Ryton Pools Country Park and Ryton Wood Circuit

Ryton Pools Country Park combines 100 acres of former gravel workings with Ryton Wood, one of the largest semi-natural ancient woodlands in Warwickshire. The 8km circuit connects the park's open pools and meadows with the dense oak, ash and hazel of the ancient wood, creating a walk that shifts between open, light-filled parkland and enclosed, shaded forest. The pools attract dragonflies, kingfishers and grebes, while the ancient woodland has the layered canopy and rich understorey that centuries of continuous tree cover produce. The transition between the two habitats is gradual, maintaining interest throughout the walk. Just 62 metres of climbing keeps everything gentle.

This is a varied dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential, particularly in the woodland where the enclosed environment provides natural boundaries. The pools provide water access for paddling, and the ancient woodland floor delivers the richest scent environment in the park, with deep leaf litter, fungi and the damp earth of old forest. Livestock risk is low. The meadow sections are open and give dogs space to stretch out between the woodland corridors. The country park has a café with outdoor seating, toilets and good parking. The paths are well maintained and mostly firm, though the woodland can be muddy after rain. A walk that proves former industrial land can become genuinely rewarding countryside.