Draycote Water Perimeter Walk
Warwickshire
Draycote Water is a 240 hectare reservoir built between 1967 and 1969 to supply Rugby and Coventry, filling a valley south of Dunchurch with up to five billion gallons of water held back by embankments on three sides, and the flat perimeter path makes an easy lead walk for any dog. A track runs the full way round the shoreline, a distance of about 8km on a mix of concrete path and natural embankment, with no climbing of note and views across open water to the sailing club's dinghies on breezy days. The country park around the visitor centre has nature trails, a bird hide overlooking the reservoir's western bay, and a cafe, and the reservoir supports wildfowl through the winter months.
This is a popular dog friendly walk, and the flat, well surfaced perimeter path makes for easy, level walking whatever the weather. As on other Severn Trent reservoirs in the region, dogs are asked to stay on a lead near the water to protect nesting and wintering birds, so this is a walk for a dog happy on a lead rather than one looking for a free run, though the distance alone makes for a good long walk. Swimming is not advised for dogs or people, as the water is cold, deep and affected by currents from the pumping station. There is little natural shade around the open reservoir, so plan for exposed conditions in summer. The visitor centre has a cafe, toilets and parking, making this an easy stop before or after the full loop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe and toilets at the visitor centre.
- Parking
- Draycote Water Country Park car park, Severn Trent Water, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Draycote Water Perimeter Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in WarwickshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Draycote Water Perimeter Walk dog friendly?
Yes, Draycote Water is a popular spot for dogs and earns a 7/10 on our dog friendly rating. The flat 8km perimeter path around the reservoir is well surfaced and easy going for dogs of all sizes, and the visitor centre has a cafe, toilets and pay and display parking to make the visit straightforward.
Can dogs be off lead at Draycote Water Perimeter Walk?
Dogs are asked to stay on a lead throughout the perimeter walk, in line with Severn Trent's policy on their reservoirs to protect nesting and wintering birds. This makes Draycote Water better suited to a dog that's happy walking on a lead rather than one looking for a free run, though the full 8km loop is a decent stretch for most dogs.
What should I know before visiting Draycote Water Perimeter Walk with my dog?
A couple of things are worth bearing in mind. Swimming is not advised for dogs or people, as the water is cold, deep and affected by currents from the pumping station. The path around the reservoir is also quite exposed with little natural shade, so on hot summer days it's worth planning your visit for the cooler parts of the day and bringing plenty of water for your dog.
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Draycote Water Country Park, Rugby Road, Thurlaston, Warwickshire CV23 8AE
52.3186, -1.3203
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