This route guide is intended to be used along with with the OS Explorer 232 map and is not intended to be used stand-alone.
It details a route of about ten miles, mostly off-road with two possible refreshment stops.
1. The suggested starting point for this route is the Daneford Lane car park. Turn right out of the car park and cycle along Daneford Lane over the A38 bridge.
2. Take the first right, at the golf driving range. At the T junction turn left on to the A51 (care).
3. After 200 metres take the bridleway on the right - The Heart of England Way (take care crossing the A51).
4. Follow the Heart of England Way for 1km until you reach Freeford Farm. At the farm turn right and follow the wide farm track which will take you down a slope and through Freeford Wood.
5. 400m after emerging from the wood, the track (which has now become a road) meets the A38. Carefully cross the A38 and continue along Whitehouse Lane to Whitehouse Farm.
Option: To visit the Heart of the Country Craft Centre (various craft shops and refresments) bear left at Whitehouse Farm, follow the road past a few cottages on the left and through a gate. Follow the road as it deteriorates to the gate at the A38. Carefully cross the dual carrage way and into the craft centre. To return to the route, retrace your path.
6. At Whitehouse Farm go straight on (if coming from 5 above) or left (if coming from optional detour above). After 600m turn left on to Swinfen Lane bridleway. Follow this track until it comes out onto the A38. Note, in the height of summer this track can become somewhat overgrown.
7. Carefully cross the A38 (you'll need to hurdle the low barier in the centre) and turn right. Ride along the grass verge for 200m and take the Tamworth Lane bridle apth on the left.
8. Follow the bridle path until it reaches a road. Go stright over the road onto Knox's Grave bridle path.
9. After 700m turn left onto the track (Heart of England Way) that runs across the open fields.
10. Continue allong this bridle way until you reach the road.
Option: To visit the Packington Moor Farm Shop and Cafe (open Thur-Sat inc) turn left onto the road and right after about 200m. To regain the route, retrace your path.
11. Continue straight across the road (if coming from 10. above) or turn left (if coming from Option above) to continue along the Heart of England Way. Follow it in a straight line for about 3.5km untill it reaches a T junction with the A51.
12. Turn left onto the A51 and after 200m turn right (care).
13. At the T junction turn left. Cross the A38 and turn left back into the car park.
Alternative start points:
From Shenstone Railway Station: this start point is currently cut off by the BNRR work.
From Blake St Railway Station, turn right out of the station onto Blake St (the A4026). At the cross road go straight on into Watford Gap Rd. Take the first left into Little Hay Lane. Follow this road until it meets the A38. Use the cycle crossing to cross the A38. Carry on through Weeford and cross the A5 on to Flats Lane. After 1km you will reach point 8. above. Turn right into the Knox's Grave bridle path.
Please note that every attempt to confirm the legallity of the route has been made but your should always double check the rights of ways before commencing - the writers take no responsibility for any trespass or damage caused by the users of this route.