Alcester stands just the other side of the Warwickshire border, at the confluence of the rivers Arrow and Alne, on a site which archaeological evidence suggests has been populated for over1 2,000 years.

It seems to have prospered for much of its history, especially from the 16th Century, when it became an important centre for the wool and linen trades, as well as for malting, iron-working and needlemaking.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries it continued to grow in status as a market town and also became an important staging point on coach routes to London.

As a consequence it is crammed with buildings of great architectural interest and charm, spanning every period from medieval to Victorian.

Rewarding as it is to explore Alcester, it's also enjoyable to take one of the many footpaths into the surrounding countryside.

An indication of this area's popularity with walkers is that Alcester sits astride three long-distance routes: Monarch's Way, the Heart of England Way and the Arden Way.

The walk described here incorporates stretches of these, which ensures it's easy to follow, for all three are well maintained and fully waymarked.

One of the most interesting features of the walk is Coughton Court, which for the last 600 years has been the home of the Throckmorton family, who came originally from the eponymous Worcestershire village.

They acquired Coughton in 1409 when John Throckmorton married a member of the Spiney family, who had owned the manor since 1280.

The Throckmortons have featured in history on many occasions and London's Throgmorton Street is named after a 15th-century John Throckmorton who was Under Treasurer of England. He was unusual in becoming such an establishment figure, however, for the Throckmortons were more often in trouble with authority.

Colourful family members include Nicholas, who in 1554 was involved in Wyatt's Rebellion against Mary Tudor; Francis, who was executed in 1583 after conspiring against Elizabeth I; and Bessie, a maid of honour to Elizabeth, who was sent to the Tower after her secret marriage to Sir Walter Raleigh was discovered by the queen.

Coughton Court belongs to the National Trust now but the Throckmortons live there still. Set in lovely parkland, the court has a magnificent Tudor gatehouse and a half-timbered courtyard.

Close by is St Peter's Church, which is packed with interesting memorials.

Another church stands nearby. This is a Catholic one, built by the Throckmortons in 1856 after the Catholic Emancipation Act made Catholicism legal again.

directions

Make your way to the southern end of High Street (the opposite end to the church) and turn right on Swan Street.

At the roundabout go straight on along Seggs Lane, which subsequently becomes Allimore Lane, and then Cold Comfort Lane.

You should be following signs for Monarch's Way.

Soon after crossing the bypass bear right on a track at the entrance to Cold Comfort Farm.

Keep straight on to enter Cold Comfort Wood.

The path climbs gently to a junction, where again you keep straight on.

At the far side of the wood continue across fields, more or less straight on, then beside a wide hedge to a junction.

Go left to pass a plantation and meet Evesham Road at Cookhill. Cross to a footpath opposite which leads to a cluster of houses where you turn right.

Keep going in the same direction to join Cladswell Lane.

Leave the Monarch's Way behind when it turns left and then join the first footpath on the right, following the right-hand edge of a field to a stile, then going diagonally to the far left corner of a second field to rejoin Evesham Road.

Turn left and cross to a bridleway igned to Alcester Heath.

Descend a bank to a fence and gate, then turn right to find another gate.

Go through and keep straight ahead on a hedged track before turning left to pass Alcester Park Farm.

When you reach a galvanised gate, join the farm track and continue in the same direction.

As you approach a small brick building, turn right over a stile and go forward along the edge of a field.

After passing a pool, cross to the other side of the hedge but keep on in much the same direction to the field corner, then turn left on a bridleway to meet the B4090 at Alcester Heath.

Turn right and cross to Coughton Lane. Join the first footpath on the left, next to a brick house. Approaching Coughton Lodge Farm, turn right to Sambourne Lane.

Turn right again, and then left just after Spiney House.

Walk to the A435 and cross to another path which leads across parkland to Coughton Court.

Turn right to leave the park. Cross Coughton Fields Lane to find two footpaths opposite.

Take the left-hand one, following the River Arrow across two fields to rejoin Coughton Fields Lane.

Turn right along the lane until you can join the Heart of England Way (also Monarch's Way and Arden Way) on the right.

Follow the clearly defined route over the crest of a slight hill to reach Kinwarton Road.

Turn right into Alcester.

DISCLAIMER

This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be correct at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss or injury, however caused.

FACTFILE

Start: High Street, Alcester; GR090575.

Length: 9 miles/14.5km.

Maps: OS Landranger 150, OS Explorers 205 and 220.

Terrain: mostly level, with a couple of gentle slopes; mixed farmland and woodland.

Parking: public car park in Alcester.

Buses: Evesham-Birmingham buses (Midland Red 146/176) serve Alcester daily; connections from Worcester are best via Evesham (Midland Red 528/550/551/557 on weekdays, Woodstones 166 on Sundays) but also good via Bromsgrove or Kidderminster (both of which also involve changing at Redditch); County Bus Line 0845 7125436.

Refreshments: good choice in Alcester.