Arlescote Woods

Wood, Forest in Warwickshire Stratford-on-Avon

England

Arlescote Woods

Edge Hill inclined plane The trees mark the route of the Edge Hill Light Railway inclined plane. This was a rope-worked incline used to take wagons up and down from ironstone quarries at the top of Edge Hill to Burton Dassett sidings on the Stratford &amp; Midland Junction Railway. The line closed almost as soon as it was opened in the 1920&#039;s due to the changes in ironstone mining after WW1. It lay dormant in a timewarp until it was dismantled in 1946. — Edge Hill inclined plane Credit: Bob Walters

Arlescote Woods is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Warwickshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, this enchanting forest is nestled in the heart of the countryside, offering visitors a peaceful and serene escape from the bustling city life.

The woods are predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through. This creates a magical atmosphere, especially during the spring and summer months when the forest floor is adorned with a carpet of vibrant wildflowers.

Arlescote Woods is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers can spot a plethora of species, including woodpeckers, jays, and various songbirds. Squirrels scurry through the branches, and if lucky, visitors may catch a glimpse of a roe deer gracefully bounding through the undergrowth.

The woods are crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, making it an ideal location for leisurely strolls and family picnics. There are also designated areas for cycling and horse riding, allowing visitors to explore the woods from a different perspective.

Arlescote Woods is steeped in history, with remnants of ancient earthworks and a medieval motte-and-bailey castle located within its boundaries. These historical features add an intriguing dimension to the woodland, captivating visitors with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Overall, Arlescote Woods is a truly enchanting forest, offering a haven of tranquility and natural beauty to all who visit.

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Arlescote Woods Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.129299/-1.4265356 or Grid Reference SP3948. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Edge Hill inclined plane

The trees mark the route of the Edge Hill Light Railway inclined plane. This was a rope-worked incline used to take wagons up and down from ironstone quarries at the top of Edge Hill to Burton Dassett sidings on the Stratford & Midland Junction Railway. The line closed almost as soon as it was opened in the 1920's due to the changes in ironstone mining after WW1. It lay dormant in a timewarp until it was dismantled in 1946.

Bob Walters

View from Edge Hill

Looking across over Arlescote towards the Burton Hills.

Bob Walters

The Tower next to the Public House, Edge Hill

At this spot Charles the first raised his standard to mark the start of the English Civil War.

chestertouristcom

Looking down onto the battle field of Edge Hill

From the Public House Garden at Edge Hill.

chestertouristcom

View from Edgehill

Looking NNE from the Edgehill escarpment, with Arlescote at the foot and then across towards Kineton in the distance, with the site of the Battle of Edge Hill some 2-3 miles away.

David Stowell

Edge Hill Light Railway embankment

This embankment is close to the point at which the line crossed the road to Radway and is still shown on modern OS maps. This three mile long standard gauge line was built for the Oxfordshire Ironstone Company in 1920 and ran from a junction with the Stratford-on-Avon & Midland Junction Railway at Burton Dassett to ironstone mines at Edge Hill around SP3747. It was only operated for five years before the iron ores ran out and the line was closed. The railway and its rolling stock lay derelict for another 22 years before it was dismantled. The 1940s map still shows the line as being in existence. See also Link

David Stowell

Splash Leys Farm

Looking across the square from the Banbury Road with the escarpment of Edge Hill beyond.

David Stowell

Arlescote

Pond Farm, one of the colourful ironstone houses in this picturesque the village.

David Stowell

Blossom

Blossom by the layby on the Banbury Road with the Dassett Hills visible beyond.

David Stowell

Arlescote

The evening sunlight catches some outbuildings near the centre of the village.

David Stowell

Footpath to Poplars Farm

Looking along the footpath from Ratley as it crosses the valley of the Sor Brook.

David Stowell

View from Camp Lane

Camp Lane is running along a ridge at this point behind the hedge on the left of the picture. The northern face of this ridge is a familiar sight and leads into Edge Hill, however this view is looking along to more concealed southern slope of the ridge towards Fir Tree Farm.

David Stowell

Ratley Town Hall

That's what it says in the stonework! This is tucked away at the far corner of this delightfully secluded ironstone village.

David Stowell

The Rose & Crown, Ratley

The evening sunlight brings out the warm colours of the local ironstone construction.

David Stowell

The Old School Ratley

The former school building at the top of the village has now been converted into housing.

David Stowell

View towards Hornton Hill Farm

Looking across the valley of the Sor Brook from the footpath from Ratley towards Hornton Hill Farm and the communications tower near the southern edge of the square.

David Stowell

The church of St Peter ad Vincula, Ratley

There is a sign by the gate which mentions ".. a bell-ringer of 1967 producing 'an astonishing sight' by the ringing of the 3 bells in the church tower. Now there are 4 bells and the present bell-ringer will gladly produce 'an astonishing sight' (for £1)! before a 10 a.m. or 6.30 p.m. service."!

David Stowell