About the Lias Line greenway
From Rugby station, turn left onto Murray Road, then left again onto Abbey Street.
There is a signed access point onto the Lias Lane Cycleway just before the road bends to the right.
The route follows a dismantled railway to the Wildlife Trust sites at Ashlawn Cutting and Cock Robin Wood, both havens for rare plants and butterflies.
After a mix of on-road sections and bridleways, you will arrive at Draycote Water, where there is a visitor centre.
There is a cycle route right around the five-mile perimeter of the reservoir.
This is a great picnic spot, or in the winter you can look out for rare migrating birds from the bird hides.
From here, you pass Draycote Meadows nature reserve, a riot of wildflowers in late spring and early summer, and the beautiful village of Birdingbury.
Continue on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal through Long Itchington, a pretty village with a classic village green.
Explore the Lias Line
- The Portrait Benches of former Olympian David Moorcroft OBE and the late cyclist Eileen Sheridan
- Ashlawn Cutting and Cock Robin Wood - nature reserves known for rare plants and butterflies
- Draycote Water reservoir - a great picnic spot and home to migrating birds in winter
- Draycote Meadows nature reserve - beautiful wildflower meadows in spring and summer
- Long Itchington Village - a charming English village with a classic green
- Newbold Comyn leisure facilities
- The Grand Union Canal
- Leam Valley Local Nature Reserve
- Leamington Spa
- Warwick and its famous castle
Would you like more route inspiration? Sign up to our enewsletter.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.