Ryton Wood Figure of Eight Walk

There's so much to discover at Ryton Wood! This wonderful woodland walk is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Ryton Wood Figure of Eight Walk | Family Woodland Walk in Coventry

Length: 2km

Before you get started, download this leaflet to help guide you!

The Trail

1. Start your walk by heading into Ryton Wood via the entrance from Ryton Pools Country Park.

2. Check out the carved totem pole and interpretation board by the gate.

3. Head towards the first waymarker and continue to follow subsequent waymarkers as they direct you around the Figure of Eight Trail.

4. Take a look at the carved bluebell and owl bench.

5. As you continue along the path, you'll come across a feature post revealing a site of ecological or historical significance in the wood, as well as acting as a reminder to pause, look and listen. Look out for the others along the trail.

6. Appreciate the carved snail bench amongst the woodland flora.

7. After the seventh waymarker, take a break at the carved hedgehog and rabbit bench and try to listen out for the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker.

8. You're now at the last set of feature posts and carved benches on the trail. Soon after, turn right at the tenth waymarker and follow the path until you reach the entrance of Ryton Wood.

9. Before heading back to Ryton Pools Country Park Visitor Centre, take a detour to your left at the junction to visit the sculptures of a Straight-tusked elephant adult and calf near the sand martin hotel. These reflect important paleontological finds made on site during quarrying.

Why not take a picture along the way and tag @ExploreDunsmore!

What Might You Spot at Ryton Wood?

For bug-lovers there's plenty of variety to be found in the wood, and it's one of the best sites for butterflies in Warwickshire. Species to look out for include white admiral, purple hairstreak and silver-washed fritillary. Regular moth recordings have identified an impressive 570 species in the wood, four of which are nationally scarce.

Accessibility

Paths are wide and mostly flat, but please note they can be wet and muddy in places. Not ideal for a pushchair or wheelchair.

Dogs

Dogs are permitted on a lead.

Parking at Ryton Wood

• Ryton Wood can be accessed via nearby Bubbenhall and Wappenbury nature reserves.

• Alternatively, you can park at Ryton Pools Country Park and just follow the signs to Ryton Wood.

Why Not Also Visit...

Once you've finished the walk, it's worth calling into Ryton Pools Country Park next door, with play areas, picnic spots and walks around the pools. Pop into Farmers Fayre in the Park while you're there, the café at Ryton Pools, open every day from 8am-4pm for breakfast rolls, crepes, toasties and cakes, with no need to book.

FAQs

How long is the Ryton Wood Figure of Eight Walk?
The walk is 2km, following a waymarked route through Ryton Wood.

Is the Figure of Eight Walk suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Paths are wide and mostly flat, but they can be wet and muddy in places, so it's not ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Are dogs allowed on the walk?
Yes, dogs are welcome on a lead.

Where do I start the walk?
The walk starts by heading into Ryton Wood via the entrance from Ryton Pools Country Park.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
Yes, Farmers Fayre in the Park at neighbouring Ryton Pools Country Park serves breakfast rolls, crepes, toasties and cakes every day from 8am-4pm.