Binley Sowe River Walks Note: I made up this name.  Does anybody know what it should be called? A little known short Sowe Valley walk.  Can link to Binley Church footpath and return by part of the Sowe Valley Footpath.    The entries to these public footpaths are all via ancient wooden kissing gates, but all near the bridge where Binley Road crosses the River Sowe.  Behind the houses, you enter an area of woodland.  Further east the paths cross a meadow, usually filled with horses, and with fine views across Stoke Flash lake. The paths through the wood can be a bit muddy in places, made worse because they are used by the horses. At the end of the meadow, you will be able to see Binley Church, but to get closer return along the other path to rejoin Binley Road.  The walk along the busy Binley Road is good, because you are separated from the cars by a bus lane until you reach the end of the houses, then the view to the north is across a meadow to Stoke Flash.  A good route is then using the path round St Bartholomew's Church (note: this involves climbing a fence at present Apr-2008).  Then go down Clifford Bridge Road to turn into Bridgeacre Gardens, to follow the paths to join the Sowe Valley Footpath for the last leg. Good for Dogs rating: More Information? Map33 V15-W15   Sowe Valley Footpath : Stoke Floods area   St Bartholomew's Church, Binley

Kissing Gate Entrance nearest to River Sowe bridge : 12-Apr-2008 River Sowe and horses in meadow: 12-Apr-2008 Kissing gate from Binley Road to the church : 12-Apr-2008