Blackdown

Civil Parish in Warwickshire Warwick

England

Blackdown

Blackdown is a civil parish located in the county of Warwickshire, England. It lies approximately 3 miles southwest of the town of Leamington Spa and covers an area of about 5 square miles. The parish is situated on the eastern edge of the Edgehill escarpment, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Blackdown is primarily a rural area with a small population, and it is known for its picturesque landscape and natural beauty. The parish is characterized by rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The area has a rich history, dating back to Roman times. It is believed that a Roman road passed through Blackdown, connecting the nearby towns of Banbury and Leamington Spa. The parish also played a significant role during the English Civil War, as the nearby Battle of Edgehill took place just a few miles away.

Today, Blackdown offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It is a popular spot for walking, hiking, and cycling, with several well-marked trails and footpaths crisscrossing the area. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the top of the escarpment.

Overall, Blackdown is a charming rural parish that combines natural beauty with a rich historical heritage, making it a delightful destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Warwickshire.

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Blackdown Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.318391/-1.537986 or Grid Reference SP3169. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bericote Lane with Nishan Sahib

This view over Bericote Lane, Blackdown, looking towards Bericote Wood, is framed by a pair of saffron-coloured Nishan Sahib flags, the 'exalted ensign' of the Khalsa Panth of initiated Sikhs. They stand outside the entrance to the Baba Ke gurdwara or Sikh temple on the northern outskirts of Leamington Spa, which is unusual in Britain for its rural setting. For more on the Nishan Sahib see the Sikh Museum website here Link

A J Paxton

Field Path from Hill Wootton Road to Wootton Spinnies

The path along the edge of a ploughed field is indicated by a sign of the distinctive design of the Kenilworth Footpath Preservation Group. In the Spinnies, a linear wood by the River Avon, the path divides, one route continuing to Chesford Bridge over the Avon, the other to Leek Wootton village as indicated on the sign.

A J Paxton

Footpath from Hill Wootton village to Wootton Spinnies and Kenilworth Road

The direction of the path is indicated by a signpost of the distinctive design of the Kenilworth Footpaths Preservation Group. Wootton Spinnies by the River Avon can be seen on the horizon.

A J Paxton

Wall with Virginia creeper, Hill Wootton Road

This well-covered wall, and an unusual mansard roof behind the telegraph pole giving it a rather French appearance, can be seen in Hill Wootton village.

A J Paxton

Path through the maize to Wootton Spinnies

Tall maize plants heavy with cobs frame an oak tree on the edge of Wootton Spinnies, a linear wood which runs along the bank of the River Avon, then continues to the west in a sinuous path towards Leek Wootton village.

A J Paxton

Confluence of the Cattle Brook and the River Avon

The confluence is viewed from a footbridge over the Cattle Brook, a stream which rises on the southern outskirts of Kenilworth and flows eastwards for about two kilometres before flowing into the Avon by Wootton Spinnies.

A J Paxton

Looking across the River Avon towards New Farm, Blackdown

The Warwickshire Avon is here flowing to the south east in a sinuous curve, from left to right in this picture, though its overall course is south westwards towards Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, where it joins the Severn.

A J Paxton

Entrance to the Ramada Hotel, near Chesford Bridge

The hotel had been designated as an NHS Vaccination Centre for the Covid-19 booster programme. People coming by car were directed to a spacious rear car park, thence to a large but very odd function room. There was a long queue for the shots, which were professionally administered by at least half a dozen vaccinators. The Pfizer vaccine and a flu vaccine were given at the same time (we had had the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier in the year). Anyone attending by bus from the Kenilworth direction had to undertake a hazardous crossing of the A452 to reach the hotel.

Robin Stott

Hill with trig point seen from Sandy Lane, Old Milverton

The trig point, which is 73m above sea level according to the OS map, can be seen on the horizon above the right hand gate.

A J Paxton

Garden of the Ramada Hotel, Chesford Bridge

The lower level is floodplain: the River Avon runs in the shadow of the distant trees. The red car, right, is heading north on the A452 Kenilworth Road. The old bridge is just visible, centre. The view from the queue for the booster.

Robin Stott

Stubble field, northern edge of the Avon valley

Seen from a Coventry-Leamington Spa train. The Avon is to the right. In the distance is the Blackdown area north of Leamington.

Robin Stott

A pond and a ditch in the Avon floodplain north of Leamington

The River Avon runs by the trees on the right. The suburb of Blackdown is in the distance. The view is from a Coventry-Leamington Spa train on a viaduct.

Robin Stott