4.5
(1168)
7,245
hikers
14
hikes
Hiking around Barston reveals a landscape characterized by a mix of woodlands, open meadows, and agricultural land. The River Blythe meanders through the area, forming a natural boundary and offering serene views. Barston Lake provides a focal point for walks, while the village itself is situated at the western edge of the Meriden Gap.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.9
(7)
43
hikers
6.82km
01:48
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
32
hikers
7.94km
02:05
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.5
(4)
14
hikers
5.95km
01:35
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
11
hikers
9.97km
02:36
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Quaint Village. Worth looking around the Church and Visit to the Bulls Head is a must!
1
0
Going from the road to the ford it gets worse as you go along. During wet weather I wouldn’t even bother trying but there again I wasn’t on a MTB. The ford looks as though it could be deep in the middle with the farm vehicles grooves. The foot bridge to one side has a pipe which you have to get over, no big deal if walking but a bit more fiddly if you are on a bike. Once you get to the middle it gets worse but hour in the middle, do you turn around or hope it gets better. It doesn’t get better…
0
0
Fantastic stained glass window pop in to see it
0
0
The village has many historic buildings, some of which are timber-framed. The Church of St. Swithin is a Church of England church which dates from 1721, and is built on the site of an earlier church. The village also possesses two pubs, The Bulls Head Archived 14 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine and The Malt Shovel, and about 50 residential properties. The Barston Memorial Institute, opposite the Bulls Head, hosts many village activities with a Friday night youth club and regular Art Classes as well as the Barston WI and U3A meetings. There is no bus service or any other form of public transport in the village, although an abandoned bus stop still exists at the end of the central road of Barston, Oak Lane, which is left over from an old-school service from the 1970s and 1980s. Next to the bus stop is an old-fashioned red phone box.
1
0
Nice old church at the center of a fantastic community
0
0
There are 14 hiking trails around Barston, offering a variety of experiences. These include 8 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, ensuring options for different fitness levels.
Yes, Barston offers several easy walks suitable for families. A good option is The Bull's Head – St Swithin's Church, Barston loop from Barston, which is 4.2 miles long and takes about 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. The area around Barston Lake also provides simple, flat walks under 1.5 miles, ideal for all ages.
The Bull's Head pub, a 19th-century establishment with a 17th-century wing, serves as a common starting or ending point for several local walks and offers parking for hikers. It's a convenient spot to begin your adventure.
Hiking around Barston reveals a diverse landscape. You'll encounter a mix of woodlands and expansive open meadows. The River Blythe meanders through the area, providing serene views and opportunities for wildlife spotting along its banks. Barston Lake is another focal point, offering tranquil waters and surrounding greenery.
Yes, many of the trails around Barston are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include The Bull's Head loop from Barston, which is an easy 3.7-mile route, and Barston Lake – The Bull's Head loop from Barston, a moderate 5.0-mile option.
Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore historical sites and charming village features. St Swithin's Church, dating from 1721, is a prominent landmark. The village itself maintains an unspoiled rural appearance with architectural heritage spanning 400 years. Nearby attractions include the historic Kenilworth Castle and the National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden.
The trails in Barston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet woodlands to open meadows, and the gentle flow of the River Blythe. The well-maintained paths and the unspoiled rural charm of the village are also frequently highlighted.
Absolutely. The Bull's Head pub is a popular starting and ending point for many walks in Barston. It's a great place to enjoy refreshments and a meal before or after your hike, offering a classic pub lunch experience in a historic setting.
Yes, you can find routes that incorporate sections of the Grand Union Canal. For example, The Bull's Head – Grand Union Canal loop from Barston is a moderate 6.2-mile trail that leads through fields and alongside the canal, offering a different scenic perspective.
Barston's trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days and pleasant weather, and even winter walks can be charming, especially along the serene River Blythe and around Barston Lake, provided you dress appropriately for the conditions.
Yes, Barston Lake is a central feature for many walks, offering a tranquil environment. The River Blythe also meanders through the landscape, providing a serene backdrop. Further afield, you can explore the Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, which are part of the larger Earlswood Lakes system.
The diverse habitats of woodlands, open meadows, and the River Blythe support various wildlife. Along the riverbanks, you might observe different bird species and small animals. The agricultural land and natural areas provide a rich environment for local flora and fauna.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.