Getting There
Sat Nav: CV7 9HZ
Leave the M6 at Junction 2 and take the B4065, signed Wolvey, Ansty and M69, Northbound 4th exit, Southbound 1st exit.
Stay in the right hand lane for Ansty, Shilton B4065.
Enter Ansty, drive over the canal bridge and the Rose and Castle Inn is on the right. The car park is just before the pub.
Return to M6 Junction 2
Turn left out of the Rose and Castle car park, and return to the M6 on the B4065
Oxford Canal walk
From the rear of the car park walk down the steps past the outdoor seating area and down to the canal. Walk over the bridge (Bridge No.15) and go through the gate on the right to walk down some steps to get to the towpath.
Turn right to walk under the bridge and away from the motorway. The canal winds away and another bridge (Bridge No.16) is soon seen. Look out for the gardens on the left bank.
Walk under Bridge No.16, after which the path's condition suddenly deteriorates. The canal bends to the right to go under Bridge No.17 (a road bridge).
After the bridge the hedgerow falls away and you will see the green of Ansty Golf Centre on both sides. With wider views, the walk feels much more relaxing after Bridge No.17. The canal continues to bend to the right as it approaches Bridge No.19 (oddly there was no Bridge 18). The canal continues to bear to the right ahead with a lot of greenery on both sides.
If you turn around here, the walk will be around 30 minutes in total.
In wet weather some parts of the towpath flood, so walking boots or wellies are a good idea.
The name ‘Ansty' originates in Anglo-Saxon, meaning ‘one path' which seems entirely appropriate for a one-way canal walk. Another interesting fact about the village is that it was once owned by Lady Godiva – she of the flowing tresses!
Facilities
At the Rose and Castle. Dogs are not allowed inside the pub, alas, but there is a large outdoor seating area at the back of the car park. Food served all day.