Within Warwickshire

The Lias Line from Rugby

This generally level section of National Route 41 uses some former railway lines and is open between Rugby and Warwick. It is known as The Lias Line after the locally quarried Blue Lias stone. The ride is a linear route that starts or ends at Rugby rail station, with stopping points at Leamington Spa or Warwick town centres and rail stations – cycle back or return by train. The trail can be extended, linking to the Warwick to Wellesbourne trail and on to Stratford-upon-Avon.

General overview of route (please click ‘Download Trail here’ at the bottom of the page for full direction details and distances before setting out):

1. From the centre of Rugby, your route follows the former railway along the Great Central Way and soon passes two Warwickshire Wildlife Trust sites: Ashlawn Cutting and Cock Robin Wood.

2. On reaching Draycote Water, a 5-mile path runs all the way around this delightful reservoir and country park. Enjoy a picnic, or in winter look out for rare migrating birds.

3. Coming in to the elegant Regency town of Leamington Spa, your route winds its way past the leisure facilities at Newbold Comyn Park before joining the Grand Union Canal and passing the Leam Valley wildlife site.

4. In both Warwick and Leamington Spa, the on-road route takes you right past the station, meaning the return journey can be made by train, with a change at Coventry. Lock up bikes at the station in Warwick and take a stroll through Priory Park to its historic centre – then you are only moments from Warwick Castle.