It’s far too easy to miss sleepy Ebrington as you speed north up the A429 with Stratford-upon-Avon and that Warwickshire Bard on your mind. And that’s a shame, because pretty Ebrington has more to offer than its tucked-away North Cotswolds location might suggest.

There’s a rather nice 300-year-old pub for a start or – as we’ll discover later – a finish. Ancient St. Eadburgha’s Church, with its notable canopied pulpit and medieval stained glass, is also worth a visit. And then there’s the always-enjoyable seven-mile Ebrington Loop walk that you begin by heading north east along Nash’s Lane.

Spectacular views northwards

It’s a pleasantly mild midweek October day. Summer’s gone but winter’s chilly vagaries are yet to unfold. The car is parked and the walk holds the possibility of rubbing shoulders with serious North American money at Foxcote Manor – as well as visiting one of Britain’s loveliest Arts and Crafts gardens at Hidcote Manor. On the way, enjoy spectacular views towards the Midlands from the Cotswolds’ northern escarpment.

The obligatory picnic is packed, the trail is firm underfoot and it promises to be so for much of the loop. That makes this a good late-season walking choice. It’s an easy three to four hours without prolonged picnicking or exploring at Hidcote.

Foxcote’s pathside windsock and fuel bowser tell a tale of incoming autumnal shooting parties at this billionaire-owned estate. Then, after passing through an automated pedestrian-equine gate, the path rises with unfolding views of Ilmington. And, if you’re lucky, the distant conurbation that contrasts with the undulating Cotswolds’ bucolic tranquillity.

Hidcote’s magnificence follows a – recommended – picnic stop beyond Nebsworth radio mast and a telecoms station with more commanding northward views.

Gorgeous Hidcote Manor

After descending the hill, maybe you’ll only savour a fleeting taster of the National Trust property’s delights. But from experience, longer exploration of its intricately-designed outdoor rooms, maze of narrow pathways, secret gardens and a visitor-accessible tennis court is warranted.

Esteemed expat American landscaper Major Lawrence Waterbury Johnston certainly knew what he was doing back at the start of the twentieth century. It’s gorgeous.

Later, we navigate sleepy Hidcote Boyce, crossing meadows, climbing field stiles and negotiating a now-unused point-to-point course to reach Ebrington. There, after passing the village hall and turning right, we’re welcomed at centuries-old Ebrington Arms for mouth-watering refreshments. As walk commentators before me have already said: ‘Well done! You’ve earned it!’