Napton on the Hill

Napton on the Hill is a landmark for miles across south Warwickshire, a steep green hill crowned by a restored tower windmill and the medieval church of St Lawrence, with the Oxford Canal curling round its foot through the famous flight of locks. For pilots it offers two very different subjects in one place: the hilltop windmill with its enormous panorama over the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire plain, and the tranquil canal, moorings and locks below. The windmill itself is private, so do not launch from its grounds; instead use the public footpaths and common ground on the hill, or the canal towpath, and keep a respectful distance from homes and gardens in this compact village. The hilltop is exposed and catches the wind from every quarter, so expect breezy, gusty conditions up top and calmer air down by the water. Sightlines from the summit are excellent in all directions. There is no airport FRZ here, and the area is quiet farmland with only light foot traffic. Note that the canal is Canal and River Trust land with the usual towpath TOAL courtesies. Parking is limited to considerate village roadside, so arrive early. Sunrise over the windmill with mist on the canal is the classic shot.