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Family friendly hiking trails around Priors Hardwick are set within a landscape characterized by medieval "ridge and furrow" undulations and expansive green spaces. The region features gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for various activity levels. Many routes incorporate sections of the Oxford Canal towpaths, providing flat walks with scenic views. The area's natural features offer a tranquil backdrop for outdoor pursuits.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The tap on the outside wall here doesn’t work (April 2025)
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Napton Bottom Lock No 8 is a place on the waterways on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (1 mile and ¾ furlongs and 6 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and ¾ furlongs to the northeast). It is at one end of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Lock No 9; 1 furlong away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Napton Sanitary Station; ¼ furlongs away. This is a lock with a rise of 5′5″.
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Folly Bridge No 113 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (1 mile and 1 furlong and 7 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and ¼ furlongs to the northeast). The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Sanitary Station; a few yards away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is The Folly PH (Canalside); a few yards away.
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Napton Lock No 10 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (7 furlongs and 4 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and 2¼ furlongs and 2 locks to the northeast). It is part of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Lock No 11; ¾ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Gilkes Bridge No 114; ¼ furlongs away.
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Napton Lock No 11 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (6¼ furlongs and 3 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and 3¼ furlongs and 3 locks to the northeast). It is part of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Shut Bridge No 115; 1¼ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Napton Lock No 10; ¾ furlongs away.
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Marston Doles Bridge No 119 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Fenny Compton Wharf (7 miles and 4¼ furlongs and 1 lock to the southwest) and Old Engine House Arm Junction (6½ furlongs and 1 lock to the northwest). It is part of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Fenny Compton Wharf is Marston Doles Top Lock No 16; a few yards away. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Marston Doles Bottom Lock No 15; 1 furlong away.
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A busy little section of the Oxford Canal, with moorings that serve the village of Napton-on-the-Hill. On a clear day, as many as seven counties can be seen from the village. The Folly pub is a great canalside establishment that prides itself on being a 'real pub'. Serving hearty food and a range of refreshments, you are sure to get a friendly welcome.
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Located on a broad ridgeline above the surrounding Warwickshire countryside, Priors Hardwick is a gorgeous village of rust and oche coloured ironstone houses. Amongst its narrow lanes is the Butchers Arms, a 14th-century inn that serves excellent food with a Portuguese flair. Accommodation can be sought at Hill Farm, which offers bed and breakfast and glamping.
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Priors Hardwick offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 200 routes in the area, with nearly 100 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children.
Yes, the area is particularly well-suited for easy family walks. Nearly 100 of the routes around Priors Hardwick are classified as easy, featuring gentle elevation changes and well-maintained paths. A great example is the Parish Church of St Mary – Priors Hardwick Village Green loop from Priors Marston CP, which is just over 4 km long.
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes around Priors Hardwick are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Priors Hardwick Village – Parish Church of St Mary loop from Stoneton CP is an easy circular walk that's just over 4 km.
Family hikes around Priors Hardwick offer a charming mix of landscapes. You'll encounter picturesque "ridge and furrow" undulations, remnants of medieval farming, expansive green spaces, and tranquil canal towpaths along the Oxford Canal. The village itself, with its Hornton ironstone buildings, adds to the scenic beauty.
Many of the easy routes around Priors Hardwick, especially those along the Oxford Canal towpaths, are relatively flat and well-suited for strollers or young children. These paths provide a smooth surface and gentle gradients, making them accessible for families. Always check individual route details for specific terrain information.
The area is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore historical sites like All Saints' Church, Burton Dassett, or the unique Stockton Lock No. 11 (Grand Union Canal). Many routes also pass by remnants of Shrunken Medieval Villages and the ancient "Welsh Road" drover's route, offering a glimpse into the past.
Yes, several beautiful bodies of water are accessible near Priors Hardwick. You might enjoy visiting Bishops Bowl Lakes, Stockton Reservoir, or Wormleighton Reservoir, which can be lovely spots for a family picnic or a quiet moment by the water.
Most public footpaths and canal towpaths around Priors Hardwick are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. It's always a good idea to keep your dog on a lead and carry waste bags. Always check specific trail regulations before you go.
Priors Hardwick is home to The Butcher's Arms, a historic pub that offers a welcoming stop for refreshments. Many nearby villages also have charming pubs and cafes where you can relax and refuel after your family adventure.
Parking is generally available in and around Priors Hardwick, often in designated village car parks or on-street where permitted. When planning your hike, it's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information, such as for the Priors Hardwick Village – Priors Hardwick Village Green loop from Priors Marston CP.
The gentle terrain and varied landscapes of Priors Hardwick make it enjoyable for family hiking throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers long daylight hours, autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and even winter can be pleasant for crisp walks, especially along the canal towpaths. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Priors Hardwick, with an average score of 4.46 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquil countryside, the charm of the canal paths, and the accessibility of the routes for families, making it a popular choice for outdoor adventures.


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