Walking Over the Hill at Brailes

In medieval times Brailes was the third-largest town in Warwickshire. Today it comprises a pair of small country villages, happily situated off-route, away from the hustle and bustle of the modern towns and cities.

This fine walk takes you over part of Brailes Hill which, at 761ft (232m), is the second-highest point in Warwickshire. From the pretty village of Upper Brailes you walk into Lower Brailes and can enjoy lovely views as you descend into open countryside. You climb above Sutton Brook and will have a wonderful valley view as you go down into a third village, Sutton-under-Brailes.

It is a delight to walk through the old part of Upper Brailes where there are a number of thatched cottages to admire and an ancient earthwork and burial ground called Castle Hill. Following the arrival of the Normans in the 11th century, it was used as the basis for a conventional castle of the motte-and-bailey style. Now it is an excellent vantage point for those who wish to play 'King of the Castle'. From the top of its hill you can see the distinctive marks of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation methods in the surrounding fields.

Lower Brailes is also a dreamy place and, although it has no castle, it does contain the 14th-century Church of St George. With its splendid 120ft (37m) high tower, it is sometimes a referred to as the 'Cathedral of the Feldon', a potentially baffling claim to fame until you learn that 'Feldon' is an old English word for an area of rich fertile farmland. It is without a doubt one of the finest churches in Warwickshire. Inside you'll find some exquisite illuminated manuscripts. These date from the middle of the 13th century and are the work of William de Brailes and Matthew Paris. The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is home to some of de Brailes better-known work, including six items on permanent display that were purchased in the 1900s.

Brailes has attracted its fair share of unusual and interesting characters. Nance Austin gained a reputation as the Brailes witch. Apparently she specialised in levitation and had a familiar in the form of a cat. Richard Davies was a worthy Elizabethan scholar who is remembered in a monument above a tomb of black marble in St George's Church:

'Though dead he be yet lives his fame,

Like rose in June so smells his name;

Rejoice we at his change, not faint;

Death killed a man but made a saint.'

Field paths lead you around the slopes of Brailes Hill between these three lovely villages, which reward you for your patience in taking time to explore on foot.

Where to eat and drink

The George Hotel, in the middle of Lower Brailes, has long been a popular eating and drinking place for local walkers and walking groups. Apart from selling the fine local ales and excellent home-made food there is a large rear garden to enjoy.

While you're there

Perhaps travel to Tysoe, about 5 miles (8km) north, and explore the lovely village which William the Conqueror gave to one of his followers, Robert de Stafford. In size and importance it ranked, along with Brailes, next to Warwick. From Upper Tysoe you can stroll up to the parish church and enjoy a classic view of the great Tudor mansion of Compton Wynyates - still the seat of the Marquis of Northampton.

What to look for

You will adore the quaint village of Sutton-under-Brailes where time appears to have stood still. Attractive houses surround the picturesque village green and the fine old tombs in the churchyard lie beneath a beautiful spreading chestnut tree. The 13th-century church has a beautiful lofty tower and a 14th- to 15th-century porch. There is a shallow recess on its north side which may once have been a chantry chapel.