WELCOME TO THE KFPG

WHO ARE WE?

The Kenilworth Footpath Preservation Group is a friendly and informal voluntary group, who work in cooperation with the Rights  of  Way department of Warwickshire County Council.

Our main aim is to clear and waymark a hundred plus rights of way - footpaths and bridleways - in Kenilworth and the surrounding parishes in the Warwick District.

We try to make sure that all the paths used in our  book Kenilworth and Beyond are always open, accessible and clearly marked. This work involves the repair of stiles, installation of kissing gates, foot  bridges, waymark posts, finger posts plus the clearance of paths.

Waymark posts and finger posts have  blue or yellow arrows affixed. These indicate the direction of the path. Blue is for a bridleway, this being open to horses and cyclists in addition to walkers. Yellow is for those paths only open to walkers.

The KFPG was formed at a public meeting 50 years ago, in 1974, by local walkers, concerned at the sad deterioration of the countryside paths at the time. These were often unsignposted, overgrown, blocked by fences and other obstacles, and generally neglected.

A decision was made to publicise the paths with the launch of a walks book, Kenilworth Footpaths, this first edition being published in the Queen's Jubilee Year of 1977. The Group set itself the goal of ensuring that every path used in the book was open, walkable and clearly waymarked.

The map below shows the area covered today,

The area covered by the group today has expanded considerably since the first walks book was published over 40 years ago in 1977. Over the years many dedicated volunteers have assisted, working together to improve the paths surrounding Kenilworth and the adjacent parishes beyond. In the latest 2022 revision HS2 construction work has meant that walks D, O & Z have been reworked whilst walks Q & W have been replaced   completely with new walks.  

Front cover of " Kenilworth and Beyond" walks book

LATEST WALK UPDATES

Walk W - Offchurch & Hunningham (2018 edition)

Walk W has been replaced by an Offchurch - Newbold route in the 2022 revision.

Walk Q - University of Warwick and Crackley (2018 edition)

Walk Q has been replaced by a Burton Green - University of Warwick - Westwood route in the 2022 revision.

RECENT IMPROVEMENT WORK

See what work has been completed recently, our future objectives and how this is accomplished.

OUR WALKS BOOK

Our latest sixth edition of our walks book Kenilworth and Beyond - Country Walks was published in February 2018, the first edition having been published over forty years ago in the Queen's Jubilee Year of 1977. A revised edition being published in 2022.

Chairman Jim Passmore with KFPG members at the latest launch  at Kenilworth Books - in July 2022

The launch of this revised edition walks book took place at Kenilworth Books in July 2022 where the group were made welcome by Judy, the owner. “This revised edition is still a bargain at the same price of six pounds” says Jim Passmore, editor and Chairman of the Kenilworth Footpath Preservation Group.

There are twenty-six walks however, iIn the latest 2022 revision, HS2 construction has meant that, since the 2018 edition, walks D, O & Z have needed to be reworked whilst walks Q & W have been replaced completely with new walks.

The walks mostly start from pubs and are between 1½ to 8 miles in length. Most walks have described short cuts. Longer walks can be made with the combination of two or more walks. As a result there are walks in our pleasant countryside for everyone, from gentle evening or a Sunday afternoon stroll to a good day walk with a break for lunch at a convenient pub or cafe.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We meet for our working parties on the third Sunday morning of each month at 9.45 a.m. in the Tiltyard Pub car park (Leyes Lane opposite the old Kenilworth School), finishing around 1 p.m. in the pub (not compulsory!).

The tasks, such as installing posts, kissing gates and bridges, together with path clearance, are suitable for all levels of ability and fitness so everyone can contribute. All tools are supplied. We always welcome additional helpers, why not join us?