Plans to create new paths and resurface the existing walkways at Kenilworth Castle have been put forward to the district council.

English Heritage has applied for planning permission for the works which it says will benefit the 118,000 people who visit the castle each year - as well as local dog walkers.

The application to Warwick District Council said many of the existing paths are in poor condition and are not well signposted.

"Visitor feedback and site surveys show that the existing pedestrian routes around the castle are unclear and have unsuitable surfacing with no defined pathways into the historic ruin from the visitor entrance or from the castle exhibition," the application says. 

"This leaves visitors feeling confused about directions and where they should walk. 

"The rolling, uneven grass slopes around the monument are not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, people with limited mobility or small children."

An outline of all the paths around Kenilworth Castle (image via planning application)

If approved, the project would see all the paths inside the castle made wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass each other.

advertisement

Footpaths outside the walls would be slightly thinner but would still be "all weather hard surfaced".

Paths outside the walls are described as "narrow, eroded and unsurfaced" and "undulating, uneven and overgrown in places".

The application added: "As part of the proposals the existing pedestrian access off Purlieu Lane is to be increased in width by relocating the double field gates and installing a self closing pedestrian gate, two benches have also been included along the route. 

"To the Eastern end of the Northern Moat path a short flight of timber sleeper steps is also proposed to improve access and reduce erosion."

Kenilworth Town Council is set to discuss the application on Thursday (October 19) to say whether it objects to the scheme or not.

See the full application here.