit on Stonebridge Lane and follow signs that lead to Leamington.
Coming into Leamington Spa, the route winds its way past the leisure facilities of the country park at Newbold Comyn before joining the Grand Union Canal and passing the Leam Valley Local Nature Reserve.
In both Warwick and Leamington Spa, the route takes you right past the station, meaning the return journey can be made by train.
Lock up bikes at the station in Warwick and take a stroll through Priory Park to its historic centre – you are then only moments from Warwick Castle, but make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to explore its many attractions and events.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.