Easy hikes and walks around Watergall

We walked past the entrance to the footpath as it was obscured by bushes and an adjacent gate

Avon Dassett Reading Room is owned and managed by the Parish Council. The Reading Room was given to the village as a gift from Thomas Perry the owner of Bitham Hall in 1898.

This well is a bit of an enigma, in the deserted Burton Dassett village in Northend, is found a substantial well head which has claims to be a ‘Holy Well’  although the provenance is unclear. Burgess (1876) in his Warwickshire History simply notes that it was used for baptism and immersion. Whilst Bord and Bord (1985) Sacred Waters appear to be earliest to refer to it as such stating: “the holy well with its stone cover will be seen on the left-hand side of the lane as you approach the church”.                                            The present stone well house is of a considerable size being constructed of local red sandstone around 1840 in a Grecian style. The central doorway is party below ground level and has steps down into a square chamber. Over the stone lintel but the worn instruction is an inscription with carved flowers. It possibly states 1534 but it was not clear. It is evident that the well was part of an estate improvement but when and by whom? And did it exist before? If it does say 1534 that is an early date for a landed estate improvement. It certainly is still visited by well wishers as coins are found in its waters. Sadly, despite a substantial water supply it did not stop the demise of the village and now only the substantial church remains, which incidentally is worthy of a visit.

A circular earthwork is clearly visible on the ground on Harts Hill. It measures approximately 15m internal diameter, the ditch is 2m wide and the entrance (facing SE) is 2.5m across.

There is documentary evidence for a windmill here from the Post Medieval period and possibly earlier. It was of the post mill type and was restored in the 1930s but blew down in the 1946. It was at Windmill Hill. The beacon is what is left.

All Saints is a Grade I-listed church in a picturesque setting on the Burton Dassett Hills. The church has 12th-century origins. However, the chancel and transepts are early 13th century and the tower and porch are early 14th century. Inside, you can observe 13th-century wall paintings, medieval tiles and tombs from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Burton Dassett Hills Country Park boasts 100 acres (40 ha) of rolling hills with breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear day, views stretch beyond Coventry. Opened in 1971, the park contains many historical sites, including the ironstone quarry remains and the 12th-century All Saints Church.

Fenny Marina is a lovely spot on the Oxford Canal, surrounded by beautiful countryside. If you're feeling hungry, pub classics are served just up the canal at the Wharf Inn, which also offers camping pitches. A stroll into the village of Fenny Compton brings you to the award-winning Merrie Lion pub. There's also a Co-op for stocking up on supplies.